FEATURE:
Stage Fright
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush during The Tour of Life in 1979/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/EMI
Why Isn’t Kate Bush’s The Tour of Life Given More Affection and Credit?
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PERHAPS people think that…
Kate Bush’s The Tour of Life (originally known as the Lionheart Tour, and also officially referred to as the Kate Bush Tour, and by outside sources as the Kate Bush Show, and Kate Bush: On Tour) is regarded highly enough and has a great reputation. Undeniably, it gained a lot of positivity when she embarked upon it in 1979. I am thinking about it, as the last date – at the Hammersmith Odeon – occurred on 14th May. After touring the U.K. and Europe, Bush and her band delivered a triumphant final show. Critics raved and there was so much love from the adoring crowds! Whereas it was definitely groundbreaking at the time, I do feel that The Tour of Life is not as discussed now as it should be. In terms of its influence, it broke ground and changed what a Pop concert could be. From the use of mime, theatre, dance and theatre to the invention and use of the hands-free head mic, The Tour of Life should go down as one of the greatest and most important tours ever. Before carrying with my line of thought, the Kate Bush Encyclopaedia gives some details about The Tour of Life and the musicians involved:
“The Tour of Life, also known as the Lionheart Tour or even the Kate Bush Tour, was Kate Bush's first, and until recently only, series of live concerts. The name, 'Tour of Life', was not coined until after its completion, with all promotional material referring to it simply as the Kate Bush Tour.
Consisting of 24 performances from Bush's first two studio albums The Kick Inside and Lionheart, it was acclaimed for its incorporation of mime, magic, and readings during costume changes. The simple staging also involved rear-screen projection and the accompaniment of two male dancers. The tour was a critical and commercial success, with most dates selling out and additional shows being added due to high demand. Members of the Kate Bush Club were provided with a guaranteed ticket.
Rehearsals
The tour was to become not only a concert, but also incorporating dance, poetry, mime, burlesque, magic and theatre. The dance element was co-ordinated by Bush in conjunction with Anthony Van Laast – who later choreographed the Mamma Mia! movie and several West End smashes – and two young dancers, Stewart Avon Arnold and Gary Hurst. They held morning rehearsals for the tour at The Place in Euston, after which Bush spent afternoons in Greenwich drilling her band. Off stage, she was calling the shots on everything from the set design to the programme art.
Band
The band playing with Kate Bush on stage consisted of Preston Heyman (drums), Paddy Bush (mandolin. various strange instruments and vocal harmonies), Del Palmer (bass), Brian Bath (electric guitar, acoustic mandolin and vocal harmonies), Kevin McAlea (piano, keyboards, saxophone, 12 string guitar), Ben Barson (synthesizer and acoustic guitar), Al Murphy (electric guitar and whistles) and backing vocalists Liz Pearson and Glenys Groves”.
Over the course of six weeks, Bush and her touring band and crew produced this wonderful spectacle. Today, huge artists have taken the live experience to new heights. From Madonna through to Dua Lipa through to Muse, the use of video screens, props, lighting and set design has helped create these vivid, unique and awe-inspiring worlds. In 1979, there was not really anyone like Kate Bush doing what she was doing. Even a pioneer like David Bowie was still not quite as ambitious as Bush. It was not only Kate Bush that made everything come together, but she did have a vested interest in every aspect. Determined to create a live show that was very much true to her vision and free from interference and record label hands, what was presented to the world resonates today. When The Tour of Life is mentioned, it usually comes with a sense of disappointment. By that, it is Bush’s only tour; one that people feel she should have followed up on. Rather than celebrate The Tour of Life and examine its influence and individual aspects, it is almost a footnote. The lack of retrospection and releases shows that there is not enough affection and realisation about the weight and relevance of The Tour of Life. In a previous feature, I argued how there should be a Blu-Ray of one of the concerts, in addition to a vinyl edition of a set.
That would be fitting respect for a tour that was a revelation and revolution at the time. Although Kate Bush was well-known and was getting acclaim from some corners of the press, it was not the case that she was universally acclaimed and had the same reputation as she does not. There were plenty who found her too shrill or a novelty artist. Someone who was too weird and was short-lived. The Tour of Life showed that Bush was a remarkable live presence (something that was not hugely evident in the limitations of T.V. appearances). As a dancer, physical performer and a majestic singer, Bush was captivating every night. The success of The Tour of Life – in terms of reviews and audience figures – gave Bush the impetus and drive to release Never for Ever in 1980. Growing in scope and confidence, The Tour of Life was more than a transition and stepping stone. It is a magical live experience that a lot of people do not know about – but they really should do! Many speak of the classic Kate Bush albums like Hounds of Love, but I feel more people should immerse themselves in the extraordinary 1979 tour. Her sole tour, it was a rare chance for people in Europe to see Kate Bush perform live on such a large scale. One where she was creating different characters and scenes over the course of a stunning evening. I am jealous of those who were in one of the audiences and were witness to a moment of history. They will carry these precious memories…
FOR the rest of their lives.