Sound: Kate Bush emerged on the British pop scene with her wide-eyed interpretation of Emily Bronte's classic novel "Wuthering Heights" to become the first female artist to achieve a #1 charting single with a self-written song. Following the release of her first two albums ("The Kick Inside" and "Lionheart") Bush embarked on "The Tour of Life" which incorporated her various influences other than her songwriting. Her mime and movement training with Lindsay Kemp (also worked with David Bowie) are just one of the many innovations that the stage show brought forward.
Kate Bush is a natural performer, especially when it comes to the avant-garde, ART rock numbers on the setlist. Songs like "Wuthering Heights" and "Hammer Horrow" involve not only her vocal talents, but also her singing abilities. Often, as is the case with "Hammer Horrow", Bush could not sing due to the intensive choreography involved. Bush's brothers make appearances as well, with Paddy acting as a musician on all the songs and John doing poetry readings in between numbers.
For those who remember the show (it took place in April-May 1979), all agree that it was a truly unique and spectacular production resembling more a Broadway musical than a rock concert. Because she wrote all of her music, each has a distinct personal feel to it allowing Bush to express herself in multiple aspects. Fortunately, the concert was recorded on VHS format titled "Live at the Hammersmith Odeon", yet unfortunately, much of the footage became unusable and viewers are left with only an hour or so of a concert that we will never see the likes of again. The footage itself has fairly good sound quality, and considering the fact that Kate Bush was the first singer to use a wireless headset mic on stage... solid sound is indeed a feet. // 10
Perfomance: The audiences reaction to the flamboyant singer/songwriter was humongous. Every show was sold out, including the benefit concert with Peter Gabriel held in honor of Bush's lighting operator who fell to his death during the first performance of the show.
The show was jam packed with theatrics ranging from mime, dance, singing, magicians to poetry. Topped with an amazing stage design, the show became a major success. A major highlight would include the rocking "James and the Cold Gun" which draws heavily on yellow lights and fog machines as well as "Don't Push Your Foot on the Heartbrake" which has a "West Side Story" approach to its scenery.
The songs that appear on the VHS are as follows:
01. Moving: the opening number to the tour as well as her first album, "The Kick Inside". Bush does an impressive mime routine with the oceanic background of whale calls.
02. Them Heavy People: a very fun number that was released as a single following her "Live EP".
03. Violin: one of her more annoying tracks that would be included on her up coming album "Never for Ever". Bush tends to get a tad too theatrical in her delivery.
04. Strange Phenomena: simple staging, but the lyrics really carry through.
05. Hammer Horror: done without singing, the dance is remarkable and the arrangement much better than the overdone album version. It was the first single from "Lionheart"
06. Don't Push Your Foot On The Heartbrake: as noted before, the set is really neat even if the song is a tad corny.
07. Wow: one of her works of genius, her commentary on homophobia in the theater world is spot on.
08. Feel It: staged with just Kate on a piano, its a surprising highlight and a beautiful song.
09. Kite: similar to Violin, Bush tends to go a tad over the top letting out "whoooops!" many, many, many times.
10. James And The Cold Gun: another favorite, if slightly too long.
11. Oh England My Lionheart: once again, Bush hits gold with simple delivery and elaborate costumes.
12. Wuthering Heights: certainly not able to replace the single version, nevertheless, the atmosphere presented on the stage is stunning with Kate donning a red dress against the cold background fog. // 10
Impression: Two main concerts took place at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England on 12/05/1979 and 13/05/1979. The show ran for two and a half hours with two intermissions making it one of the most elaborate and lengthy shows ever put on by a single artist with no opener.
Kate Bush remains today as the most remarkable performer and composer that the rock world will ever put its hands on. It is important to note her impact on female musicians such as Lady Gaga and Madonna, for Bush truly paved the way for females to take a strong-hold in the rock world. It is truly sad that Kate has not toured since 1979, perhaps due to various rumors such as her light conductor's death, a fear of flying or even just that she doesn't have time in her busy life. // 10
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