Dirty Three: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Every member of Dirty Three has a highly respectable career outside of the band: Violinist Warren Ellis works closely with Nick Cave, drummer Jim White is a sought-after collaborator with an instantly recognizable sound, and guitarist Mick Turner has released a string of gorgeous instrumental solo albums when he's not working as a visual artist. But when the three musicians share a stage as Dirty Three - as they've done on and off for 20 years now - the result can be both beautiful and bonkers, as the opening moments of this Tiny Desk Concert amply demonstrate.
One of the loudest performances ever captured in the NPR Music offices - and it's got some competition from any number of brass bands - Dirty Three's set alternately seethes and rages in a flurry of high kicks, shambolic rumbling, prolific hairiness and dramatic yelling. Standing atop Bob Boilen's desk, Ellis cuts a stooped, lanky figure, but there's real physicality to his performance here, as he leads Dirty Three through three stormy songs: "Rain Song" and "The Pier" (from this year's Toward the Low Sun) and "Last Horse on the Sand" (from 1998's Ocean Songs).
Set List
"Rain Song"
"The Pier"
"Last Horse On The Sand"
Credits
Producer: Stephen Thompson; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Christopher Parks, Ryan Smith; photo by Lauren Rock/NPR

[@polymetis]

The only thing in this world better than a dirty three song is the story Warren invents before playing it

[@TodaysRemedy]

2024, this is still my fav. Tiny Desk performance.

[@Reveal32]

By a mile

[@diegonasdaq]

This is one of the most underrated bands of all the time Even inside the post-rock genre

[@---yx7ti]

Diego Mora i just existed it and it’s one of the greatest musical acts i’ve heard in my life

[@totalmasscontrol8618]

Even in postfeedle!! Mainstream People Must Die!!

[@saritajoshi1737]

Ocean songs is one of the most beautiful albums in the genre

[@xx-ug9hn]

@@saritajoshi1737 Horse Stories is even better IMO

[@micsunday14]

@@saritajoshi1737 * all time

[@scottshirk1857]

Mr. White passing the sticks at 12:22 whilst clicking the snare. Brilliant.

[@1gaia]

Warren Ellis mainly plays from his groin, Mick Turner plays from his home, and Jim White plays from a different dimension. They meet at some sort of intersection.

[@GreasyBastardo69]

Who needs lyrics, when we can all kick and scream...Genius!

[@GreasyBastardo69]

Just tried it in the tube, didn't pan out so well...maybe its my shoes or something.

[@wildHelena1]

Spot on!

[@ondaride777]

No need to sing if you can make instruments to do so!

[@herwerth]

this is the strangest band I have seen live.. I had many friends who swore how great they were, but it never came across in the recordings. Then in 2007 I saw them live and it was spiritual. I still don't know what or how it happened but I fell in love. Do yourself a favor, No matter what your impression is here, see them live, then tell me I'm wrong..

[@JimiAle]

I have seen them live & totally agree!

[@eeeeeeeli]

One of the best concert I've ever seen-them live in SF

[@Braunld]

Tren brothers recordings are magical

[@micsunday14]

Never came across in the recordings? Were you even listening

[@beaksofeagles]

You're not wrong Narelle.

[@benjones9195]

this is legendary!! why are some people on their fucking phone or looking bored as hell. They are witnessing something special, why on earth would you ignore it

[@caseyrauch9151]

Ben Jones Privilege comes with ignorance, sometimes.

[@Vossflying]

depend musical taste... Simply

[@Gershom.]

Because they work at NPR.

[@friendlier]

@@Gershom. Beat me to it.

[@evelanpatton]

Seriously. There are people who would love to be there & if YOU ARE NOT PRESENT THAN YOU HAVE NO OVERALL CONTEXT OF WHAT YOU ARE WITNESSING (except: your self). Everyone is unique & special, BUT that does NOT man to follow that everyone is OF AN ARTISTIC OUTPUT, thoughtfully originated in the quest for who, what, where, when, why: CONSUMPTION as a story, a tale. A kin’feed…ahh those DIRTY THREE! Thank you!

[@Bati_]

Warren Ellis literally feels it.

[@---yx7ti]

Found this band like today 30 minutes ago and jesus christ , how have i never heard this

[@jamesnolan4412]

Love revisiting this performance. Mick Turner is one of my favourite guitarists. The other is Rowland S Howard.

[@starttherebellion9146]

I love the degree of performance art the drummer bringing.

[@peterconaty9764]

Look up Ed Kuepper and Jim White together on the KZbin. Sublime...

[@Chascoso]

I love how the drummist is so talented and yet so relaxed and chilled.

[@JT-si6bl]

That's the best way a drummer to be. It really makes the difference. He's got mojo.

[@cftpafan]

Amazing how someone can do so much with a three piece.

