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372 Wishing you much love and strength on this day.
371 30 SHORTS. So you just bang out 30 quick ones?
370 What did you once hold true in your beliefs that you don’t hold now? Everything I do sounds like it’s been done before.
369 What’s the worst thing about having become a really old rockstar?
368 Any thoughts on shame? I thought I should recommend this podcast gem – Walking with Dante.
367 Freddie Mercury never watched himself perform. Does this apply to you? How important is your self-image?
366 I am a big fan of Warren’s. Do you like spongebob?
365 How do I let go of fear and procrastination to live a life worth living?
364 How do you sleep at night? Do you dream?
363 When did Red Hand Files become some sort of grief support therapy website? I have noticed that you sometimes feature a painting by my teacher, Phil Guston.
362 40 SHORTS. Can we please have some of your irreverent question answering?
361 What are you reading? do you read non-fiction? Have you read the new biography of Alice Coltrane, “Cosmic Music”?
360 Eden died last year at four years old from cancer. Do you think it is possible for us to sense the shape of a tragedy before it happens?
359 Once again, I wake up to a world that feels completely meaningless. Why fucking bother?
357 What question might YOU have for us? Got any advice? Anything will do.
356 Nick, I’m writing songs again. They’re fucking pouring out of me. I’m struggling to write about the passing of my son, Mac.
354 My precious wife has passed after a recurrence of her aggressive cancer. She was thirty years old.
353 Thank you for three phenomenal shows in Melbourne. You’re still badass!
352 How do you become a Bad Seed? Asking for a friend.
351 Do you think humans have to suffer before harnessing genuine human sympathy? Do you consider The Red Hand Files a duty or a pleasure?
349 What will you pray for in the new year?
347 Do you like going to concerts? I have been a musician for many years but performed very little live because of it..Any tips?
346 Your newer merch is entirely soulless. Was Jesus’ message basically socialist?
345 I was coming up to wakefulness when I felt the presence of my son, dead ten years. I, too, have lost two sons to wildly out-of-order death.
344 Which song comes to mind when you are genuinely joyful? I mean, carefree, energy flowing, dancing, moving, kind of happy?
343 I’m eighteen and I don’t know what to do with my life. Do you think this poem is any good?
342 What are your views on this concept of an intelligence to the universe? Does pure evil exist?
340 I’m originally Afro-Caribbean man from London living in Melbourne for the last 12 yrs. I had a question about you being a white male and if that has allowed you to navigate your life & experiences.
339 I am pretty much the same age as Arthur was at the time of his death – thought it to be appropriate to visit his grave to pay my respects.
338 Describe your day (please). What is it like working with Warren? I often think of Earl and wonder how he’s getting on. Time to check your privilege, Mr Cave.
337 I’ve had several disagreements with friends about where you stand on things. Where do you…stand?
336 What did you do on your holiday? Does love mean freedom to you?
335 One of the pivotal moments of my early 20s was seeing you perform at Enmore Theatre, Sydney. Any way we can get advanced warning when you are touring Australia next?
334 Do you have father figures? Who do you go to for advice? AREN’T WOMEN ANNOYING?
333 Will you please do another 50 yes/no/I don’t know/go fuck yourself answers? Love you.
332 Is changing your mind about things a sign of weakness? Sometimes, it feels that way.
331 It’s been ten years since your son Arthur died. What have you and Susie learned in those years? Does the pain last forever?
330 Have you ever started writing a song and said screw it I can’t figure out the middle or the end and just said screw it? Written the first verse of a song but for the life of me can’t write the rest of it.
329 What do you do to prepare for your performances?
328 How’s your relationship with Morrissey?
327 I think it’s incredibly challenging to bring a child into the world in this day and age. Are you a natalist? My adult only son, has triple confirmed he won’t be having children. But what will I do with eternity?
