Nick Cave on faith, grief, and music: The Newsnight Interview

[@stewartcohen-jones2949]

I have been a homeless man now for too many years. The way Nick talks about churches resonates with me on a very personal level. I hold all the scepticism he speaks of, I see all the logic and reason of science and philosophy very clearly and yet when I walk into a church I feel I am at home. A warming sanctuary that comforts me in a way the secular buildings provided for the homeless does not emanate.

[@theniteowl7777]

don't freeze to death out there, man.

[@stewartcohen-jones2949]

@@theniteowl7777 Funny you should mention that. I’m on my last legs. Not long to go now. I love my Bob Dylan. Not dark yet is a song I hum to myself like a timid hymn. Take care Uggy.

[@markushill8639]

@@stewartcohen-jones2949 Know, my dear brother, that neither science and certainly not philosophy are opposed to the Truth of God. The Church birthed the greatest philosophers the world has ever known (St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, so on), brilliant scientists (Georges Lemaitres, originator of the Big Bang Theory, Isaac Newton, Galileo, so on), as well as phenomenal artists and musicians (Michaelangelo, Mozart, Vivaldi, etc.) Come home, brother. In the meantime, be safe. It's not an easy position that you're in, and you're in my prayers.

[@kingkoi6542]

God bless you sir!

[@adamjknight3045]

Regardless of belief faith or lack thereof we are all brothers and sisters. I send whatever peace and love I have to all of you.

[@bk-ew1ny]

When he spoke of first becoming a fully-formed person as a result of his son's tragic death, it shook me. I was reminded of this powerful quote from the great poet Khalil Gibran: "Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding."

[@dpclerks09]

That powerful quote reminded me of another one, from Yogananda. "Your trials did not come to punish you, but to awaken you - to make you realise that you are a part of Spirit and that just behind the sparks of your life is the Flame of Infinity."

[@azial]

@@dpclerks09 Just beautiful. Thank you.

[@brightermedia]

Yes

[@georgedoyle2487]

“The “Son of God,” as Yogananda declared, is not Jesus the man, but the infinite Christ consciousness, which dwelt consciously within him: the reflection not only in his own body, but in every atom of creation of the omnipresent, eternally motionless Spirit beyond all vibration.”

[@Ramen_User]

I’m an Aussie .. for the most part I cannot handle listening to most Aussies who have made it in someway, shape or form. Mr Cave is a true exception to that. Always humble, well spoken, intelligent & graceful… a man with life experiences good & bad … he is relatable & real.

[@ErnestPiffel]

Tim Minchin remains grounded too.

[@notsure1135]

Yeah, but he wasn’t always though. He could be a prick to interview. Painfully apparent that the loss of his son has made him someone else. Fkn horrible what happened. Two sons…

[@tomaszkordonski4585]

True Man and true Artist❤

[@tomaszkordonski4585]

​@@notsure1135as we all my friend,there is all in us and we can be both....Me and you can be pricks or angels...

[@Enthusiasmisgood]

@Ramen_User That’s quite the cultural cringe you’ve got going on there. Very 1970s

[@TheDreamingJune]

I recently lost a dear family member to suicide and Skeleton Tree and Ghosteen were the two albums that helped me the most through my mourning & grief. Nick's songwriting offered me a sense of catharsis and comfort in a way that very few albums can. And for that he has my deepest gratitude for writing such powerful music.

[@mikezazworsky]

I hope you're doing well...

[@joyousenoful]

I’m sorry for your loss

[@notsure1135]

Sorry. The thought has crossed my mind, but I’m the kind of person who rather be fired than quit and I lost my sister 11 days before I turned 21yo. That was 25 years ago. I figure as well, if I survived losing her then doing myself in now for something that is trivial in comparison is kind of insulting to her memory.

[@chippieb759]

Never seen anyone live like Nick Cave. The way he prowled around the stage, amazing presence .

[@ciderbusinsideofus]

I saw Grinderman. Best live show I've ever been to.

[@richiewilliams6875]

Spot on he’s like a bear in a cage by far the best live band around ❤

[@fraser_byrne]

@@richiewilliams6875 Agree - he was born to do it.

[@professoryaffle]

Nick Cave has an uncanny talent for verbalising the stuff that by happenstance I’m struggling to say, or even make coherent in my mind. His level of awareness is something to aspire to.

[@theslosh3059]

Thats what a poet does dude. and the reason nick cave is a gift from the gods.

