FEATURE:
Present Tense
How Best to Mark Kate Bush’s Birthday on 30th July
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WHILST I am drawing attention to it…
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush performing during Secret Policeman's Ball, in aid of Amnesty International at the London Palladium in March, 1987/PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
for this feature now, I am not making a big fuss about the fact that she is sixty-five on 30th July. It is a big day though, rather than focus on age and the fact it is a big birthday, a normal celebration is in order. There are those new to Kate Bush’s music who will be adding their birthday wishes on social media. I have been thinking the best ways of honouring Kate Bush on her birthday. I have my own plans for the day. I would say that spending time with her music is the best reward. Each fan might have their own plan. I feel that everyone should think about an album of hers they do not have but have always wanted to own. It might be the Before the Dawn live album. Maybe a rarity from eBay, or a studio album such as Hounds of Love or Aerial. Whether it is some rarity or a standard album, deciding which one you want and pledging to save up for it is a great start. There is that focus and goal that you can work towards. I feel all Kate Bush have an album or rare purchase that they want to own one day. In terms of albums, I really do need to get Aerial on vinyl. I have not been able to save up before, though I need to use 30th July as a chance to do that! Outside of album, there are other possible purchase avenues. We are all strapped for money. I desperately want to get the photobook, Cathy. Early photos takes by her brother John Carder Bush, this would be something to treasure! Fans should think long and hard about that must-own item. Maybe post on social media. People might have a second-hand copy of something they are willing to sell. More than anything, interact with fellow Kate Bush fans. Accounts like this wonderful community, and the Kate Bush News Twitter account will keep you up to date. Go and explore any podcasts you can about her albums. The Kate Bush News website will take you to the fan podcast that offers some brilliant chats. Even if you are a diehard fan, you will learn something that is for sure!
I would also say to the fans, in terms of paying and parting with money, to either go and investigate some of the books written about her – such as Under the Ivy: The Life & Music of Kate Bush, Running Up That Hill: 50 Visions of Kate Bush, How to Be Invisible, Kate Bush The Dreaming: In-depth, or KATE: Inside the Rainbow -, or check out magazines that have been published featuring her or dedicated to her music/an album. Outside of that, 30th July is a perfect opportunity to dive into streaming services and YouTube. Maybe do it in a few sittings, but I find one of the most rewarding things to do is listen to interviews and watch music videos of Kate Bush. It is informative, uplifting and inspiring. I am discovering new things all of the time. Learning more about the icon is such an important thing. However you choose to mark her birthday, ensure that you do listen to her music and interviews. With streaming making it so accessible, you can listen to entire albums. It would be worth at least selecting a few of her studio albums and listening in full. So many people go for the hits, so take an opportunity to go deeper. I think that you will get some new if you take that time out to investigate her albums completely.
Of course, the Most Wuthering Day Ever happens on Bush’s birthday. This one seems extra-special and important. It is on her sixty-fifth, but it comes after such a momentous past year for her. Hitting the top of the charts and finding new success, fans will come together, don red dresses, and dance to her unforgettable debut single, Wuthering Heights. I am looking ahead and committing to a Kate Bush event. It probably won’t happen until next year but, having recently attended an event at Opera Holland Park, that beguiling and beautiful venue is one I want to be at! I hope that there is opportunity to mount a Kate Bush celebration or live podcast there next spring or summer. I am thinking about upcoming birthday, and of course people will ask what comes next. Will there be that album?! Is she going to do another interview soon?! I think, as opposed speculating about what happens next, look back and see where she has come from. Immerse yourself in her music and become better acquainted with one of music’s most extraordinary artists. Bush would hate a fuss being made about her. Rather than do that, fans around the world should focus on celebrating the music and maybe making a purchase they have always wanted to – almost like an early birthday present to yourself! There is so much incredible resource out there about Kate Bush, so 30th July (a Sunday) can be a day where you catch up and find out new things. Not only does it do wonders for the senses and the soul. Diving into the world of the magnificent Kate Bush is…
SO very rewarding.