326 I have a few questions about movies that I would love to hear your answers to.
325 I’m still reeling from the Seattle show at the Paramount – Now the tour is over, how do you feel?
324 What do you make of Nicolas Cage saying in the Guardian that he gets mistaken for you daily? Do you get mistaken for Nicolas Cage?
323 My dad died suddenly and unexpectedly. We moved and only saw him for two weeks of what turned out to be his last year on earth. Now I feel like I have failed him so terribly.
322 When you say, “I love you, too,” back to fans at concerts, what do you mean by that? How can you love a total stranger? ‘Into My Arms’ in Montreal.
321 A lovely Sunday morning today. What did you do? What has caught your ear of late?
320 I’m a dick sometimes and embarrass myself. Love you x
319 Do you think it’s ok to be paid shit tons of money for your ability to make a dress? kick a ball about? Paint a picture? Make some music? On the scale of life it’s fucking bullshit. Hope I can’t predict your answer.
318 How do you manage to balance your creative life with your family commitments? I’ve been a ‘hobby’ painter for years, but I have reached a point where it’s all I want to do.
317 I was recently listening to Skeleton Tree and realised all these years I’d misheard one of your lyrics. I always heard…’but the echo comes back EMPTY.’
316 My best friend recently said something that felt really spiteful to me. How do I forgive her? We have all heard the famous quote attributed to you regarding the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
315 What I’m keen to know, therefore, is what Nick Cave likes for lunch?
314 Joy is hearing the French horn in your song ‘Joy’. This song resonates deeply with me after I lost my mother at age 11.
313 They say you should separate the art from the artist. How the hell can you listen to the song without seeing the scum of a human being that Kanye has become?
312 Your Desert Island Discs programme had me glued to my radio. Have you read The Swallowed Man by Edward Carey?
311 How does one reconcile the question, “Could I have done more to prevent this loss?”
310 We are some students in an elementary school, from 12 and 13 years. We have studied with our teacher about the death in your music.
309 “She rises in advance of her panties”! I’ve never had a single line pause an album like that before.
308 2025 is coming. The world seems to be in such a catastrophic state. Where is the hope? What is hope?
307 How will you spend Christmas day? Do you like listening to Christmas songs?
306 I used to play Into My Arms for my girlfriend. I came to your concert in Birmingham, but I had to leave early. It was far too emotional for me…
305 My dad is dying. It’s cancer. Do you or Susie ever joke or laugh in your grief?
303 I saw you walking around the cathedral in Antwerp with a baby. Should I have said hello?
302 What does it take to be free?
300 Where or how do you find joy?
299 So, to celebrate your 300th File, how about you ask us a question? My question is, where or how do you find your joy?
298 Also, I wonder if you ever came across my poem, ‘Sometimes a Wild God’?
297 Are songs from God? I’ve had the same job for nearly twenty years. I feel like packing the whole thing in and doing something completely different. I’d like to write songs.
296 Do you ever worry about being on ‘the wrong side of history’? Favourite podcast?
295 I’m wondering if you have any thoughts about loneliness. I am middle-aged and richly blessed in life, but still struggle with a sense of loneliness. It is a melancholy that varies in darkness.
294 I was delighted to see that Brompton Oratory is part of your set list for your tour. Who’s your favourite saint?
293 I’m having a bit of trouble in my teen years… someone I hold dear very dear has gone. We very much love each other but it was time to part. I miss her.
292 What would you say is the most gratifying thing about being an artist/musician? I went to buy “Poems” by Frederick Seidel – there was a poem called “Nick Cave”.
291 When you reach midlife and are made to truly pause, frozen in horror by a tidal wave of grief-how do you know who you are?
290 How can you move forward with joy when you outgrow your parents, the people who nurtured and loved you, but now feel almost offended by your growth, as if it’s an affront to them because you have different values?
289 Listening to Frogs on the ol’ Spotify so spend that 0.001 pence wisely, but got thinking: I have no fucking idea what this song is about.
