Back in March, when the tickets for Kate Bush's live shows went on sale, my friend Claire and I were both poised online to try and buy some. We agreed that in the unlikely event that one of us was successful, we'd let the other have a ticket.
The tickets sold out in a 15 minute frenzy, leaving many, many fans disappointed, and I am still amazed that I was one of the lucky ones.
So on Saturday, off we went to London for the gig of a lifetime.
But first;
we spent a couple of happy hours strolling around the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The cafe is a delightfully grand space.
It appears I only took photos of ceilings and lights... Oh well.
Art is not a mirror to reflect the world. Rather it is a hammer with which to shape it.
A meal; then on to the Apollo in Hammersmith for Before The Dawn.
Kate Bush is an artist I had never expected to see perform live, since she famously toured just once before, in 1979.
I am so, so delighted to have seen this concert; there are countless reviews available online, but I thought I would link to this one by Tracy Thorn, since Claire spotted her in the audience on Saturday night. (I didn't; typically, I was at the bar when she walked past.)
So did Before The Dawn live up to the hype?
Completely; it was wonderful, the best live performance I have ever seen.
Bush's voice is beautiful. The quality of musicianship, the imaginative staging, the story telling, the powerful and passionate music, all these elements guarantee that those who were there will never forget the experience. This was never going to be a Greatest Hits kind of gig; here is an artist who has always taken creative risks, and continues to do so.
Next day, we got back to Kings Cross/St Pancras in plenty of time before our train home, and sat in the sunshine enjoying the redevelopments in the area.
Regent's Canal.
I'm still trying to discover my One Thing.
Railway architecture, both Victorian and modern. I love it.
I thought I should throw a frock in the mix - it's expected!
1970s Mackerness cotton maxi dress - Ebay
Denim jacket (sorry, I know it gets boring), shoes, necklace and bangles - charity shopped
Carpet bag - gift
Charlie - hand-me-down
So it's back to earth now; back to the routine, the day-to-day, the drill.
But...
Some moments that I've had, some moments of pleasure.
Thanks, Kate.
xxxx
49 comments:
Ooooh I've been checking and re-checking to see if you had posted about the concert. What a beautiful experience!
So nice you were able to get tixx for the concert and thanks for the london pics. love v&a museum and I'm sad we never made it to regent's canal!
Are there no ugly places in all of the UK? I'm loving all this fabulous architecture. My god look up is right!
I knew you were going to have the time of your life! I can feel the rush from your words Curtise and in that photo of you and Claire you are both just beaming! Its great to hear that she was still preforming and being an artist and not just redoing old stuff the same way. I can't imagine the energy in that concert hall but I bet you are still riding the high!
Here is to always being able to get out and see live music, it's the best religion I know!
I love ya!
XXOOO
Fantastic - you did so well to get tickets. You'll be floating on air for ages xxx
Wow, unbelievable! (to misquote Ms Bush) So jealous, but pleased you had a great time.
Hey there Curtise.......So glad that you enjoyed it. I can only imagine how special seeing Kate Bush live would be. She is a national treasure. London looks beautiful, as is your dress. Xxxx
wonderful!
you had a dream of a weekend! thank you for sharing it with us. gorgeous!
xxxxx
Looks like you had a great time in my hometown, I really need to explore the new stuff in King's Cross as it's changed sooooooo much in the last 5 years. I think that building next to the new green steps is one I toured around a couple of years ago (if it's the right one, it was a nightclub before it closed, but still had original Victorian floors etc.) I love the V&A too, I always manage to find something new and amazing in there.
I am sincerely happy for you, Curtise! It's amazing to see something so unique and inspiring, and so personal to us which I think what Kate's concert was to you. I can't say that I am especially familiar with her art, but from a few songs and videos that I've seen, she no doubt is a true artist, and her own, original creative mind. I have great respect for such people.
It looks like you had a wonderful weekend with your friend. You look beautiful and happy! That always makes me warm and cozy inside. From what I can see and understand about you, you have already been doing quite a few things very well, like raising your children, style, blogging, friendship. That's already a lot. As for "the one thing"... something tells me that maybe you know what that thing is, but don't fully believe that you can do it. Or maybe I'm wrong... Theater? Writing? You are a very passionate soul, Curtise. I sense lots of fire in you. It's hard to begin. I know that it's very hard for me as I am tip-toeing around that very "one thing" that I am dying to do, waiting for some sort of approval which really does not matter at all. The only thing that matters is that we do that "one thing", even if no one else approves. Or those few "one things", because some people are just not "one thing" kind of people.
