NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS – LIVE REVIEW
When Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at the Kings Theatre was first announced, the extravagantly priced tickets sold out almost instantly. It soon became one of those highly anticipated shows, that was always going to be far more than just another gig.
This was an event to behold, one of pure beauty with an audience hanging on every word. As such, if there was one setting befitting of the evening’s entertainment, the 114 year old Kings Theatre was a perfect choice. After all, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis had just performed two simultaneous nights at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
Yet this was somewhat more intimate by comparison. An evening in which the pair could relax a little, Nick Cave himself taking time to add a little humour. Dedicating the title track of the pair’s new album “Carnage” to the people of Portsmouth, due to being advised not to risk leaving his hotel.
Luckily, Nick Cave made it to the Kings Theatre and lived up to expectations, performing an intense 2hr set. Switching seamlessly between piano and perching precariously on the edge of the stage overlooking the orchestra pit. Maybe in an attempt to bridge the gap between his microphone and the audience, but either way the narrative nature of the lyrics more than enough to feel connected at every breathe.
Behind him stood a trio of wonderful backing singers, while Johnny Hostile held down proceedings with an array of instruments.
NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS – KINGS THEATRE
Then there was fabulous Warren Ellis, perched on his chair with a small keyboard balanced upon his knees. Occasionally playing the violin as he sporadically kicked out his foot like an Olympic synchronised swimmer.
Ellis himself having been by Nick Caves side for many years with both the Bad Seeds and Grinderman. Yet this was the legendary duo touring together in support of their first standalone album.
Carnage is a beautiful work of art, one in which is subtle yet moving. Often minimal but equally captivating. The likes of “White Elephant” quietly transporting you into gospel spirituality.
As such, the setlist largely combined the new release with songs from the Bad Seeds 2019 album “Ghosteen”. It’s a natural marriage, one interspersed with other tracks including the haunting echos of “God is in the House” and a stunning cover in “Cosmic Dancer” by Marc Bolan and T Rex.
As for the latter stages of the night, we were treated to an oldie in “Watching Alice” alongside the classic Bad Seeds tune “Henry Lee“.
An encore of “Into my Arms” saw Nick Cave back behind the piano, before “Ghosteen Speaks” closed a truly special night. One held in an equally special venue and an experience that was mesmerizing from start to finish.
