Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1983, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are one of the most critically acclaimed post-punk bands of the last 30 years. Following the end of their previous group, the Birthday Party, singer-songwriter Cave and drummer Mick Harvey began the Bad Seeds. Initially joined by Barry Adamson on bass and Blixa Bargeld on guitar, the band has seen a number of personnel changes over the years with the one constant being the creative force of Cave himself.
Exploring the themes of love and religion, the band’s debut album, From Her to Eternity, was released in 1984. Featuring a cover of Elvis Presley’s classic, “In the Ghetto,” presented in the band’s inimitable style, the record showcased the deep impact of Cave’s baritone voice. Quickly following second album, The Firstborn is Dead, third release Kicking Against the Pricks saw the band first find fame in the UK and Ireland. Critics also began to sit up and take notice, with Cave’s prose-like approach to songwriting bringing welcome comparisons with Leonard Cohen. This narrative style was seen again on 1986’s Your Funeral…My Trial, before the beginning of a two year break from recording for the band.
Four more albums were released in the early ‘90s in addition to the band making a range of high-profile US festival appearances. The album Murder Ballads, released in 1996, became a critical success for the Bad Seeds and saw songwriter Cave explore two of his favorite themes: death and violence. The album featured vocals from Kylie Minogue on the single, “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” and the success of the song helped make Murder Ballads the band’s best -selling album so far. 1998 saw the release of No More Shall We Part, with further albums Nocturama and Abbatoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus being released in the early ‘00s.
Following a number of sell out tour dates in 2005 and 2006, Nick Cave’s musical achievements and creative contribution saw him inducted into Australia’s ARIA Hall of Fame. Not for the first time in his career, Cave then moved from music to movies, writing both the screenplay and soundtrack for John Hillcoat’s 2012 film, Lawless. Early 2013 saw the release of Push the Sky Away; the band’s first output in nearly five years, it was widely acclaimed by fans and critics alike.
