David Gilmour: “Kate Bush is the only person who can get Kate Bush back on stage”

4 October, 2024

David Gilmour with Kate Bush

David Gilmour has said there’s only one person capable of getting Kate Bush to perform again, and despite “gently” persuading her more recently, it’s not him.

Gilmour was an instrumental force in her early career, having come across a teenaged Bush’s demo tapes thanks to mutual friend Ricky Hopper. By the time the Pink Floyd guitarist came across her unique sound, her family had already sent out many similar demos, which had all been turned down by labels.

Gilmour stepped in, and after financing the recording of a more professional demo, secured Bush a contract with EMI, which was the start of their long friendship – evident in the fact Bush, who has always been reluctant to perform live, joined Gilmour on stage twice in both 1987 and 2002.

However, while speaking to the Guardian recently, Gilmour admitted there’s not much chance of him convincing her to get back on stage. “Kate Bush is the only person who can get Kate Bush back on stage,” he said.

Bush last performed live in 2014, when, after a 35 year hiatus from the stage, she announced ‘Before the Dawn’, a 22-night residency in London.

As NME reported on the first night of the mammoth run: “Tickets for the 22 dates at the Hammersmith Apollo sold out in less than 15 minutes and, once extra dates were announced, they totalled 100,00.

“At the moment seats are going on eBay for over £1,000. Fans have flown from all over the world to witness pop’s greatest auteur perform. Indeed, the lobby of the Hammersmith venue was a babel of languages and accents from Sydney to Brooklyn, Denmark to Japan.”

Gilmour, referencing the show, concluded: “I think the shows she did in 2014 at the Hammersmith Apollo were some of the best I’ve ever seen. We went several nights. I’ve tried persuading her recently, actually. Gently.”

Gilmour is currently touring to promote his new album, ‘Luck and Strange’ – which came out on September 6, and recently played some Pink Floyd favourites for first time in years as he kicked off the UK tour in Brighton.

Gilmour’s upcoming tour includes five shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London – you’ll be able to buy your tickets here.

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