Singer Kate Bush is making headlines before even stepping on stage for the first time in a long while thanks to her unusual requests.
It’s not a huge rider or diva style dressing room demands that have the media buzzing, but a polite yet controversial request for fans not to take photographs or even use mobile devices at her series of 22 upcoming London dates.
The singer said on her website: “It would mean a great deal to me if you would please refrain from taking photos or filming during the shows.”
“I very much want to have contact with you as an audience, not with iPhones, iPads or cameras.”
She conceded that: “I know it’s a lot to ask but it would allow us to all share in the experience together.”
The singer emphasised the fact that she had elected to do a long series of concerts in a relatively small venue, The Hammersmith Appollo, rather than a concert or two in a large stadium, in order to be close to the audience.
There has been some backlash from fans but also many statements of support.
Paying to go and see one of your heroes on stage and then watching the concert through a mobile phone is something that many choose to do but something that baffles others.
The Who’s Roger Daltrey has expressed his confusion at the phenomenon, stating that if you’re viewing the event through your phone you’re only 50 per cent there.