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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/music/live/2014/aug/26/kate-bush-first-before-the-dawn-gig-live-blog
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| Kate Bush's first Before the Dawn – news from the gig as it happened | Kate Bush's first Before the Dawn – news from the gig as it happened |
| (18 days later) | |
| 11.28pm BST | |
| 23:28 | |
| Time to shut down tonight’s live blog. We should have Alexis’ review in shortly, and if that’s still not enough Bush, we’ll be live blogging every date of her tour*, so make sure you come back for the next instalment. Goodnight! | Time to shut down tonight’s live blog. We should have Alexis’ review in shortly, and if that’s still not enough Bush, we’ll be live blogging every date of her tour*, so make sure you come back for the next instalment. Goodnight! |
| *This will never happen ever again | *This will never happen ever again |
| 11.20pm BST | |
| 23:20 | |
| We have Tim Jonze’s video review, fresh from the gig: | We have Tim Jonze’s video review, fresh from the gig: |
| Updated | |
| at 11.38am BST | |
| 10.59pm BST | |
| 22:59 | |
| OK, who wants some more celebrities? | OK, who wants some more celebrities? |
| At Kate Bush #beforethedawn. Magnificent, beautiful, vulnerable. And the love in the air here is just fantastic. What a night. | At Kate Bush #beforethedawn. Magnificent, beautiful, vulnerable. And the love in the air here is just fantastic. What a night. |
| Derren reportedly wrote this tweet before the show, predicting that it would be magnificent, beautiful and vulnerable hours before the set began by using his powers of magic and manipulation. | Derren reportedly wrote this tweet before the show, predicting that it would be magnificent, beautiful and vulnerable hours before the set began by using his powers of magic and manipulation. |
| Next up we have Lauren Laverne, who cried throughout the performance, as you can see from the silver tears smeared around her right eye. Not very funny that joke, but you might have to take it at this stage of the Kate Bush Before the Dawn live blog: | Next up we have Lauren Laverne, who cried throughout the performance, as you can see from the silver tears smeared around her right eye. Not very funny that joke, but you might have to take it at this stage of the Kate Bush Before the Dawn live blog: |
| I HAVE CRIED FIVE TIMES #KateBush | I HAVE CRIED FIVE TIMES #KateBush |
| And lastly, the latest from Danny ‘I lie’ Baker: | And lastly, the latest from Danny ‘I lie’ Baker: |
| Bowie has just come onstage at Kate Bush. People literally crying. | Bowie has just come onstage at Kate Bush. People literally crying. |
| 10.37pm BST | |
| 22:37 | |
| Here’s the actual setlist from last night’s show. The one we posted on the blog on Tuesday was totally bogus (did Danny Baker post it?) but I did try and warn you: | Here’s the actual setlist from last night’s show. The one we posted on the blog on Tuesday was totally bogus (did Danny Baker post it?) but I did try and warn you: |
| Lily | Lily |
| Hounds of Love | Hounds of Love |
| Joanni | Joanni |
| Running Up That Hill | Running Up That Hill |
| Top of the City | Top of the City |
| King of the Mountain | King of the Mountain |
| The Ninth Wave | The Ninth Wave |
| And Dream of Sheep | And Dream of Sheep |
| Under Ice | Under Ice |
| Waking the Witch | Waking the Witch |
| Watching You Without Me | Watching You Without Me |
| Jig of Life | Jig of Life |
| Hello Earth | Hello Earth |
| The Morning Fog | The Morning Fog |
| A Sky of Honey | A Sky of Honey |
| Prelude | Prelude |
| Prologue | Prologue |
| An Architect’s Dream | An Architect’s Dream |
| The Painter’s Link | The Painter’s Link |
| Sunset | Sunset |
| Aerial Tal | Aerial Tal |
| Somewhere in Between | Somewhere in Between |
| Nocturn | Nocturn |
| Aerial | Aerial |
| Among Angels | Among Angels |
| Cloudbusting | Cloudbusting |
| Updated | |
| at 2.23pm BST | |
| 10.33pm BST | |
| 22:33 | |
| As Alexis hurtles back to write his review for the Guardian, here’s a quick look at what some of the other papers are saying, starting off with The Mirror: | As Alexis hurtles back to write his review for the Guardian, here’s a quick look at what some of the other papers are saying, starting off with The Mirror: |
| Bush’s long time away from the stage has evidently left her determined to add something more than song performance to the live experience. A lighting rig amplified with the sounds of helicopter rotor blades soars over the audience belching more smoke, Bush’s drowned character appears in a drawing room theatrical scene as she and actors play out mimed exchanges harking back to her earliest dramatic roots. But at the heart of the artful contrivance and outlandish effects the assertion of the simple verities of love longing, domesticity and family life were given full reign. There was undoubtedly only one artist who would have had the bloody mindedness, nerve and beautifully skewed imagination to pull it off. | Bush’s long time away from the stage has evidently left her determined to add something more than song performance to the live experience. A lighting rig amplified with the sounds of helicopter rotor blades soars over the audience belching more smoke, Bush’s drowned character appears in a drawing room theatrical scene as she and actors play out mimed exchanges harking back to her earliest dramatic roots. But at the heart of the artful contrivance and outlandish effects the assertion of the simple verities of love longing, domesticity and family life were given full reign. There was undoubtedly only one artist who would have had the bloody mindedness, nerve and beautifully skewed imagination to pull it off. |
