Kate Bush.Photo: ZIK Images/United Archives via Getty Images
Kate Bushwon’t be running up that road to the2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fameinduction ceremony.
Hours before her induction into the Rock Hall’s 2023 class of musicians, the “Running Up That Hill” singer, 65, revealed in a statement that shewon’t be attending the ceremonyat Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday evening.
Kate Bush in London in November 2014.David M. Benett/Getty
She reflected onthe recent and massive resurgenceof “Running Up That Hill,” originally released in 1985 on herHounds of Lovealbum, following its inclusion in an episode of Netflix’sStranger Thingslast year.
“Last year was such a surprisingly successful time for my track Running Up That Hill and I’m sure that a lot of you who’ve voted me in to the RRHOF also drove that track up the charts,” continued Bush of the song, which first peaked at No. 30 on theBillboardHot 100 following its release and reached a new height of No. 3 on the chart post-Stranger Things.
The “Wuthering Heights” performer then revealed, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the ceremony tonight, but for me the real honour is knowing that you felt I deserved it. The RRHOF has welcomed me into the most extraordinary rostrum of overwhelming talent.”
Looking back on her childhood, Bush recalled lovingElton Johngrowing up and spoke about feeling emotional toward getting inducted alongside his writing partner,Bernie Taupin.
“I poured over his music, longed to be able to play piano like him and longed to write songs that could move people in the way his work moved me,” she said of John, 76.
“That little girl in South East London could never have dreamed she’d be sharing the event tonight with Bernie Taupin, Elton’s writing partner, an incredible lyricist who inspired me to keep writing songs – to keep trying,” added Bush. “Congratulations Bernie! Congratulations to everyone who is being inducted tonight!”
Kate Bush.Dave Hogan/Getty
Her note concluded with musings on her relationship to creating songs. “Music is at the core of who I am and, like all musicians, being on the journey of trying to create something musically interesting is rife with feelings of doubt and insecurity,” wrote Bush. “I’m only five foot three, but today I feel a little taller.”
Bush as well asSheryl Crow,Missy Elliott, the lateGeorge Michael,Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners make up the 2023 class. Several other artists will also receive honorary awards: DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will be recognized for musical influence, andChaka Khan, Al Kooper and Taupin will receive the musical excellence award.
Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael.Gary Miller/WireImage; Cindy Ord/Getty; Chance Yeh/WireImage; Dave Hogan/Getty
Big Boi will deliver a speech to present Bush’s induction at the ceremony, while St. Vincent will perform a tribute to the musician.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will broadcast live on ABC and Disney+ from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Friday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. ET.
source: people.com
