Nick Cave and Warren Ellis are truly Australian music icons. More than that they are living national treasures. Artists with incredible and awe inspiring histories. So anytime they play live in Australia I'll definitely be there to see them. Recently they have played as a 'Bad Seeds' show. But Friday night at the Sydney Opera House, the first of 3 sold out shows, was billed as 'Nick Cave and Warren Ellis'. I guess based off the album in 'Carnage' that they released togther in 2021. Prior to that the last Bad Seeds album was 'Ghosteen', which was released in 2019. The pandemic stopped them touring that record so this special show I guess was a way to showcase both of these fine records. And so it ensued that the main set was basically 'Carnage' and 'Ghosteen'. And it was spectacular. For two and a half hours we were enraptured and entertained. All of it was great but special highlights were 'Carnage', 'White Elephant' and 'Balcony Man'. Plus the epic 'Ghosteen' title track. Then there was 'Hand of God'. Just wow. Cave not only touched the audience he came among us, singing most of it whilst being propped up by a generous audience member. An apt disply of the magnetic power of Cave the performer. He owns the stage, totally. The band assembled was great as well. Smaller than a 'Bad Seeds' show but powerful nonetheless. Ellis of course, who played mainly melodica. Colin Greenwood of Radiohead on bass and a trio of wonderful British singers. Cave solo or on piano. It all added up to a special show.

Then an encore to up the ante. An epic 'Hollywood' followed by classic tracks like 'Henry Lee' and 'The Weeping Song'. We stood and sung along with incredible joy. Then it was over. But wait  there was more. The band quickly came back on stage to perform the timeless 'Into My Arms'. What a way to end a simply spectacular night.

Set List
Spinning Song
Bright Horses
Night Raid

Carnage

White Elephant

Ghosteen

Lavender Fields

Waiting For You

I Need You

Cosmic Dancer (T. Rex cover)

Breathless

Hand of God

Shattered Ground

Galleon Ship

Leviathan

Balcony Man

Hollywood
Henry Lee
The Weeping Song
Jubilee Street
Ghosteen Speaks

Into My Arms