Kate Bush will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday night in Brooklyn, but she won’t be in attendance.
The 65-year-old British singer-songwriter, who is being honored alongside the late George Michael, took to her website to inform her fans of her impending absence.
She wrote, among other things: “Last year was a surprisingly successful time for my track.” [‘RUTH’] And I’m sure many of you who voted me into the RRHOF also put this track on the charts. Thank you very much!’
Then she added, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the ceremony tonight, but for me the real honor is knowing that you felt I deserved it.”
News of Kate’s Hall of Fame recognition first broke in May.
Honoree: Kate Bush will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday evening in Brooklyn, but will not be in attendance
Communication: The 65-year-old British singer-songwriter, who is being honored alongside the late George Michael, used her website to inform her fans of her impending absence
At the beginning of her note, the ’80s icon wrote, “I am completely overwhelmed by this great honor – an award that lies at the great beating heart of the American music industry.”
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I never thought I would receive this wonderful award.”
She also gushed about fellow honoree Bernie Taupin, known for his work with Elton John.
In the open letter, the music artist recalled: “When I was growing up, Elton John was my hero.” I reveled in his music, longed to be able to play the piano like him, and longed to write songs like people could move how his work touched me.’
Bush added: “This little girl in south-east London never imagined that she would be sharing tonight’s event with Bernie Taupin, Elton’s writing partner, an incredible lyricist who inspired me to keep writing songs – to keep trying .”
Showing enthusiasm and support, she shouted, “Congratulations, Bernie!” Congratulations to everyone being inducted tonight!’
Before signing off, she thanked her fans and remarked, “I’m only 5’7″ tall, but today I feel a little taller.”
Had Kate made it to the ceremony, it would have been her first public appearance since 2014.
Gratitude: At the beginning of her note, the ’80s icon wrote, “I am completely overwhelmed by this great honor – an award that lies at the great, beating heart of the American music industry.”
Inconspicuous: If Kate had made it to the ceremony, it would have been her first public appearance since 2014
Kate had already been nominated three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022, and was ultimately accepted despite not having released new music since 2011.
Last year, Kate experienced a resurgence in popularity when her song “Running Up That Hill” returned to number one after it was featured on the hit Netflix sci-fi series “Stranger Things.”
The hall praised them for “the use of lush soundscapes, radical experiments, literary themes, sampling and theatricality to captivate audiences and inspire countless musicians.”
Kate’s recording was defended by Courtney Love, who pushed back against an anonymous voter who told Vulture he knew nothing about her music.