Hugs xxxxx
Oh and one more thing :) That wild looking glass sculpture is by Chihuly, the glass art genius who lives in the very town where I live now. Cool to see his art in London!
Looks like the best time, you lucky two. I've never been to the V and A - and now I am all the more inspired to go. And btw, there are So Many things you're good at, you couldn't settle on just one. I think you're a fabulous Mum, friend, blogger . . . and much more. xox
My work colleague also went and she raved similarly about it!! SO glad you got tickets!
I do like all the architecture pictures too!x
Glad to hear you had such a good time, such a great experience! :)
Wow ... looks fabulous ... the show, the sights, the architecture, the frocks ... all of it :0)
xx
I'm so glad you enjoyed the show-you look like you're having a wonderful time in the photos.
You can't step inside a museum these days without coming face to face with one of those Chihuly/Cthulhu thingies hanging from the ceiling. I'd sort of hoped the V&A wouldn't go there. Oh well, at least I'm not the sucker tasked with dusting it.
A Chihuly! What a pleasure it is to see that great miracle of glass installed in a space worthy of it! We have them here in the Midwest, but they're so often crowded into a stairwell or commercial foyer.
Please don't dismiss your skill as a photographer, Curtise. You string images as beads on a string, separately intriguing and together coherent. It's a gift!
Kings Cross? That's the Harry Potter station! Everyone of my young friends (AKA collage kids) that goes to London gets a photo at 9 3/4. Crazy kids! I'm with Krista: where's the ugly part of England? You've got to have a tragic strip mall or 2
I've never known much about Kate Bush, but I'm so glad you had a great time. How lucky to get tickets! You know, I have never been to the V&A, but when I get a chance I will definitely go to the cafe. I love museum cafes!
When I knew you were going to see Kate I was hoping that you would show us what you wore. I can't really see it. Your big smile is in the way but the at-home frock is very pretty. Kate Bush is really something special. So......not to be a snotty one-upper but in two days I'm going to see Crosby Stills and your boyfriend Nash!!!!!! eeeeeee!!!!!!!
What a fantastic way to spend a couple of days with a friend. And I don't believe that thing about doing one thing well. There's nothing wrong with doing lots of little things almost-well. You look like person who knows what she's about, standing there on the deck, gazing off camera.
I think that 'do one thing well...' Is a bit of a blokey thing. It usually means you spend your whole life dedicated to The Thing, while everyone else rushes round picking up the shit you're no good at. Let's hear it for the chronically underachieving polymaths! They make the world go round xxx
What gorgeous scenery! I take photos of the same things when I am travelling or out, though mine do not look so nice as yours. (:
Tracey's review sounded like several of my friends', their kids have been driven mad by them continually playing old their Kate Bush albums ever since they've returned from that London.
I was thrilled you got tickets and glad you had a top time. Didn't the weather stay gorgeous for you?
Nothing wrong with that denim jacket, its part of who you are and that makes it great in my book.
Love you! xxxxx
I was chuffed to feck when you got tickets. I knew you'd have a fab time..how could you not? She wasn't gong to bash out some shitty old show after all this time was she? Let's hope she has got the taste for it a bit now and does a few more. I might get tickets next time! Anyway...you can tell me all about it when I see you!
No, the denim isn't boring. It's on yuo so it can't be.
Loves ya.
xxxxxxxxxx
What a fantastic experience! Curtise you do so many things well! Raising your beautiful kids, dressmaking, blogging and you have a great eye for a photo. xxxx
The Apollo, I watch Live at the Apollo the comedy road show when it is on our TV over here. I quite enjoyed the ceiling and lighting photos, and all the others, as I love going on a walk with you in your part of the world. See the photo bombing cat is still at work!!
I'm still looking for my "one thing" too.
The concert sounds amazing. I'm glad you could go!
Most of life is about the day-to-day routine, but it is those marvelous experiences like the Kate Bush show that stay with us, and provide treasured memories to hold when life seems dull and dreary. I am so envious that you were able to see gorgeous Kate in concert - what a thrill!!!
Your denim jacket isn't boring; it's your signature piece that makes your outfits "you".
Ooh, Kate Bush....I'm not a massive fan but she is truly unique. In a very good way. Nothing boring at all about denim jackets. I'm glued to my charity shopped Gap one at the mo. xx
Curtise how awesome to go and see Kate Bush what a experience !!!.
