Dark, hypnotic and nothing short of electrifying, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds were the final act of this year’s All Points East Festival in Victoria Park.
‘We’ve got time for one more’, announced Cave before launching into an extended rendition of The Weeping Song - a fitting choice for those of us mourning the nearing end of summer, but as Cave himself said, we won’t be weeping long.
The Bad Seeds were on top form; sexy, feverish, melancholic and, at times, achingly beautiful. If there’s one thing I’ll be taking away from Sunday night’s set it’s that autumn isn’t looking too bad if you’re prepared to channel your inner Bad Seed. .
Cave’s Red Right Hand (popularised as the soundtrack to Peaky Blinders) anointed the heads of raptured fans. A three piece choir made for a harmonic gut-punch whilst Warren Ellis, well, spat into a bucket quite a lot (between holding up his end of the musical ensemble, of course).
Backstage star-studded friends and family supported: both Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were there, as well as Rami Malek, Damien Lewis, Ruth Negga, James Norton and Tilda Swinton - the latter, according to one VIP guest, was the best dressed of the day.
Partner for over 20 years and The Vampire’s Wife fashion designer Susie Cave was there in support of her husband. In fact, the backstage area was a true glimpse into the couple’s life. Joined by close friends and family, matchesfashion.com teamed up with The Vampire’s Wife to showcase designs, decorations - frilled cushions even - as well as graphic Ts that read ‘Bite Me’.
Whilst the energy sizzled across 40,000 people throughout Victoria Park, the atmosphere was equally as electric backstage. This was a set done right and one you’d be very unlikely to ever forget. They say don’t meet your heroes, but if Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are yours, you most certainly should.
Images by Megan Cullen
