Good to hear she still cuts it. All you need now is three points at Old Trafford for the perfect weekend!...
Hope Mrs Col enjoyed it as much as my better half did Col. Thought the show was fantastic, but agree the second part was a bit slow. We spent the day in Camden prior to the gig - an area that I've not spent a lot of time in and Mrs SM had never been - suffice to say we spent a fortune! Headed back over to digs in afternoon, and got to Appollo about 6:30. The atmosphere was buzzing, with most people already inside. We had standing tickets, which were supposed to be restricted view, but I think our view of the stage was probably better than the tens rows of seats in front of us. Kate Bush came on to rapturous applause, and fired into her set - a few songs from Hounds of Love to start with. Thought the sound of the band was a bit too heavy on the bass for first couple of songs, then seemed to sort itself out. Once she belted out a few of her hits it was time for "The Ninth Wave" - her theatrical section of the show, which didn't dissappoint. I've seen plenty of shows in my time, and this has to be up there with the best in stage production. The video image of her in the sea in a lifejacket, whilst strange creatures from the depths dragged her under, all amongst the set of a shipwreck was compelling to watch. Although not familiar with the stort, it grabbed you and kept you transfixed as she fought to survive drowning, whilst a "helicopter" flew about the audience with its searchlight piercing the crowd. The stage scenes with her family worrying about her were a comic release, and her pleas to be saved were quite soul-searching. The finale to the piece was just as fantastic, with the whole stage looking like a raging sea whilst she clung to a buoy, with the fish-people swimming around her. After a 20 minute break, we were introduced to "Ariel" - another dramatic backdrop on the stage, with a huge artist easel being painted on, and the appearance of a wooden manequin that appeared to be puppeted by one of the dancers. I didn't really follow the story as much as the first half as it was very abstract, especially when she started singing like a blackbird! The stage setting changed with crashing trees falling from the lighting rig, then she "flew" through doors on the stage dressed as a blackbird and the manequin child came alive - all a bit strange! She came back for an encore, ending with Cloudbusting, and the crowd went wild. All in all an exceptional performance - her voice is pitch perfect, and the band and backing singers were top quality too. The stand out was the stage setting and artistic performances of all involved, pure theatre, and I felt privaledged to watch it. Walking back to the digs, we both felt a sense of wonder and awe at what we had witnessed - if any if you get the chance, go along. Soon heading back home, time to get involved in the Referendum again (been good to get away from it for last couple of days as it's really starting to heat up) - I'll jump in to the referendum thread once I've got a bit more time!
So......After a day of wandering london's fair streets me and Mrs rangercol arrived at Hammersmith with her totally excited. I was totally exhausted and fully expecting to sleep through the entire gig! However I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The first half was spectacular although I found the second half a little slow. The musicians and some of the singers were superb and Kate Bush hasn't lost her voice. The band made the music sound incredibly atmospheric and the staging was clever and original. The best thing is though, I now have unlimited Brownie points with the missus after getting her to the gig she's always wanted to see. Thanks miss bush! Points out of 10 Col or it's not a proper report
Like the rest of us..... It's hard to believe it's been 35 years since Kate last took to the stage. please log in to view this image http://music.uk.msn.com/features/kate-bush-is-up-for-two-q-awards-1?page=5