[@ellengarcia4041]

Good storytelling is an art. ❤

[@avtobus1234]

no ego whatsoever from one of the greatest poets and musicians ever. it's so great to see

[@sophiehanky7385]

Ghosteen is the most beautiful album I've ever heard on earth - I love this man - a man with such sensitivity

[@mwng5186]

...who actively encouraged young and impressionable fans to get 'vaccinated'....one wonders how many ghosteen moments this will trigger in others.

[@andreataylor635]

@@mwng5186 ...Oh did he .... that's so disappointing to hear ....

[@dave9547]

@@mwng5186 just looked this up.. how very disappointing. Amazing how many intelligent people either couldn't see through the blatant propaganda and clear corruption or straight up sold out. I wonder how he feels now? Whether he's had a change of mind or whether he's just stuck his head in the sand.

[@foljs5858]

@@mwng5186 so, he encouraged them "to be vaccinated", just like their governments, doctors, media, and WHO did?

[@leetarrant5630]

Sophie Hanky what is the most beautiful album you have heard not on earth

[@shadowandsoul4331]

He is so beautifully humble and open hearted in his interviews.

[@younghanrahan]

The best of the Australian character is humble and open hearted Shadowandsoul. Something the English too often choose to ignore in my experience - even deny in their endeavour to place us below them. By nature we generally ARE humble - and definitely open hearted. You would be hard pressed to find a more open people than Australians (is that too proud?).

[@Gramsgirl-ie8fb]

@@younghanrahan Totally agree. I am very proud to call myself Australian ❤

[@Researcher2K]

@@younghanrahan Bragging about being humble :D

[@kieronjohnson8834]

Nope, that would be Kiwi's. I've met plenty of both and worked with lots of Aussie's. The young ones are some of the mouthiest, most obnoxious, insular and generally ignorant people I've met. They go on about Tim Tams and Vegemite as if they were eaten by Jesus at the Last Supper ffs.

[@jillweekley2148]

Me too

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

Kirsty Wark is always such an empathetic journalist, she allows Nick Cave to talk about big subjects. At no point does she negate his belief system and tries to truly understand the importance of her interviewee. A great insight.

[@King-Cobrah]

So thoughtful and considered. A true artist, an icon and a force of nature. Nick continues to inspire me every day.

[@michaelgeorge4651]

Hi 👋 Stephan

[@carolinebennis9632]

Gifted, talented and the greatest musician of our time .Nick Cave is unmatched .

[@doddsalfa]

Wrong but he’s good

[@estankona]

@@doddsalfa who's best for you..? Can you tell me some..? Name me 10, please.. thank you.

[@doddsalfa]

@@estankona Keith Jarrett Sonny Rollins Björk Nina Simone Gretchen Parlato Joni Mitchell Pat Metheny Miles davis Bob Dylan To name a few

[@estankona]

@@doddsalfa thank you

[@richiewilliams6875]

Yeah so so Right honey 🐝

[@rabit818]

A very revealing interview. Death with in your immediate family is difficult especially if it happens to a young member. Grief will change the entire family indefinitely. I could listen to Nick talk all day.

[@ishowspeed6462]

Yes your right so right

[@jillweekley2148]

I could listen to him all day too! He is brilliant and such a lovely man

[@notsure1135]

Broke my family up. Pretty much just me left. I adopt old abandoned cats, give him a warm sendoff.

[@lurelurche]

His shows are definitely a mass, you come out transformed in touch with all your feelings, loving everyone around you, such a gift of a human!

[@meagansmith8881]

Thank you for putting this into words. I've only seen him once before, and it absolutely was a mass. One of the most moving experiences I've ever had. I just bought tickets to his current solo tour. ❤

[@lurelurche]

@Chris Janson hey chris its funny because I don’t consider myself a consistent fan at all and just saw him in Berlin once last year 💕 but I always knew I had to go it’s like an intuition of something that vibes inline with your soul. What about you? Whats your Cavexperience? :)

[@robynfortune1379]

This record arrived during COVID lock down and made me weep in my kitchen. So grateful I had time to stop and really listen to an exquisitely beautiful album.

[@leastone9600]

Happiness as an act of defiance. What an extraordinary artist and man Nick Cave is. I could listen to him.all day. Great interview Kirsty :)

[@snoozyq9576]

He's one of my all time favorites. The darkness and the tenderness he can convey with that voice. Hope I can see him live one day.

[@juliankenning]

I've liked his music for such a long time and absolutely love how this man has grown both as a writer/musician and as a human being over the decades. From The birthday party party to Ghosteen... quite a journey.

