The production of the show’s final season recently wrapped, after nearly a year of filming, and is now entering its post-production phase.

Reflecting on the emotional farewell, Ross Duffer shared, “It was definitely sad. We’re not going to tell the story with these characters anymore, with that crew or those actors. We were all exhausted, but at the same time, we all had to take some time to mourn the loss of it.”

That’s a wrap on Stranger Things. See you in 2025 pic.twitter.com/29htbnDf7E

— Stranger Things (@Stranger_Things) December 20, 2024

One of the most iconic moments in the latest season was the use of Kate Bush’s 1985 classic, ‘Running Up That Hill’, which played a crucial role in the storyline of Sadie Sink’s character, Max. Trapped in a dark dimension by the villain Vecna, Max’s friends use the song to help her break free from his influence, believing her favourite music would help her escape.

The scene went viral on social media, not only for its emotional intensity but also for the creative use of a pop song to heighten tension, making it a defining moment in the series.

The impact of the scene extended beyond the show, highlighting how younger audiences are embracing the mix of older and contemporary music.

In his interview with Variety, Matt Duffer commented on this moment, stating: “You can’t really manufacture it. If you try to manufacture it, you’re almost guaranteed for it to not hit. The Kate Bush thing, I thought that episode was cool, and I love Kate Bush. But no, I wasn’t expecting it to resonate with Gen Z in a particular way. But that is one of the fun things about putting it out.”

 

 

 

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The scene also underscores the significant connection between visual storytelling and music, as this pivotal moment reignited interest in Bush’s work.

The song surpassed 1 billion streams, 37 years after its original release, prompting a heartfelt response from the English singer-songwriter, who recognised the achievement with a thank you to fans “for sending this song on such an impossibly astonishing journey.”

Matt Duffer added that these moments often emerge organically, “I know the things we’re excited about, but usually, from the Kate Bush aspect of it, those come out of left field. I’m sure that will happen again. That’s part of the cool thing: You put it out into the world, and it does things that you expect and then it does things that you don’t expect.”

Kate Bush shares rare statement in response to Stranger Things’ “Running Up That Hill” boost.https://t.co/CcUTPBopQ2

— The FADER (@thefader) June 6, 2022

With the conclusion of Stranger Things on the horizon, its legacy and impact on pop culture is undeniable. From its gripping storytelling to unexpected musical revivals, the series has left a mark on both television and music history.

Both Matt and Ross are “working as fast as [they] possibly can” to produce and deliver this final season for all its eager fans.

Kate Bush was not at the ceremony in Brooklyn herself as she released a statement on her website, saying: “I am completely blown away by this huge honour – an award that sits in the big beating heart of the American music industry. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. I never imagined I would be given this wonderful accolade. Last year was such a surprisingly successful time for my track Running Up That Hill and I’m sure that a lot of you who’ve voted me in to the RRHOF also drove that track up the charts. Thank you! I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the ceremony tonight, but for me the real honour is knowing that you felt I deserved it.”

In place of Bush, St Vincent performed ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ at the ceremony in her honour. St Vincent later released a post on social media, recalling her admiration for Bush, as she said: “Kate Bush. First heard her song ‘This Woman’s Work” in the pivotal scene in the 1988 film She’s Having A Baby. And though I was 7 or 8 and too young to understand much of anything, I wept. Then around age 16 I went to CD World in Dallas and saw a copy of ‘The Sensual World’ on the racks. And I was so taken with her. Her expression. The flower to her lips. I hadn’t put the pieces together yet that this was the woman who sang THAT song. But I took it home and it was her. That woman who could soar so high into the ether and reach so deep into your soul. The entire album is a masterpiece, but I still cannot listen to ‘This Woman’s Work’ without weeping. I stand in awe of Kate Bush. There is no one who could ever compare.”

St Vincent’s performance of ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ can be found below.

Kate Bush had been nominated for the honour three times before in 2018, 2021 and 2022, but did not get an induction until this year. Bush’s song ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ was used on the fourth season of Stranger Things, with the track earning fresh recognition with a younger audience, particularly in the United States – No doubt contributing to her induction.

She wrote in her message “I don’t think any of us have ever known a year like this one. Life became incredibly frightening in the pandemic but just as we think it might be over soon, it seems to keep going. It’s a bombardment – the horrific war in Ukraine, the famines, the droughts, the floods… and we lost our Queen. Many of my friends were surprised at how upset they were at her death especially as we aren’t royalists, but I think her passing became a focus of grief, for unexpressed loss that so many people felt during the pandemic.” 

Furthermore in her message, she writes, “I wonder where on earth we’ll all be at the end next year, I hope the war will end. I hope that the nurses will be in a position where they are appreciated – they should be cherished. Let’s all hope that next year will be better than this one.”