288 What makes you happy? Do you go swimming in Brighton?
287 I saw that the doors to The Vampire’s Wife are closed. Please let her know that some guy in San Diego is walking around with the early Vampire’s Wife logo tattooed on his right arm.
286 I met you in a café when I was travelling in London in the early nineties, and you were pretty terrifying but unexpectedly kind to me – and funny.
285 God and I have always been very tight; even in hard times when I’ve been furious at God, God now feels absent.
284 I am a musician who has been booked to play The Great Escape festival, which, as you may have heard, a number of artists are boycotting due to the sponsorship of Barclays. Who, in a non-linear fashion, are profiting from the horror that is occurring in Palestine.
283 My wife and I are expecting a baby boy next week. All the tests are normal but I seem to swing from terror to euphoria and back again by the minute. Mostly terror!
281 What is your favourite Belgian painting? What can we legitimately expect from a marriage?
280 I am finding your religious turn and proselytising difficult. How do you reconcile your faith with the church’s devastating history of sexism, homophobia, paedophilia etc.
279 What are all wild Gods searching for? Do I even matter?
278 How’s it going lately? What are you reading?
277 Wild God is fully thrilling. Would you please tell us about it?
276 Why are you so convinced God is a He?
275 I worked in the sewer system for over 35 years cleaning up everybody’s crap. Love The Red Hand Files.
274 My muses have left me and I have lost all motivation to create as a film and music maker. Have you ever felt alien to yourself and your identity as an artist?
272 I’ve recently been hurt by a now ex-partner who acted in a way that completely altered how I viewed him, myself, and the last year of love we’ve shared. So I want to ask you, what are your thoughts on forgiveness, and how do you go about forgiving?
271 Holy Shit Nick, I just read Mark’s question and your response. (Issue #270) It was devastating.It appears that answering to people’s grief is somewhat cathartic for you.
270 On Sat the 30 December my beautiful 16yo son Murray took his own life. The song we have chosen for the reflection piece at his funeral is Distant Sky.
269 Can you talk about being at a crossroads in your career? Do you dive right in and just hope for the best ?
268 I have relocated to my partner’s country in the last few years with my family and find myself questioning more and more what home actually means to me. As an expat yourself, how do you reconcile this duality?
267 Could you point out three single words that you like the most and explain why?
266 Do you ever get tired of writing really long answers? It seems hard. Lovely, but hard.
265 Over the years I detached myself from religion until I became an atheist.
264 My friend, actually my best friend, and I don’t see eye to eye about the current political situation. Do you ever argue with your friends?
263 As we all mourn Shane, would you share your memories of his 60th birthday in Dublin or otherwise. Shane and Sinéad both in one year.
262 I would love to hear your thoughts on Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s recent essay, “Why I am now a Christian.” How then would you describe your spirituality?
261 I feel lost and confused regarding the songs that are pouring out. What do I do with these songs?
260 I’m 17 years old, and I don’t know if I want to record and publish. But I know that my singing could be better.
259 We met last night. At a book signing in LA. Also saw you perform the previous night. Do these direct interactions ever feel as bizarre for you as they do for us?
258 I overdosed a few months ago, ever since then it feels like I’ve hit my expiration date and my life is meaningless. Is it ever possible to connect to the world and people around me again?
257 Grief, I find people have a hard time talking about my pain. Lost my husband of 45 years. I want to talk about him, it makes people nervous. What can I do?
256 Today a new war broke in my country. My boyfriend and me woke up at 6:30 from a sound of a loud siren. We live in suburb close to Tel Aviv.
255 What is the new song you played in Chicago?
254 My life has been crazy since my daughter was killed in December.
253 Happy Red Hand File-iversary, Nick!
249 How do you feel about your transgender fans or trans people in general?
248 I know you’ve talked about ChatGPT before, but what’s wrong with making things faster and easier? Any advice to a young songwriter just starting out?