| And Jan Moir for the Daily Mail: | And Jan Moir for the Daily Mail: |
| Some over-enthusiastic dancers were also told to sit down – middle class ‘rawk and roll’ at its best. After all this time, Kate Bush remains that rare thing, a performer who is truly original and fully realised. Her panoply of crazy women, all those wild-eyed kooks she used to haunt the Top Of The Pops studio with, have gone, along with her mini-kimonos or thigh-high sheepskin boots. Her music is still audacious and weird, but sometimes spellbindingly beautiful, too. Hers is a large-scale spectacle, vividly realised and unlike anything else in town. | Some over-enthusiastic dancers were also told to sit down – middle class ‘rawk and roll’ at its best. After all this time, Kate Bush remains that rare thing, a performer who is truly original and fully realised. Her panoply of crazy women, all those wild-eyed kooks she used to haunt the Top Of The Pops studio with, have gone, along with her mini-kimonos or thigh-high sheepskin boots. Her music is still audacious and weird, but sometimes spellbindingly beautiful, too. Hers is a large-scale spectacle, vividly realised and unlike anything else in town. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.25pm BST | |
| 10.22pm BST | |
| 22:22 | |
| This is apparently a picture of the confetti being blown out to the audience during the live show. | This is apparently a picture of the confetti being blown out to the audience during the live show. |
| And some of it from Sunday’s dress rehearsal is already up for sale on eBay… | And some of it from Sunday’s dress rehearsal is already up for sale on eBay… |
| 10.15pm BST | |
| 22:15 | |
| It’s all over! But the hustle is on. This is the ‘queue’ for Kate Bush merchandise at the Apollo right now. I wonder if the items are are inventive as her stage show? | It’s all over! But the hustle is on. This is the ‘queue’ for Kate Bush merchandise at the Apollo right now. I wonder if the items are are inventive as her stage show? |
| Merchandise mayhem at #KateBush pic.twitter.com/3bySDV1P41 | Merchandise mayhem at #KateBush pic.twitter.com/3bySDV1P41 |
| Possible Kate Bush merch items that do not exist: | Possible Kate Bush merch items that do not exist: |
| I think the strip light in the Guardian building may be getting to me. | I think the strip light in the Guardian building may be getting to me. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.25pm BST | |
| 10.09pm BST | |
| 22:09 | |
| Billy Bragg’s take on tonight’s events… | Billy Bragg’s take on tonight’s events… |
| Kate Bush fans must be gutted. They thought they were seeing the most amazing show in the land tonight. MK Dons 4 - Man Utd 0 | Kate Bush fans must be gutted. They thought they were seeing the most amazing show in the land tonight. MK Dons 4 - Man Utd 0 |
| 10.04pm BST | |
| 22:04 | |
| Everyone’s favourite Before the Dawn roving reporter Hannah Ellis-Petersen been speaking to some fans during the interval: | Everyone’s favourite Before the Dawn roving reporter Hannah Ellis-Petersen been speaking to some fans during the interval: |
| Ben McMullen: “It’s been fantastic. I was quite nervous. I’ve never come to a gig feeling nervous before but I was just thinking, ‘Oh no, this is going to be a letdown because the hype was so huge.’ But actually, it really was fabulous. What was really interesting I thought was the tribute she paid to her son. In the programme there’s a passage where she talks about how he’s really pushed her to do this and how without his support she couldn’t have done it. He’s been on stage with her the whole time as a backing singer and has been involved in some of the acting as well. There’s been a helicopter flying overhead and there’s been a huge sea-buoy on stage which she climbed onto to be rescued. They’ve not held back in terms of staging. But it’s completely worth it. You kind of think, ‘I should have booked a second night’.” | Ben McMullen: “It’s been fantastic. I was quite nervous. I’ve never come to a gig feeling nervous before but I was just thinking, ‘Oh no, this is going to be a letdown because the hype was so huge.’ But actually, it really was fabulous. What was really interesting I thought was the tribute she paid to her son. In the programme there’s a passage where she talks about how he’s really pushed her to do this and how without his support she couldn’t have done it. He’s been on stage with her the whole time as a backing singer and has been involved in some of the acting as well. There’s been a helicopter flying overhead and there’s been a huge sea-buoy on stage which she climbed onto to be rescued. They’ve not held back in terms of staging. But it’s completely worth it. You kind of think, ‘I should have booked a second night’.” |