Wonderful pictures again and I love your dress well the whole outfit actually, Best wishes x
Huzzah for Kate and for the V&A I'm so pleased you got to go and that it was all you expected. x
So pleased Kate's show lived up to expectations, although I never doubted it for a moment. Your eloquent description of the show says it all, as does your beaming face. I can't think of one thing that I do particularly well, but you...you write well. xxxxxxx
You have got excitement written all over your face in those pre-Kate selfies, so cute. How wonderful to go to something which transports you in that way, it really was such great good fortune to get those tickets. I'm glad somebody we know did because I have wanted to hear about it. I would love to have seen it, she really is a rare and true talent. You do lots of things very well, including wearing that denim jacket with just the right degree of insouciance! xxxxxxxxx
I'm so fecking chuffed you got to see Ms Bush! the tickets went in a blip so you were destined to see the magnificence - and what a trip! the V&A is calling me, isn't it incredible! and I love the re-development going on around Kings Cross/St. Pancras and btw behave! you do many, many things extremely well and one is being the heart of a wonderful Blog Sisterhood x x x
What a great experience! and as usual I love the photos you've shared. I always feel I've done a bit of armchair travelling when I read your posts.
bisous
Suzanne
I live vicariously through your outings, pretending I live with access to a wonderful cosmopolitan community, arts and architecture, and lovely parks full of sculpture. I also vicariously wear denim jackets through you. I keep trying them and have bought many only to give up on each and say 'no, not this particular one'.
You have discovered the one thing you do well. It is being Curtise.
Thanks so much for sharing, I amtrying to find every morsel of info about her concert.
I am so glad you had the honour of seeing the Kate in action x
I just love "traveling" vicariously through your pictures
Brett
Glad too hear that you managed to get tickets too. We saw Kate a few days into her residency and she was truly mind-blowing. I never thought I'd get to see her sing live either, so when the gigs were announced I knew I had to go and see her one way or another! What astounded me was the sheer quality of her voice - so much better than listening to her on vinyl/cd - and her range is awesome. I wonder what she's planned next?
Hi! I am new here...Very nice post and you are so cute! The show must have been exciting...lovely that you could share it with a friend!
Been ages since i listened to Kate, what a great voice and she is fantastic - I have a hard time listening to music video till the end but this one was too great to not to listen till the end
Tks for the London pics, this is one place i would like to go one day
Arianexo
What an amazing night that must have been <3 Jean jackets forever!!!!
I love London so much, and don't get the chance to go as often as I would like. I took my daughter in February and it was her first visit, seeing it through her eyes made me realise what an exciting place it is.
Oh you were lucky to get Kate Bush tickets! I wonder is she will ever do it again?
Hi there from Canada, my brother in the U.K. found your blog and shared the photo montage you posted of Hammersmith... that's me in the top left photo outside the venue on September 27th! Too funny! What a truly amazing experience it was! I've been a fan since Kate's first album and like you was so lucky to get tickets the day of sale!
You lucky lucky sod! Kate Bush-wow. I also love your photos of the museum.Looks a beautiful building to be in.
So happy you got to be a fan-girl for a little while and enjoyed the concert so much. Looks like a fabulous show.
Obligatory photo, maybe, but you look lovely. Pretty dress with an interesting print. Long, tall you!
That squiggly blue and green chandelier at the VA? I know the artist, Dale Chihuley ... not well, but I know him to speak to him from my stint at Cornish up in Seattle. First met him while he was having lunch with his gorgeous, white haired mother at a little french restaurant in the old-town part of Seattle. There was a floor to ceiling chandelier there, too ... not his, but an old piece from
an old hotel, I think. Fun memory!
Looks like you had a wonderful trip home, as well.
I never get sick of that DJ!
Feck, I love the V & A. It's my idea of heaven, and the BEST museum I have ever been to!
DOUBLE FECK I am soooo jealous about you seeing the Great Kate. So glad it lived up to the hype!!! She is a frigging legend!
Loving YOU! XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Holy Crap the V&A looks AMAZING!!! Also its the BEST when you get to see artists you NEVER think you will see. I remember when The Cure played in Auckland and it was AMAZING. They were my favourite band since I was 13, so seeing them live was a life highlight! A fancy frock is always appreciated and you have so many lovely frocks:)
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