Tonight, Glasgow plays host to moody, baritone legend Nick Cave and his international group of Bad Seeds. It was also forecast to be playing host to a small group protesting Nick’s refusal to boycott playing concerts in Israel – that never materialised while I was outside (but may have happened mid-show according to some reports) – either way we’re here for the music, not the politics.
Interpol (the law enforcement agency, not the band) are apparently holding some conference across in the SECC too which means no media car park and a ring of concrete barriers around the venue too. It’s a strange night with a dark tension before we even get in.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are touring their critically adored new album ‘Wild God’ which promises to leave you completely emotionally drained and validated all at once.
The support is Black Country, New Road. A single band rather than two which is how I read the tour poster at first. A six piece made up of incredibly talented multi instrumentalists playing twee, Avant-garde, indie rock. Why is the drummer playing a banjo? Where is that flute coming from?
The light indie rock is often infiltrated by jazzy chords and phrases and the soft, dainty vocals slip into soaring operatic climaxes. It’s very listenable if you’re into softer indie rock and also serves to push your tastes into the more technical elements of music. Could we call this Prog indie? Maybe…
From the first song, it’s clear that Cave’s stage presence is as magnetic as ever. With his haunting charisma, he commands attention, prowling the stage and locking eyes with audience members, often reaching out to connect directly with fans from a walkway built over the barrier. The speed in which he darts from behind his piano to the barrier is nothing short of impressive too. Nick Cave has a way of making each listener feel like they’re the only person in the room, and tonight was no exception.
The crowd, captivated, responds in kind—whether in near-silent awe during quieter songs or roaring approval for the more ferocious anthems. If I had to compare the physical performance to anyone it would be The National’s Matt Beringer, but we all know that it’s Matt who has drawn bucket loads of inspiration from Cave.
Opening with tracks from ‘Wild God’, they translate beautifully live. Both being delicate but full and intense in the huge space of the Hydro. Another example of where the sound guy needs to take a bow as well as the band. Dynamic swells and building crescendos flank soft passages that serve to garnish Nick Cave’s unmistakable vocals as he pushes his lyrics over the crowd again and again. There’s the brooding darkness that you expect from this band, but also a great optimism and joy.
The catalogue that this set is drawn from pulls every emotion from you as we go through old and new tracks. By the time we finish with the second Encore of ‘Into My Arms’, we’re spent. We’ve been through the spiritual ringer with every emotion squeezed out of us in one of the most cathartic gatherings I’ve seen or been a part of. It’s not a religious experience, it’s a human one.
The butterflies that you get in your stomach when watching Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are a combination of the first class musicianship, beautifully crafted songs, humble showmanship, and just being in the presence of greatness. For me, it was ‘Red Right Hand’ that did it… but that was the first Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds song I’d ever heard and it holds a very special place in my heart. Anyone who chooses not to hear that live when they have the chance is missing out. In fact, anyone who chooses not to see any of this live is missing out.
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
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