One of her best highlights of the year which she described as a “crazy, roller coaster” was the success of her famous 1985 song ‘Running Up That Hill as it topped the charts in both the UK and Australia. Thanks to the iconic scene in Stranger Things featuring Max’s Song as she faces Vecna.

She owes the success of RUTH to her fans in the younger generation, especially the new fans who thought she was a new artist for reviving the song’s popularity and getting all the attention and recognition it deserves.

Kate Bush is currently trending on Twitter as her wonderful message has users blooming with love and support for Kate. One Twitter user said, “Kate Bush has posted a beautiful Christmas message on her website. Accompanied by a picture of a robin, she reflects on Ukraine, the death of the Queen, her hope that nurses are finally cherished (yes, Kate!) and the huge success of Running Up That Hill. Merry Christmas, Kate!”

Another Twitter user said, “Kate Bush gave the best Christmas message and I love her. Merry Christmas Kate!! And we should appreciate the nurses working to fight the ongoing pandemic like she said. Plus Kate is not a royalist confirmed!”

The email sent by Bush read, “Dear Brisbane Pub Choir. I’ve been so busy that I’ve only just had the chance to watch you all singing ‘RUTH’. It’s utterly, utterly wonderful! I love it so much! Thank you everyone. You sing it really beautifully. I’m incredibly touched by your warmth and all your smiling faces. Thank you!” The iconic singer concluded the message with a warm ending, “With lots of love, Kate.”

Astrid Jorgensen, the founder and director of Pub Choir spoke with The Guardian concerning the email, “My manager called me and said, you’ve got to get home, Kate Bush has emailed. I ran straight back – I was literally running up that hill.” Jorgensen continued to discuss the email, “It is so wild, She is the biggest artist in the world right now, so to have her say she was moved by our performance, yeah, that is a peak.”

Jorgensen also spoke with The Guardian concerning the process taken to request the licence to cover the song, “the response we got back was pretty much, ‘Good luck – we’ll ask, but maybe plan for a different song.” The permission to use the song was sent ten days before the performance, regarding Bush’s initial approval Jorgensen stated, “Even that was a massive deal, the idea that she approved.”

Bush has recently discussed the relationship she holds with her back catalogue, the singer revealed that before its newfound fame she had not listened to “Running Up That Hill” for some time. The “Wuthering Heights” singer also disclosed that she does not revisit her previous releases unless she is required to make edits and revisions to configure the music with different formats.

Whilst appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Bush spoke with Emma Barnett concerning her historic discography, “I never listen to my old stuff. But then you know, when things like this come along, I’m normally involved in something like you know, maybe doing an edit or revisiting the track for some kind of other reason, I’m working on it. So yeah, I hadn’t heard it for a really long time.“

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Bush has shared a statement on her single’s revived popularity, “You might’ve heard that the first part of the fantastic, gripping new series of  ‘Stranger Things’  has recently been released on Netflix. It features the song, ‘Running Up That Hill’  which is being given a whole new lease of life by the young fans who love the show – I love it too! Because of this, Running Up That Hill is charting around the world and has entered the UK chart at No. 8. It’s all really exciting! Thanks very much to everyone who has supported the song. I wait with bated breath for the rest of the series in July.”

Due to the song’s chart success, “Running Up That Hill” has broken three UK Official Chart records. The first of which sees Bush break the record for the longest-ever gap between number one singles, her last number one was “Wuthering Heights”. The track reached the top of the UK singles charts in 1978, making a 44-year time difference between its win and Bush’s chart success this week.  The record was previously held by Welsh crooner Tom Jones with a gap of over 42 years, the singer scored a hit with “Green Green Grass Of Home” in 1966 then again in 2009 with the charity single “(Barry) Islands In The Stream”.

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The second Official chart record to be broken sees Bush claim the longest time in which a song has taken to chart as a number one single, after first entering the charts in 1985 the track has finally climbed to the top after 37 years of existence. Up until this week, the UK Official Chart record was owned by British pop icons Wham!, the band’s beloved festive hit “Last Christmas” was originally released in 1984 and first topped the Official UK Singles Chart on New Year’s Day 2021.

The third and final UK Official Chart record broken by Bush sees the 63 years and 11 months old singer named the oldest female artist to claim a Number One Single. The three-time Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame nominee claimed the record from its previous holder Cher, the American singer was 52 years old when she topped the charts in 1998 with her mega hit “Believe”. The UK Official Charts have also confirmed that Bush is now fifth place within the register of older artists to secure a number one single. The list includes both genders and is headed by Captain Tom Moore, the singer scored a hit with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in 2020 and the age of 99 years and 11 months.

Senior Vice President of Rhino UK Myn Jazeel has given the following statement concerning Bush’s chart win, “It’s long overdue that Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) by the truly amazing Kate Bush should finally top the UK charts. This phenomenal cultural moment came about after close collaboration between Kate and her team, Netflix and the Warner Music Sync Team, and without doubt we’ve seen that a cross-generational connection has been made, with a new audience in the UK and around the world joining Kate’s existing fanbase to discover and honour her timeless brilliance.”

