Fans of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds gathered at Resident Records in Brighton were treated to a surprise appearance and impromptu sest from the band on the roof of the legendary independent record shop.
Excited crowds gathered on the North Laine, as word got around on Friday morning that a band was being set up, with Cave bursting onto the stage at 11am.
The band exploded into ‘Train Long Suffering’ from The Firstborn Is Dead – a song last played in Brighton in 1985 at The Escape Club. “Thank you. F***ing Brighton!” Nick Cave said. After the rapturous applause died down, Cave took a moment to appreciate the crowds before him, filling the city’s famous streets: “What a thing to be doing.”
Cave’s piano adaptation of T.Rex’s ‘Cosmic Dancer’ followed, featuring an explosive violin solo from Warren Ellis. Then it was ‘Henry Lee’, a duet with one of the band’s four backing singers, Janet Ramus. During the Murder Ballads track, Nick gave a shout out to his wife Susie Cave, who was watching the show at the end of the balcony joined by their son Earl.
Despite previously saying they only had one more song (“I know, It’s bullshit”), Cave couldn’t resist delivering an encore and the Bad Seeds stormed through ‘Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry’ from Henry’s Dream, the crowd enthusiastically joining in as he thrust the mic in their direction.
The rooftop gig forms part of the wider programme of activity across Brighton to mark Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ sold-out, UK-exclusive headline show at Preston Park on Friday 31 July. Joined by four special guests: The Flaming Lips, English Teacher, Cate Le Bon and Warmduscher. The show marks a homecoming for Cave and the band in Brighton.
From 30 July to 2 August, Resident is hosting a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds takeover, including an exclusive merchandise pop-up, limited Brighton-exclusive items, catalogue offers, giveaways and a dedicated post box where fans can send physical letters to The Red Hand Files. There is also a limited edition 10-inch picture disc of ‘Jubilee Street’, which has sold out at Resident due to demand, and is now exclusively available at the Preston Park show. The release features the original album version alongside a new live recording from the band’s 2024/25 Wild God tour.
Across the weekend, Brighton’s Duke of York’s Picturehouse will screen a series of five films selected by Nick Cave, each introduced by a pre-recorded message from Cave. Plus, throughout Friday, visitors arriving at Brighton Station will hear specially recorded station announcements and a bespoke “Welcome to Brighton Station” message voiced by Nick Cave.
I am thrilled beyond words to return to my beloved Brighton with The Bad Seeds to play Preston Park. It’s a homecoming! It’s going to be big, bad and beautiful. An epic show!!!” Nick Cave
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