Kate Bush to play London gigs, 35 years after only tour

LONDON - British singer Kate Bush on Friday announced a surprise series of live shows in London later this year, 35 years after her one and only tour.

The 55-year-old, who recently launched a new album, "50 Words For Snow", will play 15 dates at the Hammersmith Apollo in August and September, she announced on her website.

Bush had her first number one in Britain at the age of 19 with "Wuthering Heights" in 1978, and went on tour the following year.

But despite going on to produce a string of hits, including "Running Up That Hill" and "The Man with the Child in his Eyes", she has only made occasional live performances since then.

In a rare interview with Mojo magazine in 2011, she explained that touring was "enormously enjoyable. But physically it was absolutely exhausting".

She added: "Maybe I will do some shows some day. I'd like to think so before I get too ancient." The London concerts run from August 26 to September 19, and tickets go on sale on March 28.

"I am delighted to announce that we will be performing some live shows this coming August and September," she wrote on her website.

"I hope you will be able to join us and I look forward to seeing you there. Very best wishes, Kate."