KATE Bush was greeted by a massive roar from fans as she returned to the stage - 35 years after her last, and only, tour.

The crowd took to their feet as Bush led a procession of backing singers on stage and launched into Lily.

Bush was kicking off her Before The Dawn "tour" - 22 shows at the Hammersmith Apollo in west London, the venue where she effectively retired from live performances after six weeks on the road in 1979.

More than 80,000 tickets for the 56-year-old's comeback gigs sold out in less than 15 minutes after they were announced in March and there was huge excitement among fans in the run-up to the first night, which has been described "the musical event of the decade".

Tickets were advertised online for more than £1000. Five of Bush's albums have re-entered the Top 100.