SINCE its premiere on Netflix last week, the fourth season of Stranger Things has brought back to the charts the music of Kate Bush, specifically the track Running Up That Hill.
Bush, who is famously private, last performed a series of concerts in London in 2014, where the song was featured on the setlist. She has now issued a statement on her official website celebrating Running Up That Hill and its newfound (rediscovered?) fame.
“You might’ve heard that the first part of the fantastic, gripping new series of Stranger Things has recently been released on Netflix,” she wrote. “It features the song Running Up That Hill which is being given a whole new lease of life by the young fans who love the show – I love it too!
“Because of this, Running Up That Hill is charting around the world and has entered the UK chart at number eight. It’s all really exciting!”
“Thanks very much to everyone who has supported the song. I wait with bated breath for the rest of the series in July.”
The song features in a scene from the first episode of the new season, in which the character Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, listens to the song on her Walkman.
Running Up That Hill was the first single from the album Hounds Of Love in 1985, and peaked at number three during its initial release.
In 2012, a re-recorded version was included in the London Olympics closing ceremony, and later released as a single, which also reached number six in the UK charts.
Bush is often reluctant to allow her music to be featured in films or TV shows, but gave permission to Stranger Things as she was apparently a fan.
Stranger Things is among money things, a celebration of 80s pop culture, so the song’s inclusion on the show shouldn’t be a surprise.
Since the release of season four, Running Up That Hill isn't the only Kate Bush song that has enjoyed a boost, as listeners appear to be delving into her entire back catalogue. According to Spotify, global streams of the artist's full catalogue are up 1,600%. – The Vibes, June 6, 2022