| Mikey Walsh: “It’s been wonderful, theatrical. It was everything I wanted it to be. The theatrically of it has been incredible - lots of surprises but she also included the hit songs you hope she would do. Just hearing those classic songs live from her and seeing the way the audience have gone mad for her, it’s mental. What’s absolutely crazy is how respectful they are - everyone has respected that message she sent out about no camera phones, I haven’t seen one. Just seeing Kate walk out in her bare feet and say hello was the most surreal moment and her voice is fantastic, she sounds excellent, so confident and so beautiful. Water has really been a motif of the show, there are lots of sea effects and helicopters. It’s nothing like I’ve any concert ever been to, it’ more like watching a West End show. It’s phenomenal.” | Mikey Walsh: “It’s been wonderful, theatrical. It was everything I wanted it to be. The theatrically of it has been incredible - lots of surprises but she also included the hit songs you hope she would do. Just hearing those classic songs live from her and seeing the way the audience have gone mad for her, it’s mental. What’s absolutely crazy is how respectful they are - everyone has respected that message she sent out about no camera phones, I haven’t seen one. Just seeing Kate walk out in her bare feet and say hello was the most surreal moment and her voice is fantastic, she sounds excellent, so confident and so beautiful. Water has really been a motif of the show, there are lots of sea effects and helicopters. It’s nothing like I’ve any concert ever been to, it’ more like watching a West End show. It’s phenomenal.” |
| Joshua Schwartz: “It’s much more surprising and much more crazy than I could even have expected. It starts like a regular concert, and she was so relaxed in her bare feet and is such a beautiful presence. I had the highest expectations but this is one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. It’s defied my expectations. The lighting itself is beautiful and it’s kind of mystical and magical. I was screaming the moment she came on stage and it was wonderful because to start with it wasn’t so choreographed, just her in her bare feet singing and then the theatrics started and it was like, wow. I’ve been crying throughout.” | Joshua Schwartz: “It’s much more surprising and much more crazy than I could even have expected. It starts like a regular concert, and she was so relaxed in her bare feet and is such a beautiful presence. I had the highest expectations but this is one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. It’s defied my expectations. The lighting itself is beautiful and it’s kind of mystical and magical. I was screaming the moment she came on stage and it was wonderful because to start with it wasn’t so choreographed, just her in her bare feet singing and then the theatrics started and it was like, wow. I’ve been crying throughout.” |
| Updated | |
| at 10.07pm BST | |
| 9.56pm BST | |
| 21:56 | |
| As we slowly glide into the last part of Kate Bush’s first show, here’s a quick update of some of the well known names in attendance. Three of which are made up. If you can guess which ones are false, you can win an egg (This is a reference from earlier on in the live blog, but I wouldn’t bother scrolling down to find it, just play along in order to win an exclusive egg!). | As we slowly glide into the last part of Kate Bush’s first show, here’s a quick update of some of the well known names in attendance. Three of which are made up. If you can guess which ones are false, you can win an egg (This is a reference from earlier on in the live blog, but I wouldn’t bother scrolling down to find it, just play along in order to win an exclusive egg!). |
| In other news, Danny Baker is a liar. I repeat, do not trust Danny Baker: | In other news, Danny Baker is a liar. I repeat, do not trust Danny Baker: |
| Kindly ignore my earlier tweet about Bowie turning up at Kate Bush. Apparently he knows when to go out and knows when to stay in. | Kindly ignore my earlier tweet about Bowie turning up at Kate Bush. Apparently he knows when to go out and knows when to stay in. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.58pm BST | |
| 9.41pm BST | |
| 21:41 | |
| Here’s some reaction during the interval from audience members. Suffice to say, people are enjoying themselves. | Here’s some reaction during the interval from audience members. Suffice to say, people are enjoying themselves. |
| Part one #katebush stunning! Handful of hits and suddenly into 9th wave from Hounds of Love. Voice fantastic! And she seems so happy. | Part one #katebush stunning! Handful of hits and suddenly into 9th wave from Hounds of Love. Voice fantastic! And she seems so happy. |
| Intermission #katebush. So far an artistic triumph. Well worth the journey from Australia | Intermission #katebush. So far an artistic triumph. Well worth the journey from Australia |
| First half - no words, How will the second half top that! #KateBush | First half - no words, How will the second half top that! #KateBush |
| At #katebush opening night. Utterly bonkers. Beautiful but not at all what I expected. Good news is she can really REALLY fucking sing. | At #katebush opening night. Utterly bonkers. Beautiful but not at all what I expected. Good news is she can really REALLY fucking sing. |
| Interval at #KateBush - oh my giddy goodness! Extraordinary performance - her nerves left her during the 1st song & Kate is winning big time | Interval at #KateBush - oh my giddy goodness! Extraordinary performance - her nerves left her during the 1st song & Kate is winning big time |
| All of 9th Wave - performance! Lush #KateBush #beforethedawn | All of 9th Wave - performance! Lush #KateBush #beforethedawn |
| “Onstage to an ovation I've not seen before. Kicked off with Lily followed by a compete standing ovation then Hounds of Love.” #KateBush | “Onstage to an ovation I've not seen before. Kicked off with Lily followed by a compete standing ovation then Hounds of Love.” #KateBush |
