Author:Graeme Thomson
There’s been a good few books written about Kate Bush that have appeared over the years, but this biography is probably still the definitive go to volume. Fist published in 2010, the book has been newly updated to bring the story right up to date with the resurgence of interest in her music following its use in the Stranger Things Netflix series in 2022. Although there’s been no new music since 2011’s ‘50 Words For Snow’ album and almost a decade has now passed since the ‘Before The Dawn’ concerts, this is still a fascinating read which covers not just Kate’s music but her childhood upbringing and her gradual musical evolution into such an iconic figure. With numerous interviews with school friends, band mates and collaborators, this exhaustively researched and absorbing work is possibly as close as we’ll ever get to the whole story of this woman’s work. Essential readings for fans or even those who are just merely curious.
Length of Read:Long
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
No one would be happier than me if Kate Bush surprised us with some new music, but it seems increasingly unlikely as the years drift by.
One thing you’ve learned
The book is one of four titles that have been updated as part of the new and ongoing Omnibus Remastered series, the others being Mike Barnes excellent look at UK Prog in the 70’s ‘A New Day Yesterday’ which was reviewed on here when it first appeared, and hefty tomes on Nirvana and George Clinton, with further titles to follow in the coming months.
I read this on holiday a decade or so ago, and it sent me tracking down all the b-sides and odd tracks not included on the This Woman’s Work box.
Surely that’s the best recommendation of a muso book.
An aside – Graeme contributes a superb essay (c.14,000 words) with interviews in the soon-forthcoming Fairport 1982-90 live/BBC set ‘It All Came Round Again: Onstage and on air’.
Excellent book
it’s well out of date now but I have this KB book which is pretty good
It’s entertaining, but totally bonkers.
Is this worth buying if you have the first edition?
The book was originally published in 2010 so you’re only missing the activity from then onwards….maybe about 70 pages.
I found the original version on my bookshelf today as the new version arrived. via the tax dodgers.
Having compared the two the new one is worth buying if you are a real fan.