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Post by Adey on Jan 20, 2005 23:33:54 GMT
Welcome to our Forum Leon, nice to see you.
Your 1st post was perhaps a little light on detail, no doubt this will change!
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Post by Leon on Jan 20, 2005 23:52:52 GMT
sorry about that.the page posted before I could paste the text in.Below is the accounting of the event as it actually happened.
Going Full Circle With Kate
In 1986 at 3:00 am I was first exposed to the “Cloudbusting” video of Kate Bush. I had just gotten home from a gig and turned on the TV to unwind and there was this video about Cloudbusting. Being that I am very interested in UFOlogy and related subject matter, I was very familiar with Wilhelm Reich and all his experiments with the weather changing machine and all the UFO activity going on around it. So I said to myself “uh oh what’s this then someone is writing tunes and doing videos about Reich?” At that point I became so enthralled with Kate Bush that the next day I went out and bought “The Hounds Of Love” album wore that out and went backwards and listened to all the older stuff and got anything I could find including the English imports of tunes and albums that weren’t readily available. I had basically fallen off the deep end. I had become a hopeless fan of hers, constantly looking for anything that came to light on her, books, pictures, etc. Fast forward to November 1996 ten years later and three years after “The Red Shoes” had come and gone. I was reading the LA Weekly which is the free local paper of all the goings on in Los Angeles, Oh did I mention that is where I live? Actually in the Santa Monica Beach area. Anyway, I noticed that there was going to be a lecture the following week in Venice Beach, a neighboring art community about a mile south of Santa Monica called “ A Tour Of Orgonon” featuring Peter Reich, MD the son of Wilhelm Reich. Upon reading that I said well that is definitely a must do. How cool is that to be able to listen to Peter Reich talk about his experiences with his father and hopefully be able to ask him some questions regarding that. I wound up getting there late because my girlfriend at the time was always running late or sometimes not even showing up at all. So I said later for her and got down to the lecture hall and walked in as they where screening the Cloudbusting video, how synchronistic was that? As the lights came up I looked around the room and noticed a women sitting in the back of the room who bore an uncanny resemblance to Kate Bush. I thought to myself wow that is just amazing I must talk to her about that when the lecture is over. At that point Peter Reich was discussing the video and mentioned Kate’s name in a third party reference and he and her did a little recognition head nod and at that moment I realized that in fact it was Kate Bush not just a look alike. My heart began pounding so hard in my chest that I thought I was going to drop over at any moment. I would sometimes fantasize that I would go to London and maybe run into her there, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would find her in my own backyard especially with all here purported fear of flying issues. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her and from that point on I didn’t hear a thing Peter Reich said .
The lecture finally came to an end and as the people where walking out she passed me and I said to her in what I thought was my most understated way “Hi, I couldn’t help but notice you” thinking that I didn’t want to be too obvious a fan falling all over myself and she gave me an unsure smile as she walked into the other room to use the telephone. I patiently waited for her to finish her phone call and walked up to her and asked if she would sign my invite and she smiled and said "surely what’s your name?" She signed “ To Leon with love Kate bush xx."It turned out that her phone conversation was with the local cab company to send over a cab to take her back to her hotel, so she had nothing to do until it arrived. I had her all to myself. Everyone else in the room except for Peter Reich and the people who put on the lecture had no idea who she was as her name tag said Mrs. Light. I told her I was a musician and a big fan and I began asking her questions about technical things to put the conversation on a more professional level such as what kind of equipment she had in her home studio. She told me she was using an SSL recording console but was getting ready to change over to an automated one as that would help move things along faster production wise. I then asked her if she was cutting any new material and she answered “I’m trying to but life keeps getting in the way” At that point I said to her I know it’s a long shot but I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask, (as I handed her my business card) if I can ever help you out with some guitar work please get in touch. She smiled and commented that she really liked the GuitarFace logo on my card. I asked her what she was doing in L.A. and she said that she was here for business meetings with some record label people. The conversation turned towards the esoteric as I then told her about a radio show (Art Bell Coast To Coast) that she should listen to when she got back to her room because they discuss things of a metaphysical nature and she was very interest in that. Then we discussed a few cosmic events that where going on at that time. One of them was a giant comet that was on it’s way towards us. Then we touch on Astrology briefly. All the while she was incredibly sweet and sincere, real and quite humble. An absolute joy to talk with. At one point she offered me a piece of Juicy Fruit chewing gum of which I still have half of. She was dressed in sort of black loose fitting sport pants, a black turtleneck sweater, a black blazer with a trendy military trim and some black and white thick souled tennis sneakers. Her hair at that time was not cut in bangs and was one length parted in the middle framing her face and almost to her waist in back. One thing that I did notice that you don’t see in photos of her face is that she has a large dimple on her left check bone that looks like a slit that runs horizontal and winks at you when she smiles and talks, quite charming. We talked for nearly a half hour just casually leaning up against a wall as one would do at a party with some friends. I asked her where she was staying and she mentioned the name of the hotel and I said “wow that’s just around the corner from where I live, I know you don’t know me from Adam but I would be honored to give you a lift back to the hotel,” and she looked at me and cautiously said “it’s true I don’t know you” and I said ”I completely understand.” At that moment the cab driver came in and she said “it was very nice talking with you” and I replied “this will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life thank you so much” and as she was walking away from me I reached out to her as a parting gesture and touched her on the shoulder and felt the texture of her hair and it was incredibly smooth and soft to the touch. I finally I got around to speaking to Peter Reich and he was a very friendly and open man and delighted to talk about his father's work and his own current projects.