| #KateBush has just performed the entire Ninth Wave! Amazing! | #KateBush has just performed the entire Ninth Wave! Amazing! |
| 9.35pm BST | |
| 21:35 | |
| After we last spoke to Tim Jonze, the show went from stripped back and simple to a full onslaught of theatrics. As previously speculated, Bush has performed The Ninth Wave, the conceptual suite from her 1985 classic album Hounds of Love. Here’s Tim’s account... | After we last spoke to Tim Jonze, the show went from stripped back and simple to a full onslaught of theatrics. As previously speculated, Bush has performed The Ninth Wave, the conceptual suite from her 1985 classic album Hounds of Love. Here’s Tim’s account... |
| She created sea scenes through using bits of cloth, she was on video in a life jacket, there was one bit where a lounge was wheeled on stage, and you got to watch a conversation between her husband [Danny McIntosh] and son [Bertie] who are watching Liverpool v Chelsea on the TV. She disappears behind them as if she is haunting them. There’s a sea horse skeleton walking around the stage. | She created sea scenes through using bits of cloth, she was on video in a life jacket, there was one bit where a lounge was wheeled on stage, and you got to watch a conversation between her husband [Danny McIntosh] and son [Bertie] who are watching Liverpool v Chelsea on the TV. She disappears behind them as if she is haunting them. There’s a sea horse skeleton walking around the stage. |
| ...And that’s it so far. It makes about as much sense as the half-awake ramblings of Noel Fielding. | ...And that’s it so far. It makes about as much sense as the half-awake ramblings of Noel Fielding. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.42pm BST | |
| 9.21pm BST | |
| 21:21 | |
| I think it may be time for the interval. To celebrate, I’m about to crack into my fifth sparkling apple and blueberry juice. In a state of total optimism and extraordinary nausea. Is this how Stuart Heritage feels? | I think it may be time for the interval. To celebrate, I’m about to crack into my fifth sparkling apple and blueberry juice. In a state of total optimism and extraordinary nausea. Is this how Stuart Heritage feels? |
| 9.11pm BST | |
| 21:11 | |
| So far the costumes look pretty sombre. Here’s an extract from Graeme Thomson’s account of her previous tour attire: | So far the costumes look pretty sombre. Here’s an extract from Graeme Thomson’s account of her previous tour attire: |
| For Them Heavy People she was a trench-coated, trilby-hatted gangster. On the heartbreaking Oh England, My Lionheart, she became a dying second world war fighter pilot, a flying jacket for a shroud and a Biggles helmet for a burial crown. Every song offered something new: she moved from Lolita, winking outrageously from behind the piano, to atop-hatted magician’s apprentice ; from a soul siren singing of her “pussy queen” to a leather-clad refugee from West Side Story. The erotically charged denouement of James and the Cold Gun depicted her as a murderous gunslinger, spraying gunfire – actually ribbons of red satin – over the stage. There was no room for improvisation. The band was drilled to within an inch of its life and Bush never spoke to the audience, refusing to come out of character. “She was faultless,” says set designer David Jackson. “I don’t remember her ever fluffing a line or hitting a bum note on the piano.” | For Them Heavy People she was a trench-coated, trilby-hatted gangster. On the heartbreaking Oh England, My Lionheart, she became a dying second world war fighter pilot, a flying jacket for a shroud and a Biggles helmet for a burial crown. Every song offered something new: she moved from Lolita, winking outrageously from behind the piano, to atop-hatted magician’s apprentice ; from a soul siren singing of her “pussy queen” to a leather-clad refugee from West Side Story. The erotically charged denouement of James and the Cold Gun depicted her as a murderous gunslinger, spraying gunfire – actually ribbons of red satin – over the stage. There was no room for improvisation. The band was drilled to within an inch of its life and Bush never spoke to the audience, refusing to come out of character. “She was faultless,” says set designer David Jackson. “I don’t remember her ever fluffing a line or hitting a bum note on the piano.” |
| Updated | |
| at 9.12pm BST | |
| 9.07pm BST | |
| 21:07 | |
| Boy George is really sad he’s not at Kate Bush tonight: | Boy George is really sad he’s not at Kate Bush tonight: |
| Had to miss Kate Bush tonight but hopefully I will catch one of the shows? | Had to miss Kate Bush tonight but hopefully I will catch one of the shows? |
| Anyone tweeting from #KateBush | Anyone tweeting from #KateBush |
| If Bowie is at #KateBush I will be more than surprised. He ignored my last birthday email! babooshka! | If Bowie is at #KateBush I will be more than surprised. He ignored my last birthday email! babooshka! |
| How was Kate's Bush? Tell me you hounds! | How was Kate's Bush? Tell me you hounds! |
| 9.05pm BST | |
| 21:05 | |
| We’ve got some images from the show. So far, it looks somewhat gothic and nautical... | We’ve got some images from the show. So far, it looks somewhat gothic and nautical... |
| 8.49pm BST | |
| 20:49 | |
| Here’s a bunch of covers of Kate Bush songs to listen to at your leisure. | Here’s a bunch of covers of Kate Bush songs to listen to at your leisure. |
| Running Up That Hill – Placebo | Running Up That Hill – Placebo |
| Hounds of Love – The Futureheads | Hounds of Love – The Futureheads |
