1978: KATE BUSH answers viewers' questions | Ask Aspel | Classic BBC Music | BBC Archive

Kate Bush, the prodigiously talented young singer, songwriter and dancer, answers questions from viewers and host Michael Aspel on a wide variety of topics.
What was the inspiration behind her debut single, Wuthering Heights? Did she find it difficult to sing in such a high register? Has having a number 1 single changed her life? When did she first start to sing and write? Does she get nervous before live performances? When is her second album coming out? What will her live show be like? Does she plan to break out into film or theatre in future? And finally, how does she get her hair to look like that?
*There is a persistent audio tone throughout this interview, unfortunately it is on the original recording and cannot be removed*
Originally broadcast 5 September, 1978.
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[@DarthMacchio]

I don't throw this word around lightly, but I believe Kate Bush is a genius and deserves the title.

[@JamoRox75]

yeah. an actual genius right?

[@AliB-cf3bq]

Totally agree!

[@Ch69ad]

Wildly gifted

[@Hysteria98]

It's hard not to still idolise her and everything she has achieved. Just a wonderful talent and exceptionally decent human being.

[@oneoflokis]

Nice singer, nice interview! 🙂

[@cjeff3549]

She is utterly enchanting

[@LFOVCF]

Michael was always polite, natural, and even though i dislike the word..wholesome. You can see how relaxed she is here, and that is down to his natural manner.

[@Derry_Aire]

Yet he seemed like a sex pest on Give Us A Clue.

[@hamishanderson6738]

2 lovely people.

[@johnmc3862]

Lol, she was always a pro.

[@AD-kv9kj]

She was constantly giving him lingering looks and bedroom eyes.

[@cloerenjackson3699]

Well, it's also down to how he isn't perving over her, like Parkinson did with his guests, and he isn't trying to get a date with her. He's asking good interview questions.

[@armchairdetective520]

God she is gorgeous

[@billwellington4339]

Met her once in a Petrol station....I was a gibbering wreck....so in awe..

[@Hawthorne-Studios]

lololol. What motor was she driving? An MG perhaps?

[@grinsko6741]

What octane fuel did she use?

[@waylobeat]

tell us which specific Petrol station. I want to listen to Wuthering Heights while im pouring gasoline into my mouth.

[@bushmonster1702]

@@Hawthorne-Studios A Lex I bet. The Lex files.

[@VicFlange]

Kate Bush makes me proud to be English.

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

I couldn’t agree more

[@SlieveLeague1]

Half Irish. Just sayin'.

[@rickykingi5191]

The poms are one of the best singers in the world 👌

[@waylobeat]

Kate Bush makes me proud to be a human. I never wanted to be a human, until I discovered KB and her entrancing nature. She fills my void.

[@waylobeat]

Kate Bush makes me proud to be a european. I never wanted to be a european, until I discovered KB and her entrancing nature. She fills my void.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Kate is such a rare talent. Completely original and authentic artist. And on top of that seems to be a humble & down-to-earth person. I'm always so grateful for her music existing.

[@RestWithin]

She’s so articulate and mature for a 20 year old. Incredible talent and hard work.

[@waylobeat]

she my Queen on god, no kizzo.

[@chelseapoet3664]

I can't think of anyone who combined such beauty with such genius. I will always be a little in love with Kate.

[@VideoAssociates]

kate is so mature for her age at the time

[@leod-sigefast]

Kate is so adorable! Cute, shy, but super articulate and self-assured...and a unique artistic genius. She is truly a national treasure. Thanks for the music and thanks ST for reminding me of her.

[@goldilocks913]

Everything that was good and magical about the 70’s is present in this video. Thank you so much for this! I named my daughter after Kate 😊

[@gerardjames9971]

What a brilliant interview. Real chemistry there between two genuine people. Kate Bush is simply wonderful, the greatest female singer songwriter of all time ♥️

[@jamesheath7601]

She’s beautiful

[@waylobeat]

Kate Bush here, thank you.

