The wit and charisma of Kate Bush by Graeme Thomson: going too far makes you what you are

Graeme is an old friend of the podcast. We’ve talked to him in the past about his books on Phil Lynott and John Martyn. ‘Under The Ivy: the Life And Music of Kate Bush’ first appeared in 2010, and was revised in 2015 after her Before the Dawn concerts and it’s now been updated again as, despite no new music or public appearances, her worldwide reputation has rocketed through the roof. We look back here at various key points in the story including ...  

… why the way she made records was ahead of its time.

… the ‘70s footage and recordings that were “supressed”.

… the “reclusive” decade and how the press filled the vacuum.

… divinely daft and humorous TV appearances eg with Delia Smith: “Waldorf Salad – that’s got waldorfs in it!”

… her bohemian childhood and the powerful influence of male counterparts, particularly eldest brother and erotic poet John Carder Bush.

… the unconventional Smash Hits interview of 1981.

… the ‘Before the Dawn’ concerts and the reason she staged them.

… her seven-year stand-off with Top Of The Pops.

… her ‘70s rock group – the KT Bush Band (still going!) – and the songs they played eg The Stealer by Free, Brooklyn by Steely Dan, Shame Shame Shame by Johnny Winter.

… Danny Baker’s NME review – “nothing she writes about matters”.

… Pamela Stephenson’s vicious pastiche and Alan Partridge’s part in her comeback.

... Talk Talk, Blackadder, Monty Python, Powell & Pressburger, Oscar Wilde, Celtic folk, the Pre-Raphaelites and other early influences.

… and the advantage of never being cool.

Order 'Under The Ivy' here …

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Ivy-Music-Omnibus-Remastered/dp/1915841356

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