Though Kate Bush continued to keep press appearances to a minimum throughout the 21st century, in 2016 she was driven to share her thoughts on two artists whose deaths deeply affected millions: David Bowie, who died in January of that year, and Prince (pictured), who died in April.
Bush had been a lifelong Bowie admirer, having witnessed him performing live in his seminal final concert in the guise of Ziggy Stardust, according to Mojo. Speaking to The Guardian in the aftermath of Bowie’s death, Bush praised the “Starman” singer, claiming he “had everything. He was intelligent, imaginative, brave, charismatic, cool, sexy, and truly inspirational both visually and musically.” Almost as if she were describing herself, she also described him as a quintessential English eccentric.
Similarly, Bush was quick to pay tribute to Prince, whom she had collaborated with on her 1993 album “Blood Red Shoes.” A statement published on Bush’s official website read: “He was such an inspiration. Playful and mind-blowingly gifted. He was the most inventive and extraordinary live act I’ve seen. The world has lost someone truly magical. Goodnight dear Prince” (via NME). Elsewhere, Bush praised his playfulness and sweet character, as well as his incredible productivity in contrast to the slow process of her own songwriting.