Ticket
Academy 1 (Manchester Academy)
2nd May 2001

This was the second time I'd seen Nick Cave. It was a big moment for me, as I'd been a fan since about 1993.

Whilst promoting his 1997 album 'The Boatman's Call' Nick had implied it may be the Bad Seeds' last, so I was relieved when 'No More Shall We Part' came out. I loved that album and it remains part of my mental furniture. (Sometimes to a maddening degree. I don't need to put it on; it's already playing.)

The gig was rammed, and I was straining all night to see, but it was a deeply affecting experience nonetheless. I feel a unique sense of connectness to Nick Cave when he is on stage. He places me at the exact midpoint between euphoria and sadness, the real front line. (See his lecture on Love Songs and the concept of Saudade for details - link below).

Filling the room like few other performers can, he's a spindly, raging preacherman, yes, but also a tender-hearted balladeer, as evidenced by my personal highlight on this occasion, 'We Came Along This Road', delivered from behind the piano.

Strangely enough, I have a stronger visual memory of the bus ride home than any part of the gig. I felt so alive, vibrating, in fact, with emotion on the top deck of the 85, as though whole worlds of possibility were opening up. I vowed to hold onto the feeling as long as I could.

As I Sat Sadly by Her Side
Oh My Lord
Lime Tree Arbour
Red Right Hand
We Came Along This Road
Henry Lee
Do You Love Me?
God Is in the House
Hallelujah
Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow
Papa Won't Leave You, Henry
The Weeping Song
The Mercy Seat

Encore:
And No More Shall We Part
The Ship Song

Encore 2:
The Curse of Millhaven

Setlist source: setlist.fm