Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are back, and it’s like they never left. After a seven-year hiatus from U.S. stages, the band launched their long-awaited return with an electrifying show in Boston on April 15. Despite the time away, their presence felt as powerful as ever.
The incredible St. Vincent was originally set to open the show, but had to cancel at the last minute due to illness. Thankfully, she shared the next day that she was already feeling much better. I’ve seen her live before, so I can confidently say: her set would’ve been nothing short of phenomenal.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds hit the stage right at 8:30 p.m., and the energy in the room was electric. They opened with “Frogs,” and from the first note, the crowd was all in: hands in the air, shouting every lyric at full volume. I knew then and there the night was going to be unforgettable.
They played for nearly two and a half hours, delivering a mix of old favorites and tracks from their latest album, Wild God, including “Song of the Lake,” “Long Dark Night,” and “Final Rescue Attempt.” After nearly every song, Cave shouted, “F–king Boston!” You could tell how much they’d missed playing in the States. Throughout the show, he strutted up and down the catwalk, grabbing fans’ hands, singing right in their faces, and even leaning into the crowd where they had to hold him up. At one point, someone even crowd surfed! It was nothing like I expected and all the better for it.
The highlight of the night, for me, had to be when they played what’s arguably Cave’s biggest hit: “Red Right Hand.” The song first gained cult status through the Scream movies and later became iconic as the theme for Peaky Blinders. It’s always held a special place in my heart because I’m a huge Scream fan, so hearing it live felt surreal. The crowd clearly felt the same. By the end, they were on their feet for a standing ovation.
Cave closed the night with a three song encore, including a rare surprise: “Skeleton Tree,” which hadn’t been performed live since 2016. He acknowledged the long gap, saying he wanted to try it out as part of the encore and if it didn’t go well, it would be a “Boston exclusive.” “Don’t film this,” he added with a grin. I can confirm: it fit the encore perfectly, and I hope it stays in the setlist for the rest of the tour.
In the end, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds proved that even after a seven-year hiatus, their fire is as intense as ever. The Boston crowd was treated to a raw, electric performance that showcased the band’s undeniable chemistry and Cave’s relentless stage presence. From the surprises in the encore to the unforgettable moments of crowd connection, this show will be one for the books. It’s clear that Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are back with a vengeance and if you get the chance, don’t miss them on this tour.
Check out the remainder of the Wild God Tour dates in a city near you.
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