[@GrahamsYouTube]

When songwriters were storytellers, and of course Kate is a pure genius

[@nick78447]

My God she's brilliant. Love to you, Kate. xx

[@adamwebbartistwriterwebb7760]

She’s a genius

[@lundsweden]

I remember being 5 years old when I heard Wuthering Heights, was blown away and even then realised Kate Bush was a very unique and interesting singer and songwriter!

[@breakingaustin]

She is insanely beautiful.. I can't get her out of my head lol

[@gothgurl81]

That Cameron person must feel special, because she actually looked at the camera and said his name and gave a good explaination as to why the fan club is running so late. So many letters back then. I wish I was thought of in 1979, but I was born in 1981 in the US, and found out about Kate in 1993, when I was 12. Saw her 'Rubberband Girl' video and was hooked.

[@blxtothis]

Interviews like this, although somewhat old fashioned seem charming now. Aspen is a comforting ‘Dad’ figure but the young Kate comes across so brilliantly and as we know, she is just that, utterly brilliant!

[@soupdragon151]

Ask Aspel was a programme aimed at kids that aired on saturday morning iirc

[@caprise-music6722]

@@soupdragon151 toddlers?

[@aceventurapetdetective2356]

We'll never see another kate in our lifetime. Thanks for all you have done.

[@mwmingram]

Michael Aspel - very nice, cool guy. Strikes a good balance.

[@garycorbett8250]

Isn’t she just the most amazingly warm women, I hope she is still as wonderful today as she was when this was filmed.

[@CycloneCordVHS]

she is

[@22Phantasm]

I fell in love with Kate after I bought Lionheart. A vision of beauty but also a master of her craft. I wasn't wrong. And after watching this interview I've fallen for Kate all over again.

[@KingKenny.]

She was absolutely stunning back in the day !!!

[@stephenbrown9977]

And she still is

[@g0balot]

I was lucky enough to see her live twice on her original kick inside tour. I was a teenager but absolutely enthralled by her and her music. A rare talent indeed but I think that in the modern era we are lucky enough to have a similarly innovative and humble talent emerging with Aurora. She reminds me of Kate Bush with her personality and originality. Her recording company turns her stuff to largely trash but her live sets are on the same level of genius as Kate Bush.

[@minigrande1939]

Her innocence reminds me of Amy Whitehouses first interviews. The humble raw talent the shyness

[@brookegoslin]

It’s Amy Winehouse not Whitehouse !?

[@satsumamoon]

I though it was Amy crackhouse?

[@servalan65]

A glorious artist. Adore her completely.

[@openureyes]

She's the real deal what an amazing woman and musician

[@Eddison548]

Thank you Kate for making my early years so memorable with your music

[@bnlang898]

she's so lovely

[@Bullet_Baxter]

She's so humble. Also my wife has hair like Kate's after she's blow-dried it lol. I call her Kate when she does it. But then she straightens it !

[@MissFeline]

Love the comment😂 I can relate, then I straighten it too😂

[@Hawthorne-Studios]

lol.

[@danielcollinson4456]

She was a beauty! 😍

[@andrewharris8439]

Such an old school pleasant interview

[@MartinAhlman]

Such a great talent, amazingly intelligent, wonderful creator, and an inspiration for me to write my music. I don't thing she knows the way she influenced everyone around the world. I'm still nervous in front of an audience, but Kate Bush makes me do it.

[@djtricks1]

As long as i live on this planet, i won't forget (Dame) Kate Bush, appearance on Top of The pops , i was aged 11 years old,didn't know whether to cry or smile.. she touched my soul ✨, i was brought up on music all day long,mainly Soul (motown),Calypso & Reggae !! I begged my mum to buy at Woolworths 'Wuthering Heights'(she did😘)Kates voice ..so original , the rest is history! Thank you Kate ..you are the WoW factor :) ..Bless! x💚x

[@johncronin1082]

shes absolutely captivating

[@805HOTNESS]

one of my favorite kb interviews. she’s a natural, and was born to do all that she has done. one of the most important influence in music, and entertainment without a doubt!!!