Jazeel continues to thank Netflix’s popular show, “The success of Stranger Things, backed by Netflix, has been instrumental in creating this moment, so we must thank them. But our congratulations go out first and foremost to Kate. Running Up That Hill went to Number 3 in the UK when first released in 1985, so we’re delighted that it’s reached Number 1 almost 40 years later.”

The senior vice president concludes her statement by expressing joy that Bush’s discography has been introduced to the younger generation, “It’s also gratifying that Kate’s wider catalogue is now being discovered and enjoyed by a whole new audience. This whole occasion feels incredible for all involved, and that’s why we work in catalogue music, for moments like this that have such broad cultural relevance and impact.”

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The UK official charts have predicted that Bush’s iconic track will overtake “As It Was” and end Styles’ chart reign, “Running Up That Hill” has seen a recent resurgence in popularity due to its use within the new season of Stranger Things. After the new season of the show dropped the track went viral, many have praised the popular Netflix series for exposing younger fans to the song. Originally released in 1985, the track jumped an impressive six places to position just below Styles’ chart-topping single. If Bush climbs one more chart placement the single will mark her first number one single in over forty years, the singer last topped the UK singles charts in 1978 with the seminal song “Wuthering Heights”.

This week’s single chart also sees Styles score another Official Chart Double; the partner album for “As It Was” has charted at the top of the UK album charts. The singer’s recently released album Harry’s House has placed at number one for the second consecutive week, Styles’ third studio album also contains another commercially successful track. The single “Late Night Talking” was released on 20th May 2022 after being debuted at California’s Coachella festival, the single peaked at number two on the singles charts and remains in the top 10 at number seven.

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Much like “Running Up That Hill” another potential high climber is speculated to storm the charts, “Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” by BTS is predicted to be a high new entry. The newest single to be released by the hugely popular K-pop group dropped on 10th June 2022 and is the lead single taken from their full release Proof, the band’s first anthology album. The album was released the same day as the lead single and was received with great critical acclaim, publications such as Rolling Stone have already sung the album’s praises.

Elsewhere within the charts, “Go” by Cat Burns drops one space to number three. Last week the single enjoyed a placement at number two after spending the previous week at number four. Placing at number four this week is “About Damn Time” by megastar Lizzo, the single is another viral hit which has been utilised as sound within the popular social media app TikTok. The track is the lead single from the singer’s fourth studio album Special, the yet to be released record is scheduled to drop on 15^th July 2022 via Nice Life and Atlantic Records.

Closing the official UK singles chart is “Space Man” by Sam Ryder, the fellow TikTok artist’s Eurovision entry has held well within the charts and peaked at number two last month. The high chart position made Ryder the first Eurovision candidate to place high within the singles charts in twenty-six years, Gina G’s “Ooh Aah…Just A Little bit” placed at the top spot after its release in 1996. After coming in eighth place within the Eurovision song contest, the dance infused song charted as the UK’s number one single.

The 1985 synth-pop heart wrencher was part of Bush’s Hounds Of Love album and has seen a viral resurgence in its consumption in recent years. In no small part in fact, to its use previously on Stranger Things. Which saw the song; “become her most popular title on the service after it experienced a 153 per cent surge in streams on Spotify.” Which was described by the streaming platform as; “the biggest gainer on the Global Spotify chart” at the time. If you need reminding, you can listen to “Running Up That Hill” in the video below:

The shows music supervisor Nora Felder explained the process of selection; “Consequently, each of the prospective song placements in the initial scripts was tagged with the placeholder, ‘TBD Max song.’ From there, I made an effort to internally align myself with what the Duffers felt were the most important elements needed, and my own intuitive grasp of Max’s complex feelings.”

When she finally found the song in question; “It immediately struck me with its deep chords of the possible connection to Max’s emotional struggles and took on more significance as Bush’s song marinated in my conscious awareness.”

After a lengthy process which saw Wende Crowley (SVP of Sony Publishing’s creative marketing, film and TV) get the request and take steps to ensure that all parties were happy with the outcome. Crowley explained; “Kate Bush is selective when it comes to licensing her music and because of that, we made sure to get script pages and footage for her to review so she could see exactly how the song would be used.”

Felder felt the music was key to the scenes following the character’s journey; “Kate Bush’s lyrics can mean very different things to different people. In the face of Max’s painful isolation and alienation from others, a ‘deal with god’ could heart-wrenchingly reflect Max’s implicit belief that only a miracle of unlikely understanding and show of support could help her climb the hills of life before her.”

Fans of the show will now be familiar with the song and a new generation is being introduced to these timeless tracks. With the show’s end sadly coming into view, the Duffer Brothers (directors) stated; “It’s just one of those things that you come up with and you go, ‘That’s it, that’s right, that’s inevitable – that’s what it has to be.’”