[@shahzadajan9792]

Wow! What a fantastic interview. Nick Cave's humility and grace shine through this interview on what must be for him very painful subjects on grief and loss. It does. take immense courage and strength to remain 'happy' (perhaps joyful would be a better word as Christians understand it) in the face of all that life throws at you, and one can see that articulated through his music.

[@kingkoi6542]

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts Marcus Aurelius

[@glynisansara]

Nick you will never be old. You are one of a kind and I love your music. The price of love is grief. Much love to both you and your wife.

[@francemary1863]

An extraordinary artist, human..the art, love as ways of redemption. We recognize ourselves in his universe, his questions...and the beauty of his art is still there.

[@zazukaard1087]

His music saved my life. What a talented and gifted man Nick is. I have been to his concert twice and I will never forget those emotions till the end of the world. Thank you Nick.

[@tjchesney4997]

Given how he's lost two sons in such a short space of time, well, i'm glad he's doing ok. What happened emotionally, must have been brutal.

[@johndeller9554]

Carnage

[@fugamantew]

The both of them died!?

[@tjchesney4997]

@@fugamantew His youngest son took LSD some years ago and he fell to his death in Brighton.

[@thefamilydog6392]

@@fugamantew this is news to me too !?

[@alijames180]

Love to this brilliant man. ❤

[@janetrobertson9199]

Oh that was the best interview. Nick Cave managed to sum up so many things beautifully, especially around faith. I'm of similar age & of similar thoughts & played his music through the ages. There is something so peaceful watching a really smart human articulate so gently & simply the layers of grief & happiness that we all face. Thank you for this interview.

[@commonwunder]

Nick Cave is a lesson for all of the cool kids out there... if you're 'too cool' to care, you'll lose everything and then it'll be too late... and your carelessness will turn into remorse.

[@notsure1135]

Yes, but hopefully by the time this happens, there will be more years in the rear view mirror than in the windshield. Half glass and all that…

[@MrAhuapai]

One of Australia's beautiful treasures. Thanks for the music Nick

[@sofarawayparis]

Nick Cave is so inspiring. Sincerity is the mark of true artists.

[@naturegirl8248]

My ex husband introduced me to nick caves music and although some of his music brings back really sad times, his music and talent is unmatched.

[@noemicubranovic35]

I need to sa😢thank you for everything.... I love you. SP...

[@marymcdoangh5835]

Beautifully articulated. For any one of us in this world who feels lonley ,displaced ,or ingnored the church has a special resonance . We feel the peace of God in our hearts in the place he is celebrated

[@suzannethompson8376]

So interesting for Nick to say that he wasn’t a true person before the event. I am deeply moved by the new empathy. Here’s you you beloved Nick and all the true people out there. ❤

[@michaelgeorge4651]

Hi 👋 Suzanne

[@ceeemm1901]

"Grief is all the griefs coming together' .....that is SO true. All those sad moments that we denied, culminate at that poignant no- nonsense, no denying tragedy.

[@void0094]

Saw him live in Cologne in the summer. It was my first concert. It was amazing.

[@stirlingattfield7678]

Wow, you've set the bar extremely high for yourself there man.

[@XRaySpex000]

that's a wonderful way to start! He is amazing as are all Bad Seeds past and present.

[@robyourtime]

I listened to Ghosteen a lot in 2019, after my wonderful grandfather suffered a stroke in his late 80s. When he passed following another stroke 12 months later, I returned to Ghosteen for comfort. It is a wonderfully embracing album, sad but uplifting, and full of light. Bright Horses in particular brings me to tears every time. It's even more poignant when considering my grandad came from the same corner of the world as Nick Cave - those foggy rolling hills of Victoria, Australia

[@dirkbogarde44]

Brilliant, honest and raw interview. Totally fascinating.

[@markslawinski6948]

I can't comprehend the strength it must take to talk so publicly and openly about this. Its testament to art as true therapy and affirmation.

[@DochertyStephen]

Great interview, with a genuinely lovely fella - all the very best to you, Mr. Cave.

[@ewangent]

Crikey this is one the most thoughtful interviews I've ever heard.

[@jillweekley2148]

Me too, it was brilliant

[@evar1104]

This wonderful man and his band have given me solace so many times throughout my life. Guardian angels.

[@stopbunsen]

I'm about to see him live in about 10 days. I cannot wait. He's my favourite live performer of all time. It's a spiritual experience

[@cmadelaide56]

Saw him last night in Adelaide. Absolutely captivating.

