Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Perform 'Hollywood' Live for the First Time at Cruel World 2025

Experience the magic as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds debut their epic track 'Hollywood' live, captivating fans at Cruel World 2025.

A Historic Night at Cruel World 2025

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds delivered a monumental performance at Cruel World 2025, held at Brookside Park in Pasadena, California, on Saturday night, May 17th. The highlight? The live debut of "Hollywood," a sprawling, 14-minute closing track from their 2019 album Ghosteen.

With a career-spanning setlist, the band mesmerized the crowd, bringing the deep emotional resonance of Hollywood to life. Before the song, Cave dedicated the performance to Los Angeles, saying, “This is for LA,” as the song’s lyrics projected behind them on the screen, adding a powerful visual to the meditative and spiritual experience.

Check out the fan-captured footage of this special moment below:

Setlist Highlights: A Journey Through Nick Cave's Musical Legacy

On this unforgettable night, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds played a dynamic setlist:

• Frogs
• Wild God
• Tupelo
• Jubilee Street
• Joy
• Red Right Hand
• From Her To Eternity
• The Weeping Song
• Hollywood

This selection showcased both timeless classics and newer material, bridging the full spectrum of their artistry.

The Meaning Behind 'Hollywood'

The song Hollywood carries profound emotional weight. Inspired by the Buddhist story of Kisa Gotami, an enlightened woman who learns that “no one is untouched by loss” after the death of her child, the track reflects themes of grief and acceptance. Nick Cave penned Hollywood, along with the rest of the Ghosteen album, following the tragic loss of his son Arthur in 2015.

Though Hollywood had not been part of The Bad Seeds’ live repertoire until now, it was regularly performed by Cave and Warren Ellis during their Carnage tour in 2021.

A Milestone in The Bad Seeds' North American Return

The Cruel World show marked the finale of The Bad Seeds’ first North American tour in seven years. This tour was special—not only for featuring Hollywood live for the first time but also for including the first live performances of Skeleton Tree in seven years, alongside tracks from their acclaimed 2024 album Wild God.

Fans were thrilled to see Radiohead’s bassist Colin Greenwood joining the band on stage. Greenwood stepped in for Martyn Casey, who was unable to perform due to illness. His collaboration is a testament to the close musical camaraderie formed on recent tours, including Cave’s solo shows and the Carnage tour. Greenwood also contributed to Wild God, enriching the band’s latest sound.

Nick Cave’s Reflections on Life and Music

Ahead of the Wild God album release and tour, Nick Cave shared candid thoughts on the impact of social media on today’s youth. He expressed concern about the demoralizing effect it has on society, especially young people losing faith in the world’s potential.

“I think social media is a huge problem and is having a huge demoralising effect on society. Young people are losing faith in the world in general and what the world has to offer them. That’s a major problem.”
– Nick Cave

Cave’s heartfelt reflections deepen the meaning behind his music, making live performances even more poignant.

The Intimate Connection with the Audience

Nick Cave has also spoken about the profound and genuine love he feels for his live audiences. He describes this connection as “entirely true” and “profoundly intimate,” highlighting the power of songs like Into My Arms to touch hearts deeply.

Conclusion

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ first live performance of Hollywood at Cruel World 2025 was a powerful moment that blended spirituality, grief, and hope. It’s a testament to the enduring magic of their music and the emotional connection they share with fans worldwide. What’s your favorite Nick Cave live moment? Let us know!

FAQs

• What is the significance of the song 'Hollywood'?
  ‘Hollywood’ is inspired by a Buddhist story about loss and acceptance, written by Nick Cave after his son’s death, reflecting deep emotional and spiritual themes.
• When was 'Hollywood' first performed live by The Bad Seeds?
  The song was played live for the very first time by The Bad Seeds at Cruel World 2025.
• Who joined The Bad Seeds on tour in place of Martyn Casey?
  Colin Greenwood from Radiohead joined the band, contributing both live and on their album Wild God.
• What songs were included in The Bad Seeds' Cruel World 2025 setlist?
  The set included classics like ‘Red Right Hand’ and new tracks like ‘Wild God’ and ‘Hollywood.’
• How does Nick Cave feel about social media's impact on young people?
  He believes social media has a demoralizing effect, causing youth to lose faith in the world’s possibilities.

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