[@dannyalleyway6835]

@@cftpafan That's a 2 piece brother. Floor tom and snare!

[@nicknickson3650]

check out his other band Xylouris White, which is Greek folk / post-rock

[@draft1643]

he's so important to what makes peak Cat Power so freakin great

[@robinmuir8401]

I’ve watched this many, many times and never tire. Seeing Dirty Three in Brisbane in a fortnight. Bring it on!

[@mks913]

So this is what happens when you give a real life version of Animal a violin. Bloody brilliant.

[@jamieholmes5443]

Last time I saw Warren Ellis with Nick Cave he was lit up by a low placed red light against a big canvas. I swear to god he looked like Lucifer playing his fiddle. Was fucking great! pardon me french.

[@matthewmiron7331]

Warren is awesome .... but the percussion is mesmerizing !!! What art , I don't know wether to laugh , cry or rejoice! I would have given much to be there , the pier is so soulful I am getting goosebumps listening to it.

[@407ian]

The only time ive been star struck as a sound engineer was when i mixed Jim

[@j1thom]

Stunning performance... but the drummer, OH MY!

[@pergaminopunk7307]

this is some of the greatest music i have ever heard. The dirty tree really save my World and my heart. Thanks.

[@jmode242]

saw them a few years back in Seattle,one of the greatest shows Ive ever seen

[@MrStaggerLeeXX]

I want to be Warren Ellis in my next life.

[@kkeelty64]

You can put an Aussie wolfman in polkadots, but you can't stop him from hooooowlin'!

[@donnymcjonny6531]

AwooooooOOOOOooooo

[@micsunday14]

I've spent my whole adult life wanting to play guitar like Mick

[@thefreedomofmanity]

I don't know how this doesn't have a million views. It is such an amazing performance!

[@SoloShelby]

You know how

[@TimChuma]

There is excellent footage from a 1994 show at a music festival where Warren kicked a stage invader off the stage while playing violin. They returned in 2004 to play in the midst of a giant thunderstorm. I have not seen them live since 2012 but it is always an experience to remember.

[@mMansonsgreyDaisy]

This makes me feel so good. Warren Ellis is brilliant.

[@sonofrut]

I saw this band last night 15 years after I saw them the last time. They capture me in a way that is indescribably deep, wild and emotional. Magnificent. See them before you die. Or they do.

[@FungusyHam]

spectacular. Ellis' unmic'd shouting in the first song is phenomenal, reminds me of the scene of King Lear in the storm - "I am a man more sinned against than sinning". Just screaming at the elements. fcuking love it.

[@micsunday14]

Seconded.

[@rebeccavrr]

I owe so much to their music - They deserve a million fold the accolades they receive

[@etherealwavefan94]

Warren is the whole reason why I got myself a violin. Huge inspiration for me. And he's also so hot lol

[@juliepanebianco846]

The best tiny desk concert. Period. 🙌 I wish Warren jumped up on my desk to play! Magnificent!

[@dongwang1948]

The Pier!!! so beautiful I cried.

[@xx-ug9hn]

Jim White’s the best drummer I’ve ever heard

[@tessa7858]

Did you see that trick where he was dropping the drum sticks and letting them roll? Never seen anyone do that

[@danabol8273]

Love these guys since forever!! Warren Ellis is a genius.

[@davidwwarren5639]

You wonder who is yelling, then you realize it is Warren whippin' the horse down the last furlough, riding that Mare fer all she is worth

[@davidhamilton7780]

An epic concert. Nick Cave is following the trail of Lou Reed... a great writer, good singer and a good musician who has the smarts to surround himself with excellent players. Warren is a large part of that. Warren Ellis (aka The Talking Beard) - one of the great storytellers of our generation.

[@withershin]

Okay it's 2021 people. Watch all the videos on what good music is and then come back here. Raw energy in music is rare these days. I started in the key of X with them and nothing has changed in what like 30 years now?

[@SagarSinghUK]

heard some of this in a record store today, had to listen to more. mind blown.

[@ferrumcivis]

I wish these guys were touring. I want to see them live. ):

[@ianstewart8243]

If you live in Australia, he’s touring with nick cave. November December 22

[@GorgeousRoddyChrome]

I just discovered The Dirty Three today. Now I'm mad at the whole goddamned world.

[@silviadarocha7381]

The yelling. OH I LOVE.

[@lesliestem3823]

Just glorious. Forget when I first heard them, but they still make me feel such a way.

[@bernhardsart]

This is Spiritual!!!!!! Thank You for Posting!!!!!

[@keithdoeskungfu]

I keep coming back to this... Altogether weird and yet haunting and beautiful

[@JoeyLevenson]

I had never heard them before, but I know of Ellis. Very inspiring music.