[@litalpeled2055]

Saw him this last august- my memory still goes back to the performance. What an amazing show he puts on! Truly, I was slightly a different person afterward You’re in for a treat

[@CJ-ft9yo]

I saw Nick last night at Hanging Rock, were you there ?? Brilliant eh

[@robaskham9145]

I love Ghosteen…..no idea how he can sing those words and hold himself together.

[@marktamlyn7019]

We are all flawed and to handle great grief like nick has had to do has resonated with me because he is humble and puts our walk in life in perspective.

[@brendonlake1522]

Amazing! I'm so glad society, especially one so secular as the UK has opened up enough for such a blatantly Christian conversation.

[@elmedia8692]

So much love for Nick Cave ❤so glad I can watch this on youtube not having a TV licence ;)

[@nickcave6645]

Thanks for all your wonderful comments and sweet words kindly send down your email for more and better conversation

[@michaelmueller8772]

Possibly the best interview with Cave I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@gandorwheeze2527]

Such an intelligent and spiritual guy…..also with humour on occasion! I saw the the birthday party live a few times in the mid 1980’s……..that was wild and so debauched (as I was back then)……..thank god we have the wisdom to change for the better as we get older……..most of us do anyway!

[@void0094]

The Birthday Party were great

[@jeffmcguffy8380]

That would have been awesome. I have their 80's concert Pleasure Heads Must Burn on VHS.

[@kattatonik2075]

Yes I saw him in 85 and missed this last tour due to covid

[@lovelyskull3483]

Nick Cave dare I say the integral words of your voice are magnificent in a world that desperately needs a song.

[@HawkesChris]

Such a good interview Kirsty. I've met Nick, he is an awesome artist and a wonderful person... I'm picking my way through the book. Its full of inspiration.

[@jotacalvo]

Nick Cave is one of very few people that I would actually be star struck were I to meet him. His music with Birthday Party and his early Bad Seeds albums were a huge part of my late teens-20’s. Absolutely no one like him. I loved the dark, creepy themes that weren’t overt. It took studying the lyrics to understand who or what he was talking about (such as Mercy and Knocking On Joe, two of my favorites). I am now equally intrigued by this and what he is doing now.

[@JoanneTelling1]

What a lovely bloke. Up there with Leonard.

[@SuperNova-Steve]

Great Interview- thank you you two. And the tech crew actually, the lighting and set, camera operating were all great. Sound was top notch too. Classic BBC

[@jamieappleseed552]

Mr. Cave is such a beautiful man. Our common bond is that we are only here for a while.

[@michaelgeorge4651]

Hi 👋 Jamie

[@sgoldie3235]

I'm Canadian... my 20 year old beautiful son killed himself Debember 2020. Nick Cave's music, words, perspective have had a measure of guidance for me... thank you... grateful 🙏

[@Enthusiasmisgood]

I’m so sorry.

[@fernandoherranz4095]

Thank you for sharing this BBC and Nick Cave- it's refreshing to hear such a talented artist talk about life and it's complexities/joys/tragedies, and how these have formed us. There are often no easy answers and his music embodies this I think.

[@Rubylove48]

Been a long time since I’ve seen a good long form interview with a genuine artist. not a fan of nick cave’s music but I appreciated this interview coupled with the production values - lighting, camera, editing, and use of visuals - which were very well done.

[@karolspeight1968]

He’s a lovely man. Fantastic artist

[@MrZipdang]

Nick Cave is such a wonderful communicator, in real time, of the deepening of the artistic and personal human journey. He has always laid himself bare, and continues to do so. Such a wonderful voice in the world, we’re blessed to have him.

[@Strickland_Propane23]

Nick is such a complex and mysterious individual, his music transcends time. Such a great interview!

[@tomaszkordonski4585]

Into my life for so long.❤ See you in Leeds next week Mr Cave😍👍🌞

[@ManuelaHoferchannel]

Thank you. This was a great interview with a brilliant artist.

[@ethansaunders2199]

A wonderful, thoughtful, man.

[@0otee]

Good interview. Love seeing Nick laugh at moments. Great Musicman🌹❣️

[@waynecristaudo7220]

I don’t listen to Nick a lot, but whenever I do I always know he is one of the greats - another Everest like figure in the world of song - unique, beautiful- there!

[@Krinsta1]

About two weeks after my husband died, Nick Cave's album came out. My husband went to RMIT and went a local pub in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia, to listen to Nick Cave perform. Come Sail Your Ships around me was my husband's choice of song to be played while we signed our marriage certificate. The song at his funeral was Nick Cave and the bad Seeds version of The Carnival is Over. When the album, I don't know which one it was, came out after Leigh's death about ten years ago this wave of something, maybe reality, that this is music that my husband would never hear, my insides turned to Jelly, how could this be. I know this interview happened a long time ago. When my husband died I thought to myself, death is just another part of living that we all experience from every perspective. This interview was very good.

