In Conversation with Nick Cave

Lyn and Nick

Mick and Nick

Band: Nick Cave and Mick Harvey
Venue: The ANZ pavillion at the Arts Centre
Date: 6th April 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder
Photos by Lyn Harder and Mark Geisel

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I’d booked tickets to see ‘In Conversation with Nick Cave’. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. How often do artists perform this type of show! Especially favourite artists! Wandering upstairs to the ANZ pavilion in the Arts Centre we almost bumped into Nick and Family who wandered in the foyer like general public before the show. When Nick was on stage the family was standing at the back which I thought was pretty cool.
A sold out show (this was the third session of the night, and the last), the crowd seemed to be wearing mainly black and present in an array of classic outfits, all waiting in anticipation of the show about to start. Nick Cave and his musical companion of many years, Mick Harvey, took to stage and sang ‘cos it’s a cool song” – Dig Lazarus Dig. Nick on piano and Mick on guitar. Then it was time for Q&A, as tonight was about the audience and what we wanted to ask Nick. Nick did say we could ask him anything we like, anything personal too. I was surprised no-one really dug all that deep into Nick’s life. There was a compare that moved the show along and asked questions to Nick also.
Being the last show of the night, Nick said they were feeling delirious by now. Questions ranged from his songs to Kylie, family, how to write love letters, school days (failing painting class that is) to working with Johnny Cash (Nick said he chose ‘The Mercy Seat’ for Johnny to sing). Nick spoke about his underwear, saying he was wearing white Calvin Klein’s, although he prefers the older style and not this new style which leaves him looking flat!
Questions were asked about his musical score and Nick said its almost easier writing a score for someone else than for his own music/band. If a question wasn’t understood Nick would say so and ad a bit of swearing and jokes at times. It was suggested a party in Nick’s hometown of Warracknabeal may happen and if Nick could come along for it. Nick said he would if a statue of him is erected in the town! Nick tells us he is often mistaken by writing melancholy songs and he’d be mortified if people sat around being depressed listening to his music. Nick was approached to write ‘And the Ass saw the Angel’, he got a dictionary and a thesaurus as he requested and the cost of these two items were deducted from his royalties! Hints of more scores in the future and then we’re told by his younger children that Dad isn’t cool and doesn’t sing bedtime stories. Blixa and Nick remain friends. Blixa changed the Bad Seeds by leaving the band and Nick felt this was a good thing as its changed complacency.
Nick enjoyed the exhibition at the Arts centre and although he has no interest in Nick Cave, he feels the people at the Arts Centre have done a great job; he says he gave all items to the Arts Centre. I won’t go over any more questions but overall we all saw a small insight into Nick’s life. I say small because 1.5 hours actually doesn’t cover much at all. In retrospective Nick seemed to give truthful but sometimes blunt answers. I’m glad we went to the last show of the night as I feel we received extra time for Q&A and after the show we were able to meet Nick where photos and signings took place. Thank you to Nick and Mick and thank you to the Arts Centre.

Songs of the night included: Dig Lazarus Dig, Love Letter, The Mercy Seat, Lucy and More news from nowhere.