Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have embarked on their highly anticipated ‘Wild God’ US tour, marking their return to American stages after a seven-year absence. The opening night in Boston was made even more special with the first live performance of ‘Skeleton Tree’ in seven years, a deeply moving moment for fans. This tour not only showcases their new album but also revisits some of their most iconic works, promising an unforgettable experience for both longtime followers and new listeners. The band’s resilience and artistic evolution continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
This article will delve into the highlights of the opening night, the significance of ‘Skeleton Tree,’ and what fans can expect from the rest of the tour. Join us as we explore the setlist, the special guests, and the emotional depth of Nick Cave’s performance. The return of ‘Skeleton Tree’ is a poignant reminder of the band’s journey and their ability to transform grief into art.
A Resounding Start to the ‘Wild God’ Tour
The ‘Wild God’ tour commenced at the Agganis Arena in Boston, setting a high bar for the remaining dates. The setlist was a carefully curated blend of new tracks and classic hits, designed to take the audience on an emotional journey. The band opened with a powerful sequence of songs, including ‘Frogs,’ the title track of their latest album, followed by ‘Song Of The Lake’ and ‘O Children,’ immediately engaging the crowd and setting the tone for the evening.
Comprising 18 dates, the tour kicked off in Boston and the crowd was estatic. In addition to familiar favorites, the setlist featured renditions of ‘Carnage’ and ‘White Elephant,’ tracks from Cave’s collaboration with Warren Ellis, showcasing the breadth of his musical talent. However, the true highlight of the night was the unexpected revival of ‘Skeleton Tree,’ a song that holds deep personal significance for Cave and his fans.
The performance was a testament to the band’s ability to connect with their audience on a profound level, transforming the concert into a shared emotional experience. The energy in the arena was palpable, with fans singing along to every word and visibly moved by the raw emotion in Cave’s performance.
The Emotional Weight of ‘Skeleton Tree’
‘Skeleton Tree,’ the title track from the 2016 album, carries immense emotional weight, released in the aftermath of Nick Cave’s son Arthur’s tragic death. The album itself is a haunting exploration of grief and loss, and the song ‘Skeleton Tree’ encapsulates the rawness of that experience. Performing it live for the first time in seven years was a courageous act, both for Cave and the band.
Speaking in an interview last year, Cave said that it was the only album that made matters worse. “That is the only album that made matters worse,” he said. “My mental health was made worse, because I did it very soon after my son died, and I shouldn’t have done.”
The song’s lyrics, combined with Cave’s intense delivery, created a powerful and cathartic experience for everyone in attendance. The decision to include ‘Skeleton Tree’ in the setlist was a bold move, demonstrating Cave’s willingness to confront his pain and share it with his audience. The performance was not just a musical event; it was a moment of shared vulnerability and healing.
Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood Joins the Band
Adding to the excitement of the tour is the presence of Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood, filling in for Martyn Casey, who is unable to join due to illness. Greenwood’s collaboration with Nick Cave is not new; he previously toured with Cave on his solo shows and the ‘Carnage’ tour with Warren Ellis. His addition brings a fresh dynamic to The Bad Seeds, blending their signature sound with Greenwood’s distinctive style.
Previously, Greenwood played with Cave live on his recent solo tours, as well as several dates of the ‘Carnage’ tour with Warren Ellis. Greenwood also contributed parts to the band’s new album, ‘Wild God’, too.
Greenwood expressed his enthusiasm about playing with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. “It’s an awesome group of people to play music with. They’re brilliant and with ferociously loud drummers; what a team. For me, it’s a really fun thing to do because it’s not Radiohead. There are a lot of different colours in the music, so I’m having a blast.”
‘Wild God’: A New Chapter
The tour supports the band’s 18th studio album, ‘Wild God,’ which has been receiving positive reviews. The album is a testament to Nick Cave’s evolving artistry, blending gothic doom with moments of freewheeling joy. NME’s four-star review noted, “never has Cave been so freewheelin’ than on the giddy ‘Frogs’, ‘Jumping for love and the opening sky above’ as ‘Kris Kristofferson walks by kicking a can in a shirt he hasn’t washed for years’. With a lust for life, the once-dark prince is letting the light in.”
The album’s themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate deeply, reflecting Cave’s personal journey and his ability to find light in the darkest of times. The ‘Wild God’ tour is not just a celebration of the new album but also a retrospective of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ remarkable career, showcasing their enduring impact on the music world.
What to Expect from the Remaining Tour Dates
Fans attending the remaining tour dates can anticipate a dynamic and emotionally charged performance. The setlist is expected to evolve, with potential surprises and deeper cuts from the band’s extensive catalog. The combination of new material and classic favorites ensures that each concert is a unique experience.
The band will make further stops in cities such as Brooklyn, Detroit, Washington D.C., Montreal, Chicago, Portland, Vancouver and more across the next month. The dates will wrap up on May 14 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
The tour is a must-see event for any music enthusiast, offering a rare opportunity to witness one of the most influential and enigmatic bands of our time. The raw emotion, artistic brilliance, and shared connection between the band and their audience make each concert an unforgettable experience.
A Tour of Resilience and Redemption
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ ‘Wild God’ US tour is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a testament to the band’s resilience, artistic evolution, and enduring connection with their fans. The revival of ‘Skeleton Tree’ is a poignant reminder of their journey through grief and their ability to transform pain into art. With Colin Greenwood adding a new dimension to their sound and ‘Wild God’ showcasing their continued creativity, the tour promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
As the tour progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the setlist evolves and how the band continues to connect with audiences across the United States. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have once again proven their ability to captivate, challenge, and inspire, solidifying their place as one of the most important and influential bands of our time. The ‘Wild God’ tour is a celebration of their past, present, and future, and a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music.
Leave a Reply