The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s latest ceremony, held on November 3rd, was marked by the absence of the illustrious Kate Bush, yet her spirit was vibrantly alive thanks to a passionate homage from none other than Big Boi. The Outkast luminary, a self-professed superfan, stepped up to the podium in Brooklyn to extol her virtues. Elton John, St. Vincent, David Gilmour, Peter Gabriel, and Lauren Mayberry also joined via a prelude video montage to sing praises of Bush’s work. In a poignant turn, Big Boi took a moment to address Bush directly through the lens, issuing a heartfelt call to finally bring their much-speculated collaboration to fruition. The entirety of his speech can be found below.
For years, Big Boi’s admiration for Kate Bush has been no secret. Casting our minds back over a decade, he once confided in an interview with Newsound back in 2010 that a dream of his was a phone conversation with Bush. “For the better part of five years, I’ve been reaching out to collaborate with Kate Bush,” he said. “In my book, she reigns supreme, with Bob Marley sitting at second place. Her music, which I was turned onto thanks to my uncle Russell, became the soundtrack of my bike rides to middle school. It’s the sheer intricacy of her soundscapes that ensnared me.”
Bush’s induction into the esteemed Rock Hall Class of 2023 was revealed this past May, placing her amongst a constellation of stars such as George Michael, Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, Rage Against the Machine, and the Spinners. Bush, expressing her astonishment at this honor, stated, “The news of my induction into the Hall of Fame is utterly unexpected! It’s an outcome I never envisioned.” Although she announced she would be absent from the event, she didn’t miss the opportunity to congratulate her peer, Bernie Taupin.
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Prior to this year, Bush’s name had appeared on the nomination list for the Hall of Fame three times—in 2018, 2021, and 2022. Her song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” found a renewed surge of fame following its feature in “Stranger Things” Season 4, catapulting Bush into the limelight within the U.S. like never before. Her most recent project was the 2016 live album “Before the Dawn,” which captured her return to the stage after a 35-year hiatus.
Here’s a little secret: my infatuation with Kate Bush began back when I was a middle schooler. Uncle Russell, my coolest uncle by far, introduced me to her tracks, and “Running Up That Hill” became my anthem as I pedaled away. I embodied that “Stranger Things” kid—seriously, I’m half-convinced they pilfered my old interviews for the show’s script. That’s when my obsession with her tunes took root, and I’ve stood by as her number one fan ever since. Some might wonder, how does Kate Bush’s essence intertwine with hip-hop? But her artistic singularity poses an even broader question: How does Kate Bush fit into rock’n’roll itself?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kate Bush Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
Who inducted Kate Bush into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023?
Kate Bush was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 by Big Boi from Outkast, who is a self-proclaimed superfan and has publicly expressed his admiration for her work on numerous occasions.
Was Kate Bush present at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 induction ceremony?
No, Kate Bush was not present at the 2023 induction ceremony. Despite her absence, she was honored with a heartfelt speech from Big Boi, and tributes from other artists were featured in a video package.
How many times was Kate Bush nominated before being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Before her 2023 induction, Kate Bush was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three previous times—in 2018, 2021, and 2022.
What event sparked a resurgence of popularity for Kate Bush in the United States?
Kate Bush’s resurgence in popularity in the United States was sparked by the inclusion of her song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” in the fourth season of the Netflix series “Stranger Things.”
What was the last record released by Kate Bush before her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction?
The last record released by Kate Bush was “Before the Dawn” in 2016, a live album documenting her first performances in 35 years.
More about Kate Bush Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
- Kate Bush’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
- Big Boi’s Tribute to Kate Bush
- Kate Bush’s Musical Journey
- Stranger Things and Kate Bush’s Resurgence
- Before the Dawn: Kate Bush’s Live Album
