Nick Cave’s career may stretch back to the late 70s and his early musical forays with Australian noisemakers The Birthday Party, but this writer doesn’t think it’s hyperbole to state, that despite everything that he’s had to endure personally in the last decade, that he’s currently at his creative zenith, with epic live performances, a testimony to his prowess as a magnetic front-man, aided and abetted by those massively talented troubadours, The Bad Seeds.
Recent performances in Ireland have been notable for their intensity, particularly Cave’s last appearance (headlining All Together Now) which was an immense night wrought with emotion. But the release of recent album ‘Wild God’ promises something a little bit different, and with a set that draws predominantly from what is a hugely impressive, dare we say even upbeat record, we are treated to an absolutely uplifting musical tour-de-force.
The tone is set from the off with three tracks from the new long-player; Frogs is heavenly, packed full of anthemic pronouncements “Oh, leaping to God, amazed of love, and amazed of pain”, Cave all pristine tailoring and sublime vocals. At the onset of Wild God, Cave sits regally at his grand piano before he launches into full on preacher man mode, we’re only two songs in and he’s already at 1000% exalting someone, anyone to “Bring your spirit down”. Whilst Song of the Lake is beautiful, wistful romantic storytelling, the gospel-like backing vocals from the four stately singers lifts everything and everyone.
O Children is introduced as a despairing song written over 20 years ago, still sadly more relevant than ever today, a communal sing-along is encouraged “O children lift up your voice, rejoice”, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of what is already shaping up to be one of those very special nights.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seed shows are always a blend of raw energy and quieter moments, and this is writ large with the glowering Jubilee Street. Warren Ellis as ever is a whirling dervish, standing atop his seat to deliver transcendental accompaniment to what is triumphantly chaotic and magnificent. An oldie but most definitely a goldie, From Her to Eternity keeps the manic intensity dialled up to 11, before Cave pays a slightly irreverent but loving tribute to his main partner in crime – Ellis, the gorgeous black and white shots of this majestic wizard on the large screens act as portraits of a life lived in wonderful servitude to his muse, his eyes still aglow with a deep creative spark.
Conversion showcases Cave’s uncanny storytelling, drawing you in before erupting into another gospel celebration “I was touched by the spirit (touched by spirit) and touched by the flame”. There’s a momentary pause as Cave mops his brow with someone’s shirt and then states, “I don’t know if that’s you or me mate, but it’s rank!”. We then experience a powerfully emotional twosome, Joy which sees Ellis’ delivering a heartbreaking wail as Cave’s raw vocal drops to a fragile silence, and then the heart-shattering I Need You, Cave’s face says everything you need to know about what’s lies behind those lyrics, it’s pain and catharsis all at once.
Red Right Hand, possibly his best-known composition due to the popularity of Peaky Blinders, is snarling magnificence, Carly Paradis delivering swirling organs whilst the bells and pounding chimes of Jim Sclavunos ring out in the rafters of the 3Arena. The Mercy Seat has long been a cornerstone of Cave’s set but has lost none of its intimidating power, fire and brimstone biblical allusions are delivered to an audience in thrall, one of whom Cave notices has his visage tattooed on his chest “That’s commitment!”. White Elephant in all its emblazoned glory brings us triumphantly to end of the main set, it’s celebratory worship with backing singers joining Cave on the front of stage ramparts “A time is coming. A time is nigh. For the kingdom. In the sky”.
The encore commences with a gorgeous tribute to former Bad Seed, the late Anita Lane O Wow O Wow (How Wonderful She Is) plays delicately whilst her image dances behind the band. Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry is a delirious heavy metal shanty, the band having a blast as they have all night, Colin Greenwood of Radiohead fame vibing with the primal Larry Mullins (no not that one) on drums. The Weeping Song is fabulously serene in its sadness, the audience clapping on point as Cave conducts them with noticeable pride.
The Bad Seeds leave the stage to Cave for the evening’s swan song and what a haunting and powerful conclusion it is. Into My Arms sees singer and audience in perfect unison – a testimony to the song and the singer, his eyes overflowing with emotion as he bids farewell.
Have Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds ever been better, perhaps, but this was exhilarating and immersive, a powerful and communal experience that is a testament to their enduring talent and remarkable ability to connect in a deep and meaningful manner. An evening of musical celebration that swelled the hearts of all.