[@hoebywan]

I was 6 or 7 when I first discovered Kate. Her singing Wuthering Heights had such an impact. Only now do I realise that image of her imprinted so hard that she likely became the blueprint for what I found attractive in a woman for years to come.

[@stupidhandles]

The greatest contemporary song writer. Beyond magical

[@garypeatling7927]

Something strange Joni Mitchell then Kate Bush no one since anywhere near these two geniuses

[@isobeljames1328]

Producer

[@paulrichie3319]

She's cute cute cute xoox

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

You said it already.

[@Mr223P]

Fantastic... what an absolute treasure trove the BBC has to share with us. Looking forward to seeing what they unearth. Brilliant natural relaxed interview.

[@Ricksta66]

One word that's all I've got to say...... BRILLIANT 👍

[@robertjanko6709]

If there are fairies in this world, Kate definitely has a lot of their genes. Greets from a german fan

[@richhughes7450]

I was only about 9 when I first seen her and thought wow.... And still do.

[@zanyzoo6767]

One of the last musicians to grow up on vinyl. From a young woman to a mother. You wont get this so much nowadays , which is sad. Today it about the bucks , not the notes.

[@TheHarrip]

Absolute treasure.

[@tinman7551]

Ask Appel. Wow.. now this takes me back. What an astonishing channel, I’m really looking forward to taking many more journeys though my childhood. How utterly wonderful 🥰😍❤️ thank you for this.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Appel?

[@lucius4556]

No hint of smut from him either,unlike some other presenters of that era.

[@kevinmassey7675]

@@lucius4556 or now

[@lucius4556]

@@kevinmassey7675 Who were you thinking of ?

[@kevinmassey7675]

@@lucius4556 the way of being directly disrespectful and coarse rather than "smutty", now is to take on a persona and everything seems acceptable.....Keith Lemon for instance? .......I've heard others , but don't know , and don't want to know their names........oh , Walliams ?

[@rossco171]

Used to love Ask Aspel, and Screen Test with Michael Rodd. Great interview, Aspel was class.

[@Oldfogey2014]

I remember watching this as a child….wow…great memories.

[@djizzah]

Very original artist

[@raycornford283]

Ah, the days of letters and Fan Clubs! One of the most impressive things about Kate is that she has stayed like ''the girl next door'' - humble, genuine and unaffected by fame.

[@Toastrackman]

Kate is an Amazing lady, and gifted singer, as well as being beautiful then and now. 😍

[@finnmanproductions9240]

Haven’t seen this before. Interesting interview. Kate seems much older than 20 here.

[@evaneoton]

❤️❤️❤️ princess Kate ❤️❤️❤️

[@faddy24]

An adorable musical genius.

[@sandrolobo]

Kate is amazing and has many lovers and admirers here in Brasil

[@johnfoley9031]

What a talent.

[@williamrubinstein3442]

A genuine original.

[@jpcoll2011]

Fond memories of when the BBC was a world class broadcaster

[@natmanprime4295]

Lol these were the days when savile was RAMPANT

[@jpcoll2011]

@@natmanprime4295 Yes indeed

[@soupdragon151]

Those were teh days, now they're just a pile of crap.

[@grinsko6741]

@@natmanprime4295Jimmy So Vile.

[@kelvinize]

Watching her speaking is so delightful. The way she pronounces the words is Britisher than normal. They could put her on the new Harry Portter series or something, I am sure she'd be a great actress.

[@jasonloader8149]

Genuine genius.

[@DavidTraynier]

Such a rare talent and a remarkable canon.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

My first crush as a young boy ☺️

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

Still my crush as an old man

[@mariolopez.photographer]

Wow... Just beautiful and amazing!!! Love her immensely..

[@onlyme219]

What a grown-up head on such a young lady at the time. She has such a nice natural smile, and of course, being a now much deserved musical legend

[@haroldofcardboard]

omg. id completely forgotten about ask aspel. and what a great episode to be reminded with. kate bush was amazing. overnight national icon. incredible to think she is only 20 here so mature. these days many people perceive 20 still as kids.

