INTERVIEW:
Dave Cross
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IT has been a pleasure speaking with someone….
PHTO CREDIT: Dave Crross
who is very important in the Kate Bush world. Not only is Dave Cross the Events Managers at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. He is co-editor of the long-running Kate Bush fanzine, Homeground, and someone who helps provide us huge delight and vital updates through Kate Bush News. He is also Patron for Cabaret vs. Cancer (a U.K. charity supporting those affected by cancer). On 20th July, Dave brught This Woman’s Work: A Kate Bush Celebration to the stage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Featuring some incredible talent, a huge £2,595 was raised! It was an exceptional amount for a very worthy charity. I was keen to find out more about This Woman’s Work: A Kate Bush Celebration; how and why it was put together. I also ask Dave about his love of Kate Bush and when he first became a fan. Oner of the leading authorities when it comes to our favourite music queen, it has been a really great experience finding out more from someone who has admired and given so much of his time and passion to Kate Bush. As it her birthday on Sunday (30th), it is a timely and excellent opportunity to speak with the…
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush in 1978/PHOTO CREDIT: Gered Mankowitz
INCREDIBLE Dave Cross.
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Hi Dave. Can you tell us when you first discovered Kate Bush’s music and what you think about her recent so-called ‘resurgence’
I loved Wuthering Heights from when I first heard it, January 1978, and I bought The Kick Inside when I saw it in a local record shop. The whole Stranger Things/RUTH (Running Up That Hill) thing was incredible. It was used with such creativity, and I'm thrilled that so many younger people have now discovered Kate.
People will know you from the Kate Bush fanzine, HomeGround, and the brilliant Kate Bush News wesbite. How did you become involved with both of them?
HomeGround was actually my idea. It was started in May 1982 by myself, Peter, and Mandy, who was later replaced by Krys. We knew Seán Twomey, and when he launched his website, it made perfect sense for us to team up. Three became four.
“The quality has never dropped. She has never released a bad album”
I bet, decades ago, you didn’t think you’d be kept this busy with Bush-related activity! What do you think the reason is behind her longevity and huge acclaim?
The quality of her work, especially her songwriting. Plus, I think the fact that she has always done things her way, only released what she wanted. The quality has never dropped. She has never released a bad album.
Obviously, Running Up Your Hill (A Deal with God) has taken on a life of its own. How does it make you feel to know that a whole new generation are discovering Kate Bush’s music?
I think it's brilliant. I'm finally cool with the kids in my extended family haha
For someone who is a bit wary of Kate Bush or has only heard RUTH, what would you say is the reason to dive deeper and explore her catalogue?
RUTH or Wuthering Heights are only the tip of the creative iceberg. No other artist has the same breadth of work of musical styles and subject matter as Kate.
“My greatest wish, and I think for most fans, is new music yes please Kate. A brand-new album”
I am interesting in finding out more about the recent event, This Woman's Work: A Kate Bush Celebration for Cabaret vs Cancer. It took place on 20th July at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It raised money for families affected by cancer (and child bereavement teams). How did you become involved with this and working with Cabaret vs Cancer?
The event was great. Despite the rail strike, the RVT was packed and we had an incredible show. Plus, we raised just over £2500 for CvC. I first met Rose Thorne, who is the founder of CvC, about 5 years ago, and I wanted to get involved because I lost my mum when I was a kid to cancer. Organising events like this, and the online auctions, means I can use my story and experience to help others.
The line-up was amazing! How did you come to decide and approach who appears on the bill?
They are all big Kate fans. Michael, Sooz and Jonathan I've known for a while, and they all perform Kate songs in their other shows. Ripley too. The others just made themselves known to me. I wanted the line-up to have a variety of styles. Not just singers. Burlesque and lip-sync as well.
It is impossible to predict, but what do you think will Bush’s future hold? A new album perhaps?!
My greatest wish, and I think for most fans, is new music, yes please Kate. A brand-new album.
Finally, and for being a good sport, you can choose any Kate Bush song you like and I will play it here.
That's tricky, but today I pick... Joanni