246 Do you believe in the concept of a soulmate? Who cooks in your house? Who does the cleaning in your house?
245 My father has recently had a stroke. This is his worst nightmare. The smile and joy of him hearing ‘Midnight Man’ is hopefully a sign of recovery.
244 I’ll then put some of the playlists up on The Red Hand Files.
243 Can you recommend a chronological list of songs to help me get started? Spent all day down a rabbit hole with your songs.
242 I just listened to your interview with the Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. I feel like hell. Any words of help?
241 My greatest joy is arriving home and slipping on the jarmies… Do you have an equivalent pleasure ritual at the end of a long day?
240 How find my own identity? My childhood was with a father who was sad and angry at what had happened to him in his own childhood.
239 When born, she was called Maisie. They are now using male pronouns. I struggle with it out of habit.
238 I got to know you just today. I wonder why this page makes me so emotional. I think it’s really beautiful what you are doing.
237 Just heard that Andy Rourke, the bassist of the Smiths, has died.
236 How is the songwriting going? Ever take holidays?
235 Why the fuck are you going to the King’s coronation?
234 Marilyn Manson said: ‘I was in a drug rehab program once, but they kicked me out… My life is a mess. I am a drug addict. I can’t create without it.
233 We Are All Prostitutes by The Pop Group. Fell in love with Mark’s work. Do you have any memories you can share of discovering his music or knowing him?
232 What do you see as the purpose of The Red Hand Files? I wish I had a good question to ask.
231 My daughter, Emily, got murdered in a park [ ] … how do we cope with this shit…?
230 Happy Easter Sunday, Nick!
229 Do you like raisins? Where do you sit politically.
228 I lost my dad a few years ago, in somewhat traumatic circumstances. Do you have any advice on how to heal from this?
226 I’ve always believed in, and yearned for, a soul-mate kind of love. And I have found it, however, he has said he will never marry me. Is there any advice you and Susie can give me?
225 My son died almost a decade and a half ago. When I had many, many dreams of him…he never speaks. Is there an underlying meaning to this?
224 I’ve recently been listening to your duet of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with Johnny Cash. Do you have any stories that you could share with us about recording this song with Mr. Cash.
223 How do I live life to its absolute fullest, and not waste my potential? in general, and in my creative work.
222 I was dismayed to hear that my namesake, Tom Jones has had his murder ballad, Delilah cancelled by the Welsh Rugby Union. What is your view on such censorship?
221 Why did P-22 become the basis for such a powerful metaphor in your song? In light of his death, do you have any lines you’d like to share about this rare, wild creature?
220 When did you become a Hallmark card hippie? Joy, love, peace. Puke!
219 What is joy? Where is love in this world that is such an evil mess.
218 I asked Chat GPT to write a song in the style of Nick Cave. And this is what it produced. What do you think?
217 What’s it like to wake up and know you have written so many wonderful songs? What are your plans for 2023?
216 I love the song Night Raid. What is Night Raid about, exactly? I feel impotent, completely ineffectual and that nothing I do is of any consequence whatsoever.
215 Interviewer asked you to discuss istinction you make between spirituality and religion? Something I wrestle with.
214 How do you feel when you stand before the mirror? Do you like your tattoo?
213 Do you have tinnitus? What do you do when the ringing gets loud? Who is playing in the band with you and Warren for the Australian shows?
212 Is it better to keep quiet, or to speak one’s mind? What is a good faith conversation?
211 How is Earl? My twin brother is dying at 23.
210 I’m 62 years old and decided to learn how to play guitar. Rock guitar. Is such an endeavour a fool’s errand for someone of my age?
209 Do you believe your music is created for everyone? Are you OK with the idea that people you might genuinely see as despicable, are fans of yours?
208 What is your favourite film of all time?
207 I feel so uninspired. Can I have some of yours?
205 How come you decided to give interviews again?
204 What is the point in life?
202 “The kid drops his bucket and spade / And climbs into the sun.” What is your creative process?