| Cloudbusting – Solange Knowles | Cloudbusting – Solange Knowles |
| Wuthering Heights – Pat Benatar | Wuthering Heights – Pat Benatar |
| Don’t Give Up – Alicia Keys and Bono | Don’t Give Up – Alicia Keys and Bono |
| Updated | |
| at 8.54pm BST | |
| 8.45pm BST | |
| 20:45 | |
| Breaking Bush update: One man claims that Kate stopped the set to eject someone using a camera. Grace Jones and Bjork are also apparently in attendance. There is a very strong rumour going around my desk mainly that Harriet Gibsone has cracked open her second can of sparkling apple and blueberry juice. She is feeling optimistic and nauseous. | Breaking Bush update: One man claims that Kate stopped the set to eject someone using a camera. Grace Jones and Bjork are also apparently in attendance. There is a very strong rumour going around my desk mainly that Harriet Gibsone has cracked open her second can of sparkling apple and blueberry juice. She is feeling optimistic and nauseous. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.47pm BST | |
| 8.30pm BST | |
| 20:30 | |
| The internet is rife with David Bowie rumours. It all started with Danny Baker, who said earlier: "I am told David Bowie will join Kate Bush onstage at some point tonight. Then the lid will come off twitter." | The internet is rife with David Bowie rumours. It all started with Danny Baker, who said earlier: "I am told David Bowie will join Kate Bush onstage at some point tonight. Then the lid will come off twitter." |
| Could it be so? | Could it be so? |
| Wish I was seeing Kate Bush tonight and if the Bowie rumours are true I'll self destruct. 🎶💃⚡️ | Wish I was seeing Kate Bush tonight and if the Bowie rumours are true I'll self destruct. 🎶💃⚡️ |
| If David Bowie sings with #KateBush I will wet my knickers. | If David Bowie sings with #KateBush I will wet my knickers. |
| DAVID BOWIE IS GOING TO GUEST APPEAR WITH KATE BUSH TONIGHT???? WHAT?????? | DAVID BOWIE IS GOING TO GUEST APPEAR WITH KATE BUSH TONIGHT???? WHAT?????? |
| @RepHERtoire @sookio Fair warning, if the rumour that Bowie will be joining Kate Bush on stage is true, I may explode. | @RepHERtoire @sookio Fair warning, if the rumour that Bowie will be joining Kate Bush on stage is true, I may explode. |
| Bowie's going to join #KateBush onstage tonight? Holy shit. #BeforetheDawn | Bowie's going to join #KateBush onstage tonight? Holy shit. #BeforetheDawn |
| 8.28pm BST | |
| 20:28 | |
| Seems like a good time to mention that currently, eleven Kate Bush albums are in the top 100 albums chart, according to the Official Charts Company. | Seems like a good time to mention that currently, eleven Kate Bush albums are in the top 100 albums chart, according to the Official Charts Company. |
| Top 100 #katebush - WholeStory8 Hounds14 50Words32 Kick33 Sensual41 RedShoes61 Never65 Dreaming66 Directors67 Lheart72 Aerial75 | Top 100 #katebush - WholeStory8 Hounds14 50Words32 Kick33 Sensual41 RedShoes61 Never65 Dreaming66 Directors67 Lheart72 Aerial75 |
| Updated | |
| at 8.29pm BST | |
| 8.25pm BST | |
| 20:25 | |
| Tim Jonze has just fed back some information, possibly from the toilet, but I didn’t want to ask. | Tim Jonze has just fed back some information, possibly from the toilet, but I didn’t want to ask. |
| So far there’s been a standing ovation after every song. They are patrolling for phones in a very intense way. Some guy stood up and did wavy Kate Bush dancing and got told off. | So far there’s been a standing ovation after every song. They are patrolling for phones in a very intense way. Some guy stood up and did wavy Kate Bush dancing and got told off. |
| Kate is bare foot and keeps doing a slow spinny dance. The crowd are going completely mad. She’s already played Hounds of Love and Running Up That Hill. | Kate is bare foot and keeps doing a slow spinny dance. The crowd are going completely mad. She’s already played Hounds of Love and Running Up That Hill. |
| She thanked her lighting guys and son Bertie who is singing in the choir. | She thanked her lighting guys and son Bertie who is singing in the choir. |
| It sounds like quite a strict and yet magical affair. | It sounds like quite a strict and yet magical affair. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.27pm BST | |
| 8.15pm BST | |
| 20:15 | |
| We know two things about the show so far: | We know two things about the show so far: |
| Additional information: Lily Allen is there, as confirmed ever so brazenly by her Instagram post. | Additional information: Lily Allen is there, as confirmed ever so brazenly by her Instagram post. |
| Also, Charlie below has posted some information from the show programme: | Also, Charlie below has posted some information from the show programme: |
| 8.02pm BST | |
| 20:02 | |
| This Madonna fansite is claiming that the singer and W.E. director is currently at the Kate Bush show. Other people attending include Lauren Laverne, Darren Taylor, Caitlin Moran, Darcey Bussell*, Sali Hughes and Sophie Heawood. Some of which arrived at the Eventim Apollo together | This Madonna fansite is claiming that the singer and W.E. director is currently at the Kate Bush show. Other people attending include Lauren Laverne, Darren Taylor, Caitlin Moran, Darcey Bussell*, Sali Hughes and Sophie Heawood. Some of which arrived at the Eventim Apollo together |
| * Darcy’s not there. Does anyone know where she is? | * Darcy’s not there. Does anyone know where she is? |
| Updated | |
| at 8.05pm BST | |
| 7.54pm BST | |
| 19:54 | |
