Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Oceania Australia Alternative Rock Art Rock

Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds!

Top Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Community Posts

Loading posts...

Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1983

Formation of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1983 following the breakup of Nick Cave and Mick Harvey's previous band, the Birthday Party. The band was initially conceived by Nick Cave as a backing group for a solo project, assembling international musicians including guitarist Blixa Bargeld and bassist Barry Adamson. Their first consistent lineup came about in London, setting the stage for a new band distinct from the post-punk aggression of the Birthday Party, focusing on a darker, more atmospheric rock sound.

1984

Debut Album: From Her to Eternity

The band released their first studio album, From Her to Eternity, establishing their signature style blending post-punk, blues, and gothic rock elements. This debut marked the emergence of a unique sound that set them apart in the 1980s alternative rock scene. The album's intense, brooding atmosphere and complex lyrics began the trajectory of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as a significant influence in the post-punk and alternative music genres.

1990

Sound Development with The Good Son

By 1990, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds had evolved by softening their sound, as evidenced by the release of The Good Son. This album featured more melodic and accessible compositions, while retaining the emotional depth and lyrical intensity that defined the band. The Good Son represented a maturation in their music, incorporating influences beyond their earlier post-punk roots, and helped cement their reputation internationally.

1997

Critical Acclaim for The Boatman's Call

The 1997 album The Boatman's Call marked a significant stylistic shift for the band, embracing a more minimalistic and introspective approach. The album received critical acclaim for its emotionally raw and personal songwriting, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side to Nick Cave's lyricism. This release is often cited as one of their career highlights and contributed to expanding their audience.

2009

Departure of Mick Harvey

Mick Harvey, a founding member and multi-instrumentalist, left the band in 2009. His departure marked the end of an era for the Bad Seeds, as Harvey had been a key creative and performing force since the band's inception. After leaving, the band shifted towards incorporating more electronic and ambient elements into their music, signifying a new phase in their evolving sound.

2013

Trilogy Begins: Push the Sky Away

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released Push the Sky Away in 2013, initiating a trilogy of albums known for their atmospheric and experimental qualities. This album featured a broader sound palette, integrating electronic textures and ambient influences that pushed the boundaries of their previous work. Push the Sky Away was a critical success and reasserted the band's position as innovators in alternative rock.

2016

Skeleton Tree and Artistic Prowess

The 2016 album Skeleton Tree continued the trilogy's exploration of ambient and electronic music. It was notable for its deeply emotional and somber tone, influenced by personal tragedies in Nick Cave's life. The album received widespread acclaim for its beauty and haunting qualities, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve artistically while maintaining emotional resonance with listeners.

2019

Release of Ghosteen

Ghosteen, released in 2019, completed the ambient and electronic trilogy, further exploring themes of grief and transcendence. The album was praised for its ethereal soundscapes and poetic lyricism, firmly establishing Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as a mature, contemplative force in modern music. Ghosteen solidified the band's legacy of thematic depth and sonic innovation over more than three decades.

2024

Latest Album: Wild God

In 2024, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released Wild God, their eighteenth studio album. This latest work continues their evolution, blending their established alternative rock roots with new experimental sounds and textures. Wild God demonstrates the band's enduring creativity and relevance in the music world, maintaining their reputation as one of the most original and celebrated bands from the '80s to the present day.

Albums

From Her to Eternity

7 tracks

1984

The Firstborn Is Dead

9 tracks

1985

Kicking Against the Pricks

14 tracks

1986

Your Funeral… My Trial

No More Shall We Part

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus

Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Martyn P. Casey

1990

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Anita Lane

N/A

Additional

Thomas Wydler

1985

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Percussion

Warren Ellis

1995

Accordion

Violin

Viola

Tenor guitar

Piano

Percussion

Mandolin

Lute

Flute

Bouzouki

Background vocals

Nick Cave

1983

Eponymous

Electric guitar

Harmonica

Lead vocals

Organ

Percussion

Piano

Jim Sclavunos

1994

Percussion

Melodica

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Organ

History

Name

Begin

End

Occupation

Roland Wolf

1986

1989

Organ

Background vocals

Piano

Electric guitar

Blixa Bargeld

1983

2004

Slide guitar

Pedal steel guitar

Keyboard

Electric guitar

Background vocals

Kid Congo Powers

1986

1989

Electric guitar

Slide guitar

Hugo Race

1983

1984

Electric guitar

Background vocals

Mick Harvey

1983

2009

Acoustic guitar

Electric guitar

Drums (drum set)

Organ

Percussion

Piano

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Conway Savage

1990

2018

Piano

Background vocals

Organ

James Johnston

2003

2008

Background vocals

Electric guitar

Organ

Acoustic guitar

Barry Adamson

1983

1987

Background vocals

Piano

Organ

Percussion

Electric guitar

Drums (drum set)

Bass guitar

Story of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: A Journey Through Darkness and Evolution

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, one of the most influential and acclaimed acts to emerge from the post-punk and alternative rock scenes of the 80s, are a testament to the power of musical collaboration and artistic evolution. Born from the ashes of the legendary Birthday Party, the band's journey has seen them embrace a diverse array of influences, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their raw and often haunting soundscapes.

A Legacy of Change and Collaboration:

The story of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds begins in 1983, when the band's core members, Nick Cave (vocals) and Mick Harvey (multi-instrumentalist), decided to forge a new path following the breakup of their previous group, the Birthday Party. This new venture brought together a constellation of musicians from around the world, including guitarist-vocalist Blixa Bargeld. Over the decades, the band's lineup has remained fluid, reflecting Cave's constant desire to explore and collaborate with new artists. Today, the band boasts a dynamic lineup featuring Warren Ellis (violin, multi-instrumentalist), Martyn P. Casey (bass), George Vjestica (guitar), Larry Mullins (keyboards, percussion), Thomas Wydler (drums) and Jim Sclavunos (drums).

From Post-Punk to Global Sounds:

The band's early work, heavily influenced by post-punk, blues, and gothic rock, is evident in their debut album, "From Her to Eternity" (1984). This early period saw the band experiment with a range of sounds, drawing inspiration from diverse sources and incorporating artists like Blixa Bargeld, Barry Adamson, and Kid Congo Powers. As the band matured, they gradually softened their sound, incorporating elements of rock, folk, and even electronica. Albums like "The Good Son" (1990) and "The Boatman's Call" (1997) marked this shift, showcasing a more nuanced and introspective side to the band's musical palette.

The Departure of Harvey and a New Chapter:

Harvey's departure in 2009 marked a turning point for the band, prompting a further exploration of electronic and ambient styles. This exploration culminated in the "Push the Sky Away" (2013), "Skeleton Tree" (2016), and "Ghosteen" (2019) trilogy, which showcased a more experimental and expansive sonic landscape.

A Legacy of Darkness and Passion:

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have, over their remarkable career, released eighteen studio albums and toured extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique blend of darkness, passion, and musical virtuosity. Their music has become a soundtrack for many, exploring themes of love, loss, faith, and the human condition. The band's enduring legacy lies in their ability to continuously reinvent themselves while retaining a core sense of authenticity and artistic integrity.

Beyond the Band:

Beyond their musical accomplishments, the band's individual members have also embarked on successful solo careers, further solidifying their place as influential figures in the contemporary music scene.

The story of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is far from over. As they continue to push the boundaries of their artistry, their music continues to resonate with listeners, reminding us of the power of music to transcend time, space, and even death itself.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Loading....