Kate Bush announces Record Store Day ambassador role – and collectible vinyl

Kate Bush has been announced as the official ambassador for this year’s Record Store Day – and is set to release a special edition single.

The annual event, which started in 2007, aims to celebrate vinyl and highlight the work and culture of record shops across the UK.

Bush, whose famous 1985 track Running Up That Hill topped the charts for the first time in 2022 thanks to its inclusion in the hit sci-fi series Stranger Things, follows in the footsteps of the likes of Noel Gallagher, Taylor Swift and Sir Elton John in becoming an ambassador.

The 65-year-old will release a special 10″ Record Store Day edition of Eat The Music – originally scheduled to be the first release from her 1993 album Red Shoes, but cancelled in favour of Rubberband Girl – which is set to be a sought-after collectible by her fans.

“Isn’t it great to see how the resurgence in vinyl has taken the music industry by complete surprise?” Bush said. “It had decided to leave vinyl far behind, but it would seem that not everyone agrees! I love that!

“I know there are many, many artists who are just as excited to see the audience turning the tide. In the same way that some people like to read a book on Kindle but also want to have a book as a physical object, a lot of people like vinyl and streaming. Both have different appeals…

“An album on vinyl is a beautiful thing, given a strong identity by its large-scale artwork. There’s a much more personal connection with the artist and their work.”

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More than 270 small and independent record shops are set to take part in this year’s Record Store Day on 20 April.

Special vinyl releases will be made exclusively for the day and many shops host performances and events to mark the occasion.

Referencing on of Bush’s songs, Natasha Youngs, of Resident Music in Brighton, said: “To have such an inspirational, cloudbusting and resolutely independent artist championing this event is a huge honour.

“Especially one who has very much carved her own path throughout her considerable career while completely understanding the value of authenticity and independence is hugely appreciated by the record shop community. We can’t wait for Kate to be a part of our day.”