| Here are some more photographs from fans lucky enough to be at the Apollo tonight. On the ground reportage, this. | Here are some more photographs from fans lucky enough to be at the Apollo tonight. On the ground reportage, this. |
| Here’s the front cover of the programme. | Here’s the front cover of the programme. |
| Fan fashion. (Handmade Kate Bush dress!) | Fan fashion. (Handmade Kate Bush dress!) |
| This lady has snuck a camera in, and is seven rows from the front. Be still, my beating heart. | This lady has snuck a camera in, and is seven rows from the front. Be still, my beating heart. |
| Wait, this person has managed to get a camera in too. | Wait, this person has managed to get a camera in too. |
| 7.53pm BST | |
| 19:53 | |
| As the show begins, here’s Hannah Ellis-Petersen’s report from the venue so far: | As the show begins, here’s Hannah Ellis-Petersen’s report from the venue so far: |
| They lined up quietly and obediently in the rain, a mood of hushed anticipation hanging in the air. No-one jostled, no-one pushed in, no-one even really spoke. After all, for the hundreds of Kate Bush fans gathered outside Hammersmith Apollo for her opening show, this was simply the final moments of what has been a 35-year wait. | They lined up quietly and obediently in the rain, a mood of hushed anticipation hanging in the air. No-one jostled, no-one pushed in, no-one even really spoke. After all, for the hundreds of Kate Bush fans gathered outside Hammersmith Apollo for her opening show, this was simply the final moments of what has been a 35-year wait. |
| Returning to the same venue where she played her first and last shows in 1979, aged just 20, Bush, now 56, will perform 22 dates over the next month. Yet what the thousands of fans, many of whom have travelled from as far as the USA and Australia, can expect from the enigmatic performer remained a mystery, even as the ticket-holders began filing into the venue. | Returning to the same venue where she played her first and last shows in 1979, aged just 20, Bush, now 56, will perform 22 dates over the next month. Yet what the thousands of fans, many of whom have travelled from as far as the USA and Australia, can expect from the enigmatic performer remained a mystery, even as the ticket-holders began filing into the venue. |
| For Chad Siwek, 30, who flew over from Los Angeles, California, for the concerts and has ticket for all three of Bush’s opening nights, described standing at the venue on Tuesday night as “like a dream.” | For Chad Siwek, 30, who flew over from Los Angeles, California, for the concerts and has ticket for all three of Bush’s opening nights, described standing at the venue on Tuesday night as “like a dream.” |
| “Kate Bush just means everything to me, she cares more about her work and pleasing her fans than the commercial value or just making money off it” he says, stopping as his voice breaks with emotion. “I’m sorry, i’m getting choked up but it’s just my whole life I’ve been a huge Kate Bush fan. I’ll cry when she comes out and I think i’ll just be in awe that it’s really her as I’ve never seen her in person. It’s going to be really special and to be here means more than any other moment of my life.” | “Kate Bush just means everything to me, she cares more about her work and pleasing her fans than the commercial value or just making money off it” he says, stopping as his voice breaks with emotion. “I’m sorry, i’m getting choked up but it’s just my whole life I’ve been a huge Kate Bush fan. I’ll cry when she comes out and I think i’ll just be in awe that it’s really her as I’ve never seen her in person. It’s going to be really special and to be here means more than any other moment of my life.” |
| Siwek was not the only member of the patiently-waiting crowd who had flown from Los Angeles, with Daren Taylor, drummer for band The Airborne Toxic Event, among those right at the front of the queue. | Siwek was not the only member of the patiently-waiting crowd who had flown from Los Angeles, with Daren Taylor, drummer for band The Airborne Toxic Event, among those right at the front of the queue. |
| He said: “I’ve flown in from Los Angeles, California today just to see Kate Bush. It’s not easy to express what Kate Bush means to me. Her music touches me, and I’m sure everybody here, in very unique ways. I don’t think any two people will tell you the same thing that her music means to them.” | He said: “I’ve flown in from Los Angeles, California today just to see Kate Bush. It’s not easy to express what Kate Bush means to me. Her music touches me, and I’m sure everybody here, in very unique ways. I don’t think any two people will tell you the same thing that her music means to them.” |
| The setlist for the show has been kept completely under wraps, though the performance itself is expected by many to include similar theatrics to her 1979 show, which included 17 costume changes as well as combination of mime, flamboyant dancing and poetry. For this series of shows, the influential singer is reported to have spent three days in a flotation tank at Pinewood Studios to create the special effects. | The setlist for the show has been kept completely under wraps, though the performance itself is expected by many to include similar theatrics to her 1979 show, which included 17 costume changes as well as combination of mime, flamboyant dancing and poetry. For this series of shows, the influential singer is reported to have spent three days in a flotation tank at Pinewood Studios to create the special effects. |
