++GIG REVIEW++
The big bad brooder of Oz is back, and this time he's got his legendary group in tow. Matt Merritt reports on how they went down during their three night residency in London...
A dimly lit former theatre with art deco fittings, the Hammersmith Apollo was the perfect venue for Nick Cave's music, and the packed to the brim crowd on the first of his three nights there were testament to the lasting popularity of an artist who constantly reinvents himself.
The Nick Cave that we meet tonight is more laidback Aussie than brooding gothic songwriter - it's possible that having a family has mellowed him, or perhaps he's just having too much fun interacting with the 'London Cunts' (his words not ours) in the audience.
"As Cave left the stage to whoops and cheers after his encore, the audience largely seemed unwilling to leave. "
In a set littered with songs from throughout Nick & The Bad Seeds career, Dig Lazarus Dig stands tall, injecting a sense of fun into proceedings early on, without losing Cave's trademark biblical references.
With the audience shouting suggestions left right and centre, Cave launches into 'Tupelo', quietening the crowds right away. Later on, during a blistering rendition of 'Red Right Hand', the red lighting on stage throws Cave's shadow up on the walls 20 feet high, as he prowls in front of the audience like a wolf stalking prey.
'I Call Upon The Author' reinforces how much the new songs in The Bad Seeds' repertoire have loosened them up, while adding 'Jesus Of The Moon' to proceedings to slow things down a little gave us an idea just how versatile the band are.
As the band left the stage to whoops and cheers after his encore, the audience largely seemed unwilling to leave. With chants of his name ringing round the auditorium Cave returned alone, settling himself at the keyboards to perform 'Into My Arms' - which is even more heartbreaking live than on record.
The crowds calmed and sated, Cave says his goodbyes and leaves. And as the lights come up, you can see that every face on every audience members is wearing an expression of astonishment and excitement at what was, undoubtedly, a night that will be long remembered.
++ Matt Merritt ++
Artrocker rating: 4
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