Kate Bush Sent Stranger Things Creators a Bizarre Gift After Song Revival

A mysterious gift arrived for the Duffer Brothers from music legend Kate Bush. It followed the stunning revival of her song ‘Running Up That Hill’ on their hit show, Stranger Things. The event occurred after the show’s fourth season premiered in 2022. The track experienced a massive surge in global popularity decades after its original release.

The show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, were stunned by the song’s second life. They recently shared details of the unique thank-you present from the reclusive artist. This gesture highlighted Bush’s appreciation for the series introducing her music to a new generation.

An Unforgettable Thank You From a Music Icon

The gift was far from a standard bouquet of flowers. Ross Duffer described it to The Guardian as a gilded bird cage. Inside were animatronic birds that chirped a song when wound up. He called the present very cool and completely unique.

He stated that only Kate Bush would give such a memorable gift. The present perfectly reflected her artistic and eccentric personality. It served as a physical token of her gratitude for the song’s new context. The Duffer Brothers had no expectation of such a heartfelt response from the singer.

The Unanticipated Viral Resurgence of a Classic

Neither the show’s creators nor Kate Bush predicted the song’s explosive comeback. According to Ross Duffer, they were completely surprised. They did not anticipate the track would connect so powerfully with younger audiences. The song became a central plot device for the character Max, played by Sadie Sink.

This narrative use fueled its emotional impact. The track quickly climbed to number one on music charts worldwide. It even topped the U.S. Billboard Global 200 chart. This gave Bush her first-ever number-one single in America. The success demonstrated the immense cultural power of television and streaming platforms.

The story of Kate Bush’s gift underscores how a perfect song placement can resurrect a classic. The unique present from Bush to the Duffer Brothers marks a memorable moment in pop culture history. It celebrates the unexpected bridge Stranger Things built between musical eras.

Thought you’d like to know

What song by Kate Bush was in Stranger Things?

The show featured her 1985 hit ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)’. It was used during a key scene for the character Max in season four. The song’s placement was central to the episode’s emotional climax.

How did the song perform on the charts after the show?

It soared to the number one spot on charts globally, including the Billboard Global 200. This gave Kate Bush her first number-one single in the United States. The track experienced a massive streaming increase.

Did Kate Bush approve the song’s use in Stranger Things?

Yes, the Duffer Brothers sought and received her direct permission. She is known for being very selective about licensing her music. Her approval was essential for the scene to move forward.

Was Kate Bush surprised by the song’s new success?

According to the creators, she was genuinely surprised by the viral reaction. She was particularly pleased that it resonated with a younger audience. The widespread success exceeded all expectations.