Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds @ Place Bell▪

After more than four decades of crafting some of the most profound, mythic, and emotionally raw music, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds brought their legendary presence to Place Bell in Laval. As a longtime admirer, this concert was not just another night out — it was a dream fulfilled. I had always imagined the experience would feel like getting to see two artists for the price of one — Nick Cave and Warren Ellis — but it ended up being even more: twelve extraordinary musicians and choristers delivering a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing.

With no opening band, the audience was treated to over two hours of uninterrupted musical mastery. From the first note to the final encore, it was an unforgettable night.

My Personal Connection to Nick Cave

My journey with Nick Cave’s music is deeply personal. I first encountered his world on July 14, 2015, when a local Movies in the Park event screened 20,000 Days on Earth. I biked through the warm summer night, sat shoulder to shoulder with strangers on the grass, and watched Cave’s voice curl through the speakers like smoke, talking about memory, music, and myth. We laughed. We clapped. We were moved.

The next morning, I learned that while we were clapping, Nick Cave was grieving the loss of his 15-year-old son. My own son was 15 at the time. That moment forged a bond — an unspoken understanding — between myself and Cave’s music, a connection that remains to this day.

The night kicked off with “Frogs,” a song that builds from a frantic groove into a grand, orchestral finale, backed by breathtaking choral arrangements. Cave’s dance movements — elegant and raw — called to mind the spirit of Dave Gahan. At times, he threw the microphone with theatrical flair, a signature Cave move that delighted the crowd.

“Wild God” brought an anthemic climax, with the chorus swelling behind Cave’s commanding presence. The energy was palpable, with every note pulling the crowd deeper into the experience.

“Song of the Lake” showcased Cave’s melodic mastery, performed with tender precision. During “O Children,” Cave spotted a young boy in the front row, paused, and said:

“We know we’re not taking care of children like you in this world. This song is for you.”

A poignant, heartfelt moment that captured the humanity that defines his performances.

Before launching into “Tupelo,” Cave — ever the storyteller — wove a vivid narrative, inviting the audience into the song’s world. His song introductions made each performance feel like part of a shared ritual.

Cave introduced Carly Paradis, a Canadian composer and pianist who joined the Bad Seeds in 2022, adding her own magic to the evening.

Songs like “Wild Horses” oscillated between electrifying energy and profound sadness. During “I Need You,” the arena fell silent, Cave’s face projected on a large screen. Tears glistened on many faces — including my own.

The instantly recognisable bell chime of “Red Right Hand” from the Peaky Blinders theme electrified the atmosphere, turning Place Bell into a sea of dancing and singing.

Warren Ellis, standing on a chair as he tore through his violin solos, was as magnetic as ever. His synergy with Cave was essential throughout the night, especially on softer, shimmering tracks like “Bright Horses,” where Cave’s vocals floated just above a whisper.

After more than two hours of transcendence, Cave sat alone at the piano to perform “Into My Arms.” It was intimate, tender, and the perfect ending to an unforgettable night. As Warren Ellis gave a final count of four, we knew the magic was fading — but the memory of that night would linger forever.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds gave us more than a concert — they gave us a masterclass in emotion, storytelling, and communion through music. This night at Place Bell wasn’t just a bucket list experience — it was a soul-stirring journey I’ll never forget.