Kate Bush - Manchester 1979: The Complete Granada Broadcast - FMGZ246CD

Manchester 1979: The Complete Granada Broadcast (2CD set)

Regular: £9.99

Sale: £9.99
Regular

Out of Stock

Unit Price: per

Cat No: FMGZ246CD

PRE-ORDER: This item will be shipped with the aim to deliver on release day.

Format Details: 2CD set

Release Date: 31 October 2025

Label: FM Concerts

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 2

Barcode: 5056083215225

Genres: Pop Pop

Description
Kate Bush's performance at the Manchester Apollo in 1979 was a landmark moment in her early career, showcasing her unique artistry and theatrical flair. As part of her 'Tour of life' originally known as the 'Lionheart Tour - her first and only major tour ever - the concert captured Bush at her most daring and experimental. The setlist blended songs from her debut, The Kick Inside, with tracks from her follow up album, Lionheart, including fan favourites like "Wuthering Heights" and "Wow." Her ethereal voice, combined with elaborate choreography and striking costumes, created a mesmerising spectacle that left audiences in awe.

The Manchester Apollo show highlighted Bush's innovative approach to live performance, blending music, dance, and storytelling. She moved fluidly between piano ballads and high-energy numbers, often accompanied by intricate mime-inspired movements. The staging was minimalist yet effective, relying on dramatic lighting and Bush's magnetic presence to hold the crowd's attention. Fans were treated to an intimate yet otherworldly experience, as her performances of "Them Heavy People" and "Don't Push Your Foot on the Heartbrake" demonstrated her ability to merge pop sensibilities with avant-garde expression.

Despite the tour's critical acclaim, the gruelling schedule and Bush's perfectionism led to its abrupt end after just 24 shows. The Manchester date, like others on the tour, was a testament to her relentless creativity but also underscored the physical and emotional toll of live performance. Bush later admitted to finding the experience overwhelming, which contributed to her decision to step back from touring for decades. Yet, the 1979 concerts remain legendary, with bootleg recordings and fan recollections preserving the magic of her brief but unforgettable time on stage.

Looking back, Kate Bush's Manchester Apollo performance stands as a snapshot of a young artist pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Her willingness to combine music with theatricality paved the way for future art-pop performers, from Björk to Florence Welch. Though she rarely toured again, the Lionheart shows solidified her reputation as a visionary - one whose live performances were as bold and unconventional as her studio recordings. For those lucky enough to witness it, the Manchester concert was a fleeting glimpse into the mind of a true original.
Tracklisting