FEATURE:
Just When I Think I’m King
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush in 2005
Kate Bush and the Devoted Fans
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SO many major artists…
have names for their collective fans. I am not sure whether Kate Bush would encourage it or have a say. However, there is this growing fanbase. So many people picking up on her work. Bush’s influence spreading and catching hold like never before! I do feel like there is this modern relevance that is understated. How she is very much weaving her magic and legacy through the modern music industry. What always amazes me is how there are so many knowledgeable and passionate fans. I follow major artists on social media and, whilst you get these authoritative fans and can feel something special between them, maybe there is an undercurrent of competitiveness or something lacking. When it comes to Kate Bush, her growing army of fans are so loving and modest. Learning from each other and only wanting to show our love and appreciation, I have learned so much from those I follow. I know there are huge artists where you have this expert. That person who is seen as the authority. I don’t think that is the case with Kate Bush. Is that a good or a bad thing? I have said in features before who I deem to be the world authority. Of course, it is never a competition and Bush herself would not care for that sort of thing. However, there are the good folk at Kate Bush News and HomeGround who have been writing about her for decades. Since the earliest days. I would defer to them when it comes to knowing more about Kate Bush then I know. There are fans online who are always teaching me things. Every day. I do wonder if we should name and highlight the experts. I think that might encourage something bigger. In terms of projects or greater exposure. What I would like to see over the past year or two is a chance for Bush’s incredible genius and influence to be properly celebrated and exposed.
I did want to mention experts and authorities, as there has yet to be that highly detailed and life-charting book about Kate Bush. I am not sure whether Bush would support it. I think she would. One that explores and dissects her early life and career and brings it up to date. Maybe a mammoth feat, having something like this in the world would be valuable for new fans and diehards alike. I also feel that Kate Bush is worthy of this type of representation and depth. I myself am an avid fan. I am prolific but I am always learning from fans. That is the main point of this feature. Celebrating those who constantly talk about Kate Bush, but do it in such an interesting and accessible way. I follow accounts where photos are posted daily. Ones I did not know existed. Those who share facts and details that are new to me. Others might not do the same thing. Album rankings or sharing underrated songs. In terms of that combination of admiration and passion, there are few fan communities that rival this one! Kate Bush fans always highlighting the brilliance and originality of this icon. This is a crucial moment. I am in a position where I follow people who have been with Kate Bush since her debut single, Wuthering Heights. There are also young fans who are experiencing Kate Bush and are taking their first steps into her work. I keep saying it, but there will be a new album at some point. There is literally no telling when that could be. You’d hope in the next year or so, though it could be longer than this. I do feel it is a time for mobilisation. There are not really many Kate Bush podcasts or episodes when we get to bring together those who know Bush’s work best. Or highlighting fans and hearing from them. I am always blown away by the dedication that you get from them. From an artist who has not realised a new album in nearly fifteen years. It is the fans and their endless dedication to Kate Bush that drives me.
A bigger question revolves around legacy artists. There is so much spotlight put on major artists of today. It is important that they are highlighted, though do we really consider those who came before in the same way? Even if they are not as relevant as newer artists perhaps, I do feel that someone like Kate Bush is only really talked about when there is news or some viral moment. Perhaps the experts and fans need to do something. Can we fill that void when it comes to a tome or an event that means people can come together to discuss Kate Bush?! I have pitched this several times. Even so, Kate Bush’s music and career should not be seen as bygone or reduced to certain songs. I have been thinking of other legendary artists and how they are perceived today. How there might be this one expert who is seen as the go-to. Also, there are a lot of different projects happening around that artist from fans and journalists. Or authors. Kate Bush is very private, so it might be natural that there has not been that same sort of focus. I know who I think is the Kate Bush world authority. I also do genuinely believe that the swelling fanbase need something to bond over. Before a new album comes out. There have been some great books and smaller documentaries. Beyond that, what have we seen over the past few years?! It comes down to the wishes of Kate Bush. Many will say that she wants very little fuss and would feel uncomfortable with anything like I have suggested. That said, Bush has always shown respect for her fans and, so long as does not need to get involved, I don’t think she would balk or have any issues. I just feel she is such an important artist, though there does seem to be this notable absence. I salute the fans and how they are showing people, me included, so many different layers and sides to Kate Bush. I am itching for a greater coming together. Something that maybe brings together these ardent fans who are more anonymous alongside the experts and well-known fans. The least that we could and should do for…
THIS phenomenal artist.