[@paulmunton1483]

This interview makes me cry, I don't know why but it's good but emotional. Nick you are a god in my eyes.

[@angelofmercy3893]

We lost our oldest son 10 years ago - sending love , respect and admiration to Mr. Cave .. ban assault weapons now !

[@KordTaylor]

Thank you for this interview. It is very heartfelt. ❤️👏🏻🔥

[@jeaninekolasa8113]

just wonderful. genuine and generous sharing. love this interview. Nick Cave, and his beautiful family, a brave artist and person! x

[@roi.s]

Such a great man. So authentic. We are lucky .

[@sandraoreilly4527]

Really enjoyed this interview with nick !! Very raw and very honest ❤

[@jonlilley9288]

Great interview. Kirsty got the best out of Nick.

[@Buddythunder1]

What a wonderful, thoughtful and sympathetic interview.

[@grasshopper6655]

Living legend!! Yes, another record with Kylie please!

[@IAmWithinEverything]

Thankful to the Peaky Blinders Series for my introduction to Nick Cave.❤

[@62Cristoforo]

I didn’t realize he suffered such personal loss and grief. You haven’t lived or experienced life in its fullness until a piece of you is excised, as is with a great personal loss of a loved one

[@roughneckTX]

What a great interview! Thanks to both participants!

[@mial2781]

It´s such a joy to listen to Nick.

[@theniteowl7777]

Nick Cave is probably the most human musician in all existence.

[@edmundcoyle364]

Tuned in now & listening.

[@Australianzwayne]

What a National treasure. Awesome interview. Thank you

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Truly moving this interview Thank you

[@simonmunton5793]

Great to listen to a grown up interview with intelligent people in a world of clickbait.Nick Cave such a talented and open person

[@user-td6yv6lr7p]

The Red Hand files are definitely worth subscribing too

[@annieschlater1534]

A very talented and interesting man. Loved to hear his views on Christ and religion.

[@millmoormichael6630]

I feel he’s like sort of dancing around hot porridge.. It’s the last days and God is calling.

[@thejoin4687]

@@millmoormichael6630 How long ago was the first of the last days?

[@michaelgeorge4651]

Hi 👋 Annie

[@nickcave6645]

Thanks for all your wonderful comments and sweet words kindly send down your email for more and better conversation.

[@markushill8639]

@@thejoin4687 We've been in the last days since Christ's Ascension.

[@hilarybee1797]

Good on you Nick you get better ie sound better with age. So sorry more tragedy than one should experience. Thank you fabulous hard working BBC xox

[@tonycairns6728]

It's quite refreshing to see someone who isn't afraid of being deemed 'insane' for suggesting that God might exist.

[@GoodMrDawes]

I love the person Nick is aging into

[@christye4246]

An extraordinary human on many levels.

[@patrickmccabe3786]

Absolute genius and so modest❤

[@zap...]

Just as there is no light without darkness, there is no faith without doubt.

[@ethicalgovernor4474]

Love how when he smiles it completely transforms his face from the serious artist to a total goofball.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Nostalgia...yes...well said...never washed it away...

[@Antony_Jenner]

There are people in this world that have never really experienced total grief and others where grief follows them like a shadow. Nick is the later, He his lucky in one sense that he has the ability to verbalise his grief through music.

[@veerchasm1]

A pastor once said to me that the opposite of faith is not doubt but unbelief. Faith and doubt are two sides of the same coin. Nick expresses his beliefs so eloquently

[@Ponkinette.Veronika66]

Beautiful. What a great man i love son much!❤

[@bleedingstar1011]

This was a lovely interview!!

[@RikodiusRex]

I love nick cave!

[@michaelgeorge4651]

Hi Laura

[@RikodiusRex]

@@michaelgeorge4651 hey micky!

[@michaelgeorge4651]

@@RikodiusRex How are you doing today Lauren?

[@RikodiusRex]

@@michaelgeorge4651 meh, Michael. Meh. You?

[@michaelgeorge4651]

I’m good thank you Where are you chatting from Lauren?

[@RMarshall57]

This is beautiful!

[@grantwallace1882]

What a great human being!

[@mariam_shengelia]

Love you Nick 💝

[@michaelgeorge4651]

Hi 👋 Mariam