[@gibderm]

Caught theses guys twice, once for “whatever you love you are”, and once for “she has no strings Apollo “ both times were at the seediest bar in Detroit Michigan downtown, both were the most memorable musical experiences ever... hands down best 3 pc ever, I’ve seen hundreds of concerts in my time, many great, but not much compares to these guys.

[@csanchezcrespo]

Thanx npr for these HUGE gigs!

[@GreenGrayRain]

Beautiful, just...beautiful.

[@bradleysmith9924]

These guys are great, playing from the heart.

[@TrampledWheat]

Warren Ellis is just mindblowing!

[@dadsrecords9406]

I love Jim White so much. Cannot wait for the US tour.

[@NostraFnDamus]

Just saw them here in Oz. They have, if anything, gotten better with age. You're in for a treat :)

[@vilstef6988]

This is just amazing stuff! I first heard about this band about a week ago-why didn't I get the word sooner!?!

[@groovy65baby]

I saw them open for Morphine at the Fillmore - had never heard of them. Almost 30 years later all I really remember is their set and how it made me feel. Incredible band

[@tolis287]

What a great band!Love from Greece

I'm so mad at myself for not finding this sooner, but so grateful of tonight for leading me here. Love these guys.

[@chuckgillespie1]

love the enthusiastic crowd in the background (pan left) on their phones....jeesh

[@garynolan5798]

More help if Warren didn't turn his back on his audience and actually performed for them,not himself!

[@CGBalla1014]

@@garynolan5798 so the audience sucks because one member of the band wanted to face the people actually enjoying the moment?

[@benjaminwetherbee]

YES!!!!!! Words cannot describe how incredibly beautiful this is!!!!!!! This is changing my life as I watch it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@robotmadeheart]

This is wild and lovely.

[@bryanpearson8865]

Each is supremely talented on his own, but their confluence is astounding! Jim White has such a distinctive sound, I don't know anyone remotely like him.

[@jakobvonderessen]

Ich liebe die Ringe von Warren Ellis und Nick Cave.

[@FENGMengboART]

unbelievable! love their underground style of play!

[@jaylangdon7400]

one of the best things on youtube

[@urgr8t2c]

Yes, thanx Flea !!! Great stuff, good 2 c music being made on all levels ...

[@Balanar_the_blood_drinker]

Amazing!

[@drapeblind]

This band is just about perfect

[@ronzbronz6043]

WOW...Outstanding Thank-You Holy Trin ity/Dirty Three!!!

[@shonasmith6364]

saw them twice in one weekend at ATP, minds were blown.

[@terra__]

Absoluty incredible! Thanks to Jonathan for bringing me here :)

[@mrblisterfist]

Jim is running like a Swiss watch. Cat's wickedly talented!

[@MegaWavesMusic]

After seeing this....my two year old daughter thought Warren Ellis is an anima. 😅 He's definitely a special takented breed ✨✌🏽

[@switch4960]

amazing....

[@paullacotta5645]

So good. I’m amazed ❤

[@GravityBoy72]

Warren is amazing.

[@heeblay3066]

Fuck I Love that he asks if its alright half way through, so humble and alive

[@madbisshop]

always beautiful amazing.

[@jimmerz50]

It is a beautiful trance im in

[@SanjaLav]

Warren.. Amazing man. ❤

[@brunosm.l2267]

The most heavy and rock and roll band in Tiny Desk concert had a violin as the main character.

[@noodlenate]

I admire npr's continued willingness to be open minded!

[@micsunday14]

There is more truth in this music than just about anything else I've ever heard

[@kerryamp582]

Beautiful, passionate...

[@greenonreed]

Fuckin Jim White plays drums like butterflies

[@canderson1522]

This was amazing.

[@brunosm.l2267]

The first song is like when a nick cave song goes up at the end... and it gets better, what else can you say

[@ivankarczewski8582]

Fantastic performance :)

[@farodelarte-diseno...fotov4734]

... inspiración y sentimientos infinitos!!!

[@ARTedivision]

I love you Warren

[@Teona1212]

I love this band !

[@BleeemoMusic]

Quite simply the greatest band on the planet.

[@moss1313]

magickal stuff, right here.

[@razsbags]

Brilliant!

[@annette00]

Amazing

[@Loco_Pizza]

Ahgahsaha Warren ctm loco. I like him.

[@Tave11]

By far the best TDC

[@petenstein247]

First saw the D3 93/94 supporting Dave Graney. Never knew they subsequently played Tiny Desk. Excellent.

[@XarNaXiS]

Superb my fellows. Brothers all, kindred are we. Play that music true and wild my friends!

[@MrAhilleus]

Cool work! Real has soul in all of it...

[@natfletcher1445]

amazing

[@sparky2390]

Wow..I so wish I could be there..

[@grnhair2001]

Just imagining the pre-concert discussion: Turner: kick me in the face again, dude, and I'll rip out that beard Ellis: (wordless yell) Turner: just so's we're clear seriously though, love the music.