Last night, Dublin witnessed something more than just a concert—it was a spiritual experience. As the opening stop of his highly anticipated world tour, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds transformed the 3Arena into a cathedral of sound, soul, and storytelling. For longtime fans and first-time witnesses alike, the performance was nothing short of unforgettable.
Dressed in his signature black suit, Cave emerged onto the stage with the presence of a preacher and the poise of a poet. The show opened with the thunderous “Get Ready for Love,” immediately plunging the crowd into a whirlwind of intensity. From the very first note, it was clear this wouldn’t be an ordinary gig—it was a raw, emotional communion between artist and audience.
The setlist journeyed through Cave’s vast discography, blending beloved classics with haunting new material from his upcoming album, The River Underground, set to release later this year. Songs like “Into My Arms,” “Jubilee Street,” and “Ghosteen” were met with thunderous applause, but it was the premiere of new track “Ashes of the Hour” that truly silenced the room—an eerie, piano-driven ballad that captured the fragile beauty of grief and rebirth.
Throughout the evening, Cave’s interaction with the crowd was deeply personal. He often stepped down into the audience, reaching out, holding hands, making eye contact—tearing down the barrier between performer and spectator. At one point, he paused mid-song to share a brief story about his first time visiting Dublin as a young man, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Behind him, The Bad Seeds delivered an electrifying performance, with Warren Ellis proving once again why he’s one of the most compelling live musicians of this era. His energy was chaotic and divine, perfectly balancing Cave’s controlled intensity.
The production design matched the emotional landscape of the show—minimal but atmospheric. Stark lighting and moody backdrops complemented the shifting tones of each song, while the sound was impeccably tuned, allowing every whisper and wail to resonate with aching clarity.
As the encore closed with “Push the Sky Away,” the crowd swayed, teary-eyed and entranced. Cave stood under a single spotlight, whispering the final lines into the darkness, and for a few moments after he exited, the audience stood in hushed reverence.
If last night was any indication of what’s to come, Nick Cave’s world tour is not just a celebration of music—it’s a living, breathing work of art. And Dublin, lucky as ever, got to witness its first spark.
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