| general: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at Le Zenith in Paris |
| Posted by: CT on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 06:59 PM |
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds took to the stage at Le Zenith in Paris last night in a whirlwind performance which left the crowd in awe of a master at the peak of his powers.
Like Paris itself, Cave and the Bad Seeds have had a long and illustrious history with many twists and turns, highs and lows and, most pertinently, many seismic reincarnations that retain a common consistency throughout.
Last night at Le Zenith, Cave added a new twist to the fascinating story that has culminated in this much shortened tour to mark the release of the band's 12th album, Nocturama.
Having had the pleasure of being present for two previous Cave/Seeds gigs; Bonn in '98 and most memorable, in Dublin two years ago, this performance was different. Cave displayed a level of energy which was, even by his own standards, feverish - and only matched by the same self determination of a re-born Bad Seeds.
With the departure of long time Bad Seeds guitarist Blixa Bargeld prior to the beginning of the current tour, one might have forgiven a less than convincing performance given the influence of Bargeld on the band.
It was not to be - this band had a point to prove and with Cave at the helm - it was clear to all present that while Blixa will be missed, the band has found a new creative energy that successfully fills any void left by Blixa.
Many of the old repertoire of the bands songs have been rejigged and given new life. Red Right Hand was transformed, The Mercy Seat got it's finest airing that I have heard or seen live, and the material from the latest album has been honed and refined subsequent to the slightly hurried feel of some of Nocturama.
The venue just outside Paris was packed to capacity to witness what was one of the finest Cave performances I've witnessed and was as much a theatrical display as it was musical.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are a band re-born who have found new life and energy without losing what was there before.
With the next album nearly written already, I, for one, can't wait to hear what is to come.
themesforge.com
Le Zenith, Paris
03 June 2003
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