| While some many fans have speculated the show will include include The Ninth Wave, a seven-track concept piece from her bestselling 1985 album Hounds of Love about a woman drifting alone in the sea, others said they would be content even with something low key. | While some many fans have speculated the show will include include The Ninth Wave, a seven-track concept piece from her bestselling 1985 album Hounds of Love about a woman drifting alone in the sea, others said they would be content even with something low key. |
| “It’s not going to be a straight up gig is it?” said Susie Martin, 28, a teacher from Barnsley and lifelong Bush fan who said she had cried when she heard that the singer was ending her 35-year moratorium on touring. “But equally I’d like to just see her up on stage, one piano, one spotlight, Moments of Please and Under the Ivy, This Woman’s work. Because I think she’s at her absolute best, she’s peerless, when it’s just her and a piano and that voice. Today is quite overwhelming.” | “It’s not going to be a straight up gig is it?” said Susie Martin, 28, a teacher from Barnsley and lifelong Bush fan who said she had cried when she heard that the singer was ending her 35-year moratorium on touring. “But equally I’d like to just see her up on stage, one piano, one spotlight, Moments of Please and Under the Ivy, This Woman’s work. Because I think she’s at her absolute best, she’s peerless, when it’s just her and a piano and that voice. Today is quite overwhelming.” |
| Asked what Bush meant to her, Martin added: “Her music is so original, so stunning, so beautiful but it’s not just the music it’s the visual aspect of it, it’s the lyrics, she puts everything into it and never compromises. Every emotion in your life, whatever you are feeling there’s a Kate Bush song for it to help you get through things or dance wildly round your bedroom.” | Asked what Bush meant to her, Martin added: “Her music is so original, so stunning, so beautiful but it’s not just the music it’s the visual aspect of it, it’s the lyrics, she puts everything into it and never compromises. Every emotion in your life, whatever you are feeling there’s a Kate Bush song for it to help you get through things or dance wildly round your bedroom.” |
| 7.49pm BST | |
| 19:49 | |
| Big congratulations to Lorraine. One egg coming your way in the post next week. | Big congratulations to Lorraine. One egg coming your way in the post next week. |
| Daren is from The Airborne Toxic Event - can I have an egg now pretty please? | Daren is from The Airborne Toxic Event - can I have an egg now pretty please? |
| 7.44pm BST | |
| 19:44 | |
| If you’re into science, you might be interested in the below image. The graph shows just how many people searched for ‘Kate Bush tickets’ back in March, when Before the Dawn was first announced. | If you’re into science, you might be interested in the below image. The graph shows just how many people searched for ‘Kate Bush tickets’ back in March, when Before the Dawn was first announced. |
| 7.39pm BST | |
| 19:39 | |
| As is obligatory in a Guardian music live blog, here’s an image of me in the office. The person who took the image told me to “look like Kate Bush” so I cocked my leg up and smiled as if I understood something fundamental about mother nature that nobody else does. | As is obligatory in a Guardian music live blog, here’s an image of me in the office. The person who took the image told me to “look like Kate Bush” so I cocked my leg up and smiled as if I understood something fundamental about mother nature that nobody else does. |
| If you’d also like to take a picture looking like Kate Bush, please do post some images. | If you’d also like to take a picture looking like Kate Bush, please do post some images. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.40pm BST | |
| 7.34pm BST | |
| 19:34 | |
| 15 minutes to go until show time. The atmosphere in the office is electric. I’ve eaten eight wasabi peas and my mouth is dry. | 15 minutes to go until show time. The atmosphere in the office is electric. I’ve eaten eight wasabi peas and my mouth is dry. |
| Someone who is a little closer to the action is the Guardian’s Paul Simon, who says that he has spotted Frank Skinner and a “woman who looked like Lily Allen if Lily Allen were 6ft”. | Someone who is a little closer to the action is the Guardian’s Paul Simon, who says that he has spotted Frank Skinner and a “woman who looked like Lily Allen if Lily Allen were 6ft”. |
| And these guys below: | And these guys below: |
| Updated | |
| at 7.35pm BST | |
| 7.30pm BST | |
| 19:30 | |
| Last week the BBC screened a truly great documentary about Kate. It was watched by many, many people including Australia’s The Temper Trap: | Last week the BBC screened a truly great documentary about Kate. It was watched by many, many people including Australia’s The Temper Trap: |
| Kate Bush special on BBC4. She's from another planet. So good. Dig that MIDI guitar on Experiment IV. #katebush | Kate Bush special on BBC4. She's from another planet. So good. Dig that MIDI guitar on Experiment IV. #katebush |
| Steve Coogan describes listening to Kate Bush as “making you feel a bit clever.” Elton John and St. Vincent are among other talking heads on the programme. You can watch the whole thing below: | Steve Coogan describes listening to Kate Bush as “making you feel a bit clever.” Elton John and St. Vincent are among other talking heads on the programme. You can watch the whole thing below: |
| 7.23pm BST | |
| 19:23 | |