201 Who do you want to win Love Island? What would you say is the major difference between you and Susie?
200 So, the next Red Hand File is #200! I just feel so fucking empty.
199 Do you have a safe space? How would you describe it?
198 God is Love, but Love gets weird.
197 What are your thoughts on free speech? For fuck’s sake, enough of the God and Jesus bullshit!
196 In your opinion, what is God?
195 I just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of Jethro. Much love to you and all your family.
194 I’ve recently been grappling with the concept of determinism and the implications it has on morality. How many people deserve writing credits when every single person alive (and who has ever lived before) has ultimately resulted in “your” finished song?
193 If you were an animal, what do you think you would be and what would you like to be? I would probably be a sloth and would like to be a tortoise.
192 I understand that you keep an office separate for your creative work. Do you have any recommendations on how I can create a sacred space?
191 I just heard about Chris Bailey’s death. Can you tell us something about what he meant to you?
190 I’m losing faith in other people, and I’m scared to pass these feelings to my little son. Do you still believe in Us (human beings)?
189 Have you ever met Nicolas Cage? Do you add untrue component to a story to make more interesting?
188 The Red Hand Files is the best thing in the whole wide world. Why do you hate hats?
187 I was that nameless father, alone in my own post-apocalyptic world, of Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’. I’m taking my daughter to see you and Warren on March 9th.
186 Ukrainian situation. Palestinian suffering.
185 Do you have any memories of Mark Lanegan that you’d like to share?
184 Australia has turned into a hermit kingdom throughout Covid. Can you please tour here ASAP, so our sorry souls have something to look forward to? We need you.
183 When I watch you play live my soul is lifted but I am not sure what that even means. It feels religious! What is the soul? See you in Montreal!
182 If you could live forever (and remain healthy in body and mind) would you do it? Where do we find meaning in life?
181 How or when or do you shut the voices of all your influences – to believe that what you create is your own?
180 What is the utility of suffering? Do you have any advice for dealing with demonic possession?
179 What is your favourite poem? How much influence do your friends have?
178 Do you have hope? What does Christmas mean to you?
177 I’m 17 years old, what can you tell me about love? How do I not have my heart broken?
176 I’m sixteen and have just recently gotten really into your work. What advice would you give to your sixteen year old self and why?
175 The Truth is that I betrayed the very essence of my soul and no knowledge can heal that wound. Is like constantly moving in the fog with nowhere to go or be.
174 Is it important to have friends? How important is friendship for your creativity?
173 Have you been resting up since the tour? Can you send us any new writing?
172 What’s the thing with the squirrel you and Susie adopted? What did you end up calling the squirrel?
171 When did you write “Heart That Kills You”? Why did you leave Brighton? Where do you live now?
170 I just saw ‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’ at a local film festival. What made you want to take on the part?
169 How do you keep managing to do The Red Hand Files on tour? I saw you at the Royal Albert Hall on the second night. The concert of my life. So intense.
168 ‘Lavender Fields’, how did you compose such a beautifully deep, sad and uplifting song with this simple metaphor? What is ‘Lavender Fields’ about?
167 Quote recently from Susie. “To be honest, I find the word muse to be a little demeaning.” What do you think about that?
166 Happy Red Hand File Anniversary! Three Years! why did you start The Red Hand Files?
165 The Flaming Lips made with a 13-year old fan of theirs on vocals. What do you think of the idea?
164 Do you work out before you go on tour? The news of Charlie Watt’s death is terribly sad. I was wondering if you felt any kinship to him.
163 What is your favourite bar and can we have a drink there?
162 Are you going to take the Covid vaccine? Can you tell us anything about the late, great Hal Willner? I know you have worked with him.
161 Do you and Susie ever just go on a holiday?
160 Nick. Am Scottish. Am no very well with the alcohol. Rehab soon. Please. Nick. Am so scared. I’m not well. Stagger Me!