When I got home I walked in and looked at a promo poster I have on my wall of “The Hounds Of Love” album and broke out in hysterical laughter from the realization that I was for the last half hour talking to the person pictured on that poster. It truly had to be one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had. Right then I needed to call someone and tell them about what happened. The first person I called was my girlfriend and I told her ”boy you really blew it this time,” she too was fan of Kate. I called a few friends and rattled on like a mad man for awhile then went to bed. After my meeting with Kate, I felt as if I had what is referred to as closure. I was no longer the obsessed fan and collector of all things Kate. The circle had become complete. Ten years prior I had walked in on a video of Cloudbusting and fantasizing on meeting her, then ten years later I walk in again on a video of Cloudbusting.and a fantasy becomes a reality. It felt as if I had been guided to this meeting as some sort of reward.
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Post by Adey on Jan 21, 2005 3:31:25 GMT
A remarkable and memorable experience Leon.. Interesting isn't it, that an artist who drives us all here to distraction, can sit in a lecture hall in the US, apparently unnoticed. There are American members of the Forum here. No doubt had they been at the lecture you would have had considerable competition for Miss Bush's attention that night. You don't mention whether or not you are still a fan - I'm assuming that you are. Thank you for sharing this most interesting account with us - all such insights are more than welcome and very revealing of the real person that is Kate Bush.
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Post by Al Truest on Jan 21, 2005 5:41:21 GMT
Thank you Leon for sharing that enviable experience. Adey is correct is saying that you'd have been vying for her attention from the enlightened American fans from this forum, if we'd been so lucky. I must say, we should be quite honored that an artist of your caliber was considerate enough to share such a personal revelation. I took the liberty of reading your bio and resume from your website. (btw you need to edit your profile to correct the spelling of the link) www.leonrubenhold.com The audio intro is really quite good. Additionally, some of your working relationships have been top shelf. e.g. David Ruffin, Elton John, Little Feat etc... Adey, as a guitarist you'd be impressed with the site as well. Leon, although a U.S. resident, actually hails from Jolly ole England.... 'Hope to hear more from you sir. Also, if you don't mind, let us know how you found us and what you think of the domain.
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Post by Leon on Jan 21, 2005 6:47:28 GMT
Im so glad you all appreciated my to say the least unique experience.Next year will make ten years since it happened and it seems like yesterday. Adey,I am a fan in waiting as all of us are, but now that I now the person, it is no longer an abstract concept.. being that it is on a human level and much easier to asimilate. When I spoke to her back in 1996 she did say that she had started recording some new tracks and it was sounding good but she was revamping her studio(replacing the SSL console and such) so the studio was down at that time and I think she was on the outs with Del Palmer too and her energy was kind of scattered. I got the impression though that she was not going to take ten years to get a new product out, but as she said "life just keeps getting in the way". Al, thanks for the comments on my website,always appreciated, and thanks for pointing out my spelling error on my website link.It's amazing how many time one can type something like your name and not see an error. btw Al ,speaking of spelling, gee golly I thought the spelling of jolly as in old England was spelled with a J ;-). Im getting the impression that this website is based in the UK? So far Im getting the feeling you are all nice people here and the only one I could find that has this kind of forum.I found the site on a search engine that I like to use as an alternative to Google it's call Vivisimo.com check it out sometime it does searches in cluster groups instead of one long list like google. bye for now,Leon
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RA
Reaching Out
Posts: 216
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Post by RA on Jan 21, 2005 8:54:19 GMT
Hello Leon
Laura here and yes, I'm from Jolly olde England - fa la la.
I really enjoyed reading your account of meeting Kate, and I do remember that dimple when I saw her on TV years back being interview (think it was kids morning TV?). I truely think that sometimes these things 'are meant to be' and I have had a similar occurence with another that means much to me. I won't go into that here but will private message you (as it may be a bore to others).
I can see that this brought you closure and a kind of peace, but into it that this does not mean you are any less of a fan, just that an earthly bond has been formed and that lasts a life-time. The search is over?
Have I got that vibe right?
Enjoy the music - I'm enjoying your website.
RA
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Post by Adey on Jan 21, 2005 11:57:04 GMT
It was remiss of me Leon not to have noticed your website link. Normally, I check these things out whenever I see a new member on the Forum. On this occasion I was in a hurry to review posts and post a comment about George Bush, so I missed it. I've since been back and accessed the site - you are clearly a talented guitar player. As a classical guitarist by training I took up the electric way too late. I thought it would be a breeze, but it wasn't. Nevertheless, I struggle on.. (You may care to peruse the songs on my own website, though the guitar on these is mostly played by my collaborator.) The forum was founded by Lori, from the north of England, who has worked hard on it I must say. She no doubt will point to the membership as one of the reasons for it's success. You've met Al Truest (at least in cyberspace) - he is one of several American members here who all know their Kate stuff. I recall Kate's dimple very well having met her on 2 occasions myself, 'though it has to be said that these were unsubstantial meetings and of little consequence. I really do hope you'll stay for a while and look around - Kate is what brings us together but we discuss matters of art & philosophy also..