| Just to follow up this comment left by Davidabsalom a few moments ago... | Just to follow up this comment left by Davidabsalom a few moments ago... |
| Tim Jonze is at the gig and if he happens to visit the toilet at any point there is a slight possibility that he may well feed us back some information | Tim Jonze is at the gig and if he happens to visit the toilet at any point there is a slight possibility that he may well feed us back some information |
| He'd better not be tapping away on his iPad during the show or there'll be a lynching. | He'd better not be tapping away on his iPad during the show or there'll be a lynching. |
| ... Tim Jonze says they will be confiscating phones if they notice them out at the gig. So we’ll be filling in the gaps in the interval and after the show. | ... Tim Jonze says they will be confiscating phones if they notice them out at the gig. So we’ll be filling in the gaps in the interval and after the show. |
| 7.18pm BST | |
| 19:18 | |
| As a tribute to our friend Darren from LA (still no guesses as to which band he’s in guys. No guesses, no eggs!) here’s a lovely piece from the New York Times about American fans travelling to London to watch their idol play. There are some great stories in An Encore 35 Years in the Making. | As a tribute to our friend Darren from LA (still no guesses as to which band he’s in guys. No guesses, no eggs!) here’s a lovely piece from the New York Times about American fans travelling to London to watch their idol play. There are some great stories in An Encore 35 Years in the Making. |
| Mr. Twomey will attend the opening-night concert. “I’m quite prepared to take a ferry or swim over if I need to,” he said. He has been obsessed with Ms. Bush since he was a teenager, bewitched by her idiosyncratic vision, literary references and vocal ability. | Mr. Twomey will attend the opening-night concert. “I’m quite prepared to take a ferry or swim over if I need to,” he said. He has been obsessed with Ms. Bush since he was a teenager, bewitched by her idiosyncratic vision, literary references and vocal ability. |
| “When she sings the song ‘Pi,’ ” whose chorus is a recitation of the mathematical digits, “she really brings the emotion to it,” he said. “She’s able to deliver things that on the surface seem odd.” | “When she sings the song ‘Pi,’ ” whose chorus is a recitation of the mathematical digits, “she really brings the emotion to it,” he said. “She’s able to deliver things that on the surface seem odd.” |
| 7.11pm BST | |
| 19:11 | |
| Kate Bush won’t be on stage for another 40-minutes. Perhaps she’s filling this time by eating treats from her rider, such as carrot batons, caramelised onion hummus, Twiglets or Dairylea Lunchables. More speculation to come soon, but in the meantime, here’s a video of Kate Bush talking to Delia Smith about vegetarianism. | Kate Bush won’t be on stage for another 40-minutes. Perhaps she’s filling this time by eating treats from her rider, such as carrot batons, caramelised onion hummus, Twiglets or Dairylea Lunchables. More speculation to come soon, but in the meantime, here’s a video of Kate Bush talking to Delia Smith about vegetarianism. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.13pm BST | |
| 6.58pm BST | |
| 18:58 | |
| We’re off to a flying start. Hannah has sent over some fan pictures, and not just any old fan pictures. This man here is Darren Taylor. He flew in from LA to see the show but best of all, he is in a band. But can you guess which band? | We’re off to a flying start. Hannah has sent over some fan pictures, and not just any old fan pictures. This man here is Darren Taylor. He flew in from LA to see the show but best of all, he is in a band. But can you guess which band? |
| a) The Las | a) The Las |
| b) The Airborne Toxic Event | b) The Airborne Toxic Event |
| c) The Killers | c) The Killers |
| Answer in the comments section below. If you get it right you get an egg. | Answer in the comments section below. If you get it right you get an egg. |
| 6.45pm BST | |
| 18:45 | |
| Yes, you read the headline correctly: This here is the Guardian music Kate Bush Before The Dawn live blog. Tonight is the artist’s first show in 35 years. Her last tour took place back in 1979 and featured 17 costume changes, 6 dancers dressed as violins, 1 large egg, loads of fake blood and 24 songs packed with pure, celestial majesty. Hopefully her opening night at London’s Eventim Apollo will follow an even more elaborate set up, but unfortunately I won’t be there to witness it. Instead, will be sat in the Guardian building trying to piece together as much information as possible in order to bring this very special show straight to you at home. | Yes, you read the headline correctly: This here is the Guardian music Kate Bush Before The Dawn live blog. Tonight is the artist’s first show in 35 years. Her last tour took place back in 1979 and featured 17 costume changes, 6 dancers dressed as violins, 1 large egg, loads of fake blood and 24 songs packed with pure, celestial majesty. Hopefully her opening night at London’s Eventim Apollo will follow an even more elaborate set up, but unfortunately I won’t be there to witness it. Instead, will be sat in the Guardian building trying to piece together as much information as possible in order to bring this very special show straight to you at home. |
| Aside from my observations, we have other means of collecting information from the show: | Aside from my observations, we have other means of collecting information from the show: |
| Updated | |
| at 6.46pm BST |