Nick Cave Praises Radiohead London Gig as a “Spiritual Activity” Experience

Nick Cave reflects on his first arena concert, calling Radiohead’s London show a powerful, transcendent live music moment.

When Music Becomes a Spiritual Journey

There’s something magical about attending a live concert that can’t be replicated anywhere else—and Nick Cave knows it well. Recently, he opened up about his unforgettable experience at Radiohead’s live show in London, describing it as nothing short of “spiritual activity.” For a man whose life revolves around music, that’s high praise indeed.

Nick Cave and Thom Yorke sharing a moment

A First for Nick: His Debut Arena Concert

In a heartfelt reply on his blog, The Red Hand Files, Cave revealed that Radiohead’s London gig was his very first time attending such a massive arena show. Often, when he's touring, the last thing he wants is to be in the crowd of another artist’s performance—touring can be sonically and emotionally overwhelming. But after a break from his own hectic schedule, Cave found himself craving the live music thrill once more.

“I’ve had the urge to go and see live music,” he shared, “and over the past couple of months I’ve attended many gigs—each an incredible evening—including Bob Dylan, Swans, Cameron Winter, Dirty Three, and of course, Radiohead.”

Radiohead at The O2: A Collective Heartbeat

Sitting among 20,000 other fans at the O2 Arena, Cave was struck by the overwhelming sense of love and connection in the room. People were dancing, screaming, crying, hugging—throwing themselves into the music with abandon. It was a powerful reminder of how live music acts as a unique, collective experience.

“I was stunned by the depth of love in the room,” Cave reflected. “It made me realize just how powerful live music is — a group of individuals creating a sound that becomes a shared vision, touching everyone as if it were their own experience. I could feel its moral quality — a force capable of repairing the world with its goodness.”

Live Music as a Cosmic Force

Nick Cave didn’t stop there. He compared the live concert experience to various spiritual practices he engages in, like swimming in a lake or meditating—but none, he said, offer the “transcendent opportunity” that a live performance does.

“It is a form of human activity that radiates goodness, working its way through the crowd and into the world as a reparative, cosmic force, improving matters, keeping the devil at bay.” — Nick Cave

He added that the audience’s reaction was not just about the music—which was “astonishing”—but also the bravery of the performers standing on stage, offering their souls to the crowd. This honest vulnerability, Cave said, was deeply moving and humbling.

Radiohead electrifying fans live in Madrid, 2025

Radiohead’s Courage: Ordinary Yet Heroic

Cave concluded his thoughts with a tribute to the band’s courage and authenticity. He described Radiohead as engaging in “a remarkable act of ordinary courage, a distinctly human form of heroism”—the audacity to declare their truth and identity on stage for the world to witness.

It’s not just admiration from afar either. Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood has been collaborating closely with Cave and the Bad Seeds lately. Filling in for Martyn Casey on tour, Greenwood has found joy in playing with Cave’s band, describing it as a “really fun thing to do” and praising the band’s blend of loud, energetic drums and joyous music.

Greenwood’s Take on Cave’s Music and Craft

Colin Greenwood expressed deep respect for Nick Cave’s artistry, highlighting his storytelling and piano skills. He reminisced about hearing Cave’s voice filling his living room while listening to the band’s new album recordings.

“What a voice! He’s got the lot!” Greenwood marveled.

While familiar with some of Cave’s work like Let Love In, Push The Sky Away, and Skeleton Tree, Greenwood admits it was a privilege to witness Cave’s songwriting process firsthand alongside Warren Ellis.

Radiohead’s Triumphant Return to the Stage

Radiohead’s London show was part of their first UK and European tour in seven years, wrapping up recently in Copenhagen where frontman Thom Yorke visibly showed emotion as he said goodbye to fans. The tour has been a testament to the band’s enduring presence and ability to captivate audiences with their blend of raw energy and emotional depth.

Radiohead’s live performances continue to be a space where music transcends mere entertainment—becoming a unifying, spiritual event that leaves lasting impressions. Nick Cave’s reflections remind us why going to a concert isn’t just fun, but sometimes an essential human experience.

FAQ

• What made Nick Cave describe Radiohead’s concert as spiritual?
  Nick Cave felt the collective energy and emotional connection among the audience and performers created a transcendent experience unlike any other.
• Has Nick Cave attended many concerts before?
  While he enjoys live music, the Radiohead gig was his first arena show, and he usually avoids concerts while on his own tours to prevent sensory overload.
• What other artists did Nick Cave see recently?
  In addition to Radiohead, Cave attended shows by Bob Dylan, Swans, Cameron Winter, and Dirty Three during his break from touring.
• What role has Colin Greenwood played with Nick Cave?
  Greenwood has been playing live with Cave's band, the Bad Seeds, filling in for Martyn Casey and contributing to their new album Wild God.
• How did Radiohead’s tour conclude?
  Their UK and European tour ended in Copenhagen with an emotional farewell from Thom Yorke, marking a successful return after seven years.

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