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Post by Al Truest on Jan 21, 2005 13:38:56 GMT
It's amazing how many time one can type something like your name and not see an error. btw Al ,speaking of spelling, gee golly I thought the spelling of jolly as in old England was spelled with a J ;-). What's wrong with Golly Olde England? I sometimes post as an alterego named SvenGolly. I juess it was gust a slip of the finger. p.s. It would be remiss of me not to post Adey's website as well. Another testament to the talent that this forum is blessed with. www.corbentheatre.com
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Post by Xanadu on Jan 21, 2005 20:29:58 GMT
I was reading the LA Weekly which is the free local paper of all the goings on in Los Angeles, Oh did I mention that is where I live? Actually in the Santa Monica Beach area. We're nearly neighbors! Well, if you're still in CA. That was nearly 10 years ago. That's an incredible story Leon, thanks for sharing it. Wouldn't we all like to have experiences like that? I've met a few celebrities in my life, but I'm not usually a fan. Why don't I ever run into someone I'd like to talk to. Is Cloudbusting your favorite song Leon? Or is that a silly question? ;D
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Post by Leon on Jan 22, 2005 19:00:43 GMT
Hi Xanadu, yes I am still here in Santa Monica Ca. Are you in LA specifically or CA? With a repotoire as vast a KT's it would be impossible to say which is my favorite song but "Hello Earth" comes to mind as one of her standout tunes for me.I was wondering if anyone on the site knows who wrote the section in "Hello Earth" where the male voices come in. When I first heard it i didn'at think it was here composition. A few years ago I was watching the film "Nosferatu" the remake of the silent classic film and in the scene where the city of Amsterdam is overun with the rats from the Vampire's ship and the plague sets in they used that same piece with the male voices but it was a different version.Being that the film came out years before Hounds Of Love was released it was obvious that it was some classic piece.does anyone have any ideas on it? thanks,Leon
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RA
Reaching Out
Posts: 216
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Post by RA on Jan 23, 2005 0:30:43 GMT
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Sven Golly
Moving
"In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be"
Posts: 800
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Post by Sven Golly on Jan 23, 2005 0:41:36 GMT
Thanks! I have visited that site often, but had overlooked the page you've linked.
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Post by Adey on Jan 23, 2005 3:37:25 GMT
I've been to this strangely titled site before and had also missed this wonderful & informative piece by Kate. She is very candid about the Ninth Wave, speaking with a rare clarity about her lyrics, methods, music and intentions in the piece. Everyone here should read it. Great find RA!
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Post by Leon on Jan 24, 2005 2:25:25 GMT
Hi RA, thanks for the reference of the link for kate's comments on Hounds of Love. Great insights on her creation. The quote below says, When I first wrote "Hello Earth" I was very much inspired by a male choir that I'd heard in Herzog's film "Nosferatu" and although the versus are a very different piece.... She does qualify that it's not hers but it stil doesn't explains who's it is? ???there is no credit on the liner notes of the album either. anyone got any comments on it? Thanks, Leon
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RA
Reaching Out
Posts: 216
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Post by RA on Jan 24, 2005 7:42:33 GMT
I have to get off to work, but may be able to find something later from my archives. This makes interesting reading for now.........
Bush, Kate: "Breathing", about breathing the fallout following a nuclear blast, (supposed to be sung by an unborn child) is from "Never For Ever", and "Experiment IV" from "The Whole Story" about designing a sound that can kill. "Cloudbusting" is about a boy (played by Kate in the video) whose father builds a rain-making machine and is kidnapped by the government.
(This song was inspired by Peter Reich's "The Book of Dreams". The lines "I hid my Yo-yo/In the garden/ what made it special/made it dangerous" is a reference to the fact that the rainmaking energy was inhibited by radiation, so Peter's father made him throw away his yo-yo. Peter buried it in the garden instead. -- Theo O'Neal)
(Peter Reich's father, Wilhelm Reich, was actually a 'scientist' (regard the quotes) who did research in 'orgone energy'. Don't ask me seriously what 'orgone energy' should be, but one of it's abilities should have been to make it rain. The story behind that is not sci-fi at all, it is true life (more or less). Wilhelm Reich was actually arrested by the government and died in prison, something the nine (or so) year old Peter couldn't comprehend as a child. Peter later wrote 'a book of dreams' to cope with that experience. -- Ulrich Grepel )
See also "Hammer Horror" from "Lionheart", a throwback to the horror films of the 60's. "Deeper Understanding" from "The Sensual World" is about computer addiction. "Hello Earth" from "Hounds of Love" refers to an astronaut viewing the earth from his spaceship. KB also covered Elton John's "Rocket Man".
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