Kate Bush - Live at the Hammersmith Odeon (1979)

Such a frustrating disappointment

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I was at this gig with my teenage sister, and it remains one of our great musical memories. Looking back, it seems that Kate was trying something possibly new in rock concertry at that time - not just a gig with a band playing all her hits etc, but a full-on visual extravaganza. In this she was years ahead of the kind of show we see at stadia nowadays, led by Madonna, Beyonce etc. However, where Bush was different was that you felt it was more like an artwork than an all-singing, all-dancing musical show - rather akin to the offbeat videos she made of her songs, early technology but intelligent and creative. I believe Bowie also flirted with this idea in his gigs - I remember one where he showed the surrealist film Un Chien Andalou instead of having a support band - but apart from his costumes his concerts were more conventional. Of course, the times rather limited the special effects available to Kate at Hammersmith Odeon, but even now you can feel the ambition of the designers of the gig. Thank god someone thought to capture this moment on video, but alas at time of writing it's not available on DVD.

I never understood how some bands can be so huge overseas and virtually unheard of in the US. Kate Bush (along with Ultravox and many, many more) leads the pack.If you've never heard of Kate Bush, rent this video first. It served as my introduction to Kate Bush way back in the early 80's. I had only vaguely heard of her and and that point, all I really knew was that she wrote a song (Wuthering Heights) that Pat Benatar covered (and badly, I might add). On a gamble, I rented the video and have been mesmerized ever since.The film documents Kate's early live show and really gives you an idea of what a complete artist she really is. Through many costume changes and a wide array of dance choreography is her music threading the pieces seamlessly together. It's enjoyable from start to finish.Although it's a shame this live show never made it to the US, I'm happy it's still available on video. Maybe one day we can get it on DVD, too?

This video demonstrates the gulf in talent between Kate and the new generation of artists today. The modern corporate approach is to pick out a kid with the whitest teeth, apply make-up, designer trousers from Burtons, splash on some Hai Karate and a backing track and BINGO the newest karaoke dance troupe hits the charts. Kate served an apprenticeship with EMI after being brought to their attention by Dave Gilmour, where she refined her musical and artistic talents. This video shows the complete performance where, uniquely, the audience doesn't just experience her songs, but also her dance and theatrical expression. Absolutely superb and sadly a one off. Still the video is available for those of us too young to have gone!