Kate Bush Shatters U.K. Records as ‘Running Up That Hill’ Reaches No. 1

Kate Bush has run a U.K. chart race like no other artist, as “Running Up That Hill” (via Fish People) completes its coronation 37 years after release.

The veteran English singer’s 1985 hit lifts 2-1, powered by its use in season four of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things.

“I’m overwhelmed by the scale of affection and support the song is receiving and it’s all happening really fast, as if it’s being driven along by a kind of elemental force,” Bush comments on her official website.

” I have to say that I am moved by this whole experience. Thank you so much for making this song a No. “1 in an unexpected way.”

According to the Official Charts Company “Running” has three new marks.

The Hounds of Love track boasts the longest-ever gap between No. 1 singles in Official Chart history, with 44 years separating her 1978 career-launching leader “Wuthering Heights” and “Running Up That Hill,” which tops the chart for the week starting June 17.

The previous record holder was Tom Jones and the 42-year gap between “Green Green Grass of Home” and charity single “(Barry) Islands in the Stream.”

Bush also holds the record for the longest time it takes for a single to reach No. 1 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, besting Wham’s seasonal favorite “Last Christmas,” which completed a 36-year run to the top at the turn of 2021.

Also, Bush becomes the oldest female artist ever to lead the Official U.K. Singles Chart, at 63 years and 11 months. With that feat, she eclipses Cher, who was 52 when “Believe” topped the survey in 1998.

“It’s been amazing to see the legendary Kate Bush climb up the Official Singles Chart with “Running Up That Hill” – and to witness her break a number of records along the way,” says Martin Talbot, CEO at the OCC. “The way that a new generation has taken her classic song to their hearts really cements Kate’s place as an all-time greatest, .”

Elsewhere, “Running Up That Hill” locks-up a second consecutive week atop the ARIA Singles Chart, and it’s climbing in the U.S., rising 8-4 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a new career peak.

Get weekly updates straight to your inbox

Subscribe