Mancunians looking forward to seeing Kate Bush in concert were dealt a double-blow this morning after tickets sold out in less than 15 minutes.
This comes only a week after many were disappointed that the superstar’s first shows in over 30 years would not feature a Manchester date.
Diehard fans of the Wuthering Heights singer had to be prepared to travel 200 miles if they wanted to catch her at one of the 22 announced dates in London.
After a rapid storm for tickets, those from the UK’s second city took to social networking to voice their anger with the musician.
Anne Morgan, a lifelong fanatic from Ashton-under-Lyne, said the Bush fiasco was just another example of Manchester missing out.
The 37-year-old said: “It’s not just Kate Bush, I think the whole music industry is going mental.
“You have to either travel to London to see your favourite acts or spend over £80 for tickets.”
Mrs Morgan, who is a mother, priced-up the train journey and accommodation to see her idol but ultimately found it too steep a cost to pay.
She told MM: “Manchester is just as nice as London and cheaper.
“And, at the end of the day, Kate Bush is a national treasure – not just London’s.”
Reclusive Kate’s last live performance was in 1979 and since then she has shied away from the spotlight despite releasing a string of successful albums from within the shadows.
The announcement that she was returning to the stage generated a worldwide buzz with people anxious to obtain tickets for what were always destined to be sell-out shows.
Event organisers at Islington Mill in Salford responded to the news by scheduling a Kate Bush disco that will be held tomorrow night.
Rivca Burns, who works for the venue, explained the event gives those who love the female vocalist a chance to let off some steam.
She said: “We were very aware that tickets were going to sell out very quickly so we wanted to set up a night where people could celebrate or commiserate the chance to see her.
“There’s obviously going to be a mix of people there with tickets and without, but when all is said and done it’s there for the masses to enjoy.”
During her last tour, a young Kate wowed Manchester audiences at the Apollo with her breakthrough hits that she penned aged just 19.
The singer- songwriter then left fans waiting for three decades before announcing an encore at the age of 55.
For a select few fans that were lucky enough to get tickets, the gigs will mark the second time they get to see the star.
One devotee who managed to secure tickets for the upcoming summer shows is John Guy Collick.
Originally from Leeds, he vividly remembers the rare performance he attended in the 1970s.
Mr Collick said: “It really was an incredible show, more a case of the audience open-mouthed in silence for the duration than jumping up and down and whistling.
“I can’t remember one bum note or mis-step which is remarkable given the complexity of the concert.”
Mr Collick, who this morning had two laptops at the ready to assure he would attain tickets for next seasons concert, admitted the star was overdue a national tour.
He said: “It’s sad that she’s limiting herself to one venue – I’m guessing it might be because she’s planning stuff for the theatre that won’t travel.
“I think she could have done at least one more venue in the north of England – maybe Manchester again.”