[@SouzaPedro]

I love her smile!!❤

[@charliehudson9827]

I'm so glad to be able to hear her music. The tv show stranger things has gave her music a new life.

[@howareyou857]

That was a wonderful interview

[@stephenbrown9977]

She is enchanting and magnetic

[@stephenphillips4609]

I remember this!!!! I saw it when it was broadcast!!

[@soupdragon151]

I think I remember it too, so long ago its very hazy indeed

[@techElephant]

Aw,... Kate just comes across as being so lovely.

[@kenpudsey6435]

A very humble lady..with brilliant talent!

[@marje8249]

National treasure, totally unique and wonderful 💐💕

[@christopher_ecclestone]

Yeah, Aspel was great!

[@kevrussell5972]

I had a poster of her on my bedroom wall right next to my pillow when I was at school she was lovely my first crush

[@grinsko6741]

The famous (or infamous) poster!

[@FurQ69]

What a wonderful woman !!

[@Vinesy68]

Lovely interview but what is that terrible buzzing? I love Kate and spent a fortune seeing her because I have always loved her!

[@rickykingi5191]

Far out she’s actually very mature at 20 years of age.. love the way she speaks her English is perfect 👌

[@clivesilk3501]

shes gorgeous !!! very talanred singer and dancer

[@joeebloggs6356]

What a lovely lady.

[@Ocean-Mariner]

Wow, what a beautiful woman.

[@halloweenjack2562]

Precious! Watched this when it was first broadcast, at 16 and a quarter years of age. Loved her music from the start, and still do. Where are all the innovative, culture shock/changing artists nowadays?? Perhaps they're there somewhere (I'm sure they are, the world is just a bigger place nowadays), I'm just not looking as hard as I used to do when the next great record was going to change our lives....? Or perhaps the changes are more subtle these days.

[@the_best_of_times]

Aspel - "You've got 10 O Levels!" If i ever meet Kate I'm going to go with that.

[@leestephenson7042]

What a lovely interview. Kate Bush is fantastic.

[@brucedowney9164]

How fantastic to here Kate what a legend 🤗

[@kevinmassey7675]

I always thought of Kate Bush and David Bowie as being pioneers of a type of performance artist to accompany their boundary pushing music ....From this , I learn their common denominator is a love of Lindsey Kemp

[@nickjames4497]

I remember seeing Kate singing with Peter Gabriel in 1987 … wonderful ….

[@Edmond347]

Speechless.

[@veep2240]

Absolutely love it! 😍❤️ I remember watching it, in the day!! 🥰

[@MadchenLear]

She's so perfect 😭❤️

[@langdale55]

Beautiful.

[@pippawalker]

What an extraordinarily respectful interview.

[@thomasm1964]

Kate is 20 here. She is articulate and intelligent and does not employ that horrible “like” every three words which so afflicts the unintelligent, Ill-educated, uninformed youth of today. Like, know, like, what I mean, like?

[@rogerbranton7596]

To state the obvious, she's lovely! (then & now)

[@dadler9705]

I love this lady, she's an angel on Earth ❤

[@grinsko6741]

So articulate, and so humble.

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

5:10 Loved her when she appeared as "The Bride" in The Comic Strip Presents...

[@mikeward1337]

Wow, just wow..

[@pablovanwetten]

I just want to say that Kate Bush has always been one of my most treasured mentors. I am a singer and a filmmaker, Kate has been doing those things on the highest level possible, always searching for truth trough poetic expression, physical expression, humanity and fantasy. I am very grateful for the spark she has always given me. Together with Billie Holliday, P.J. Harvey (there are other too) she is one of the artists I always return to, fall all over in love with again and again. I am just so in debt to her but at the same time I am not, she is passing on the universal love trough creativity and I will simply pass on the very same flame. I am just so incredibly moved by her but also by, well, the love itself... Words defy me... Finally I wil just say that listening to her music, listening to her words and watching her video's (for which she does not get enough credit, my favorite ones are directed by Kate herself and are among the best short films I have ever seen in my life and thats coming from a bonafide movie-buff) makes me want to be be a more honest artist and even, more importantly, a better person. Sincerely.