159 Do you feel that you share more than your first name with Drake? I’ve always felt some sort of relation between you and Nick Drake.
158 Not a question but just thank you for actually loving my favourite female poet, Stevie Smith. ‘Oblivion’ has always been my story.
157 As a quite handsome man, how did you pull Mrs Cave? What is your favourite dinosaur? Can you recommend a female poet I should read?
156 Do you think it is more important to find inspiration or to get to work and write? What’s it like to write a song?
155 I heard your song, Carnage. Such a beautiful sad song. What is Carnage about?
154 I read you said “They should stop reading Bukowski.” We call upon the author to explain.
153 I’m struggling a bit with the fact I’m turning 40 in a week. What is your perspective on getting old?
152 Can you post a picture of Susie’s psychotic little dog, Nosferatu?
151 I’m writing to you on behalf of my Aunt Marnie as she can’t. She’s consumed by grief. She lost her only child, Tristan, to a stroke, aged 49. How can we start to bring our Aunt Marnie back?
150 How to find yourself again when you feel like you have strayed so far from who you used to be?
149 Should we separate the artist from the art? What is your definition of hope?
148 Thank you for sending her to me! Thus far I don’t speak dragon – it seems like her needs, even her entire being, are directly on the surface!
147 What is the utility of suffering? Carrying suffering around, like some mind-numbing, soul crushing weight?
146 What can you tell us about Anita?
145 Have you been tempted to let your crowning glory grow silver?
144 Is it you, that stepped into the vortex just 10 minutes ago? Happy Birthday BAD SEED TEE VEE and thank you so much.
143 Do you ever suffer from self-doubt? A girl was falling in love with me, and while she courted me, she shared a part of herself which was you.
142 I am reading Camille Paglia’s ‘Break, Burn, Blow.’ Which poems are your favourites. Got any Warren stories?
141 You mentioned in Issue #140 that you have been writing poems. Can you send us one? Also: I am twenty-five and feel ancient. I can’t imagine what it’s like for you. What is it like?
140 Any plans for Carnage? I saw Warren say the songs came together over two and a half days. How does that feel. To be working at that level of intensity with someone.
139 My dad passed away a couple of weeks ago and we gave him an Elvis themed funeral. My dad passed away a couple of weeks ago and we gave him an Elvis themed funeral. What songs would you like played at your own funeral? What songs would you like played at your own funeral?
138 I read the Mark Mordue biography ‘Boy On Fire’ recently. I’m always interested in people’s stories and often ponder how and why some people’s voices get to be heard whereas others don’t. Do you reflect on this at all? How important is talent?
137 In lockdown, how did you find the impetus to start something as monumental as Carnage? Who is Thomas H? The song White Elephant is dedicated to?
136 I have been reading Tolstoy’s ‘The Gospel in Brief’ and wondered if you had read this short book. What does Christ mean to you?
135 Dear Katrine and assorted Culties.
134 I am off the acid, not for any particular reason. So I hid them in a jar of Vegemite.
133 We need more info about CARNAGE!
132 I want to thank you for releasing Live at Alexandria Palace and especially for playing those Boatman’s Call songs. What were you disgusted by back then?
131 This world is shit. What is your process?
130 How do you know when you have written something worthwhile? Is shitty art worth making?
128 What the fuuuuuuuuuck????? Cancelled tour noooooo.
126 Hey first I wanna say really like your music i have lost my beautiful wife in cancer and my dear brother in covid 19. My question to you is how keep you going on after lost your son its hard sometimes to keep going on with life.
125 Do you like haiku poetry? What are your thoughts about John Cooper Clarke?
124 So who are The Hyatt Girls?
123 How do I know I’m on the right path?
122 In this time of illness, cynicism and cruelty, do you receive many mean or vile messages? How do you cope with that kind of negative energy?
121 In an interview from 1997 in Los Angeles, you introduced us to your “pet theory”: your creativity could only flourish in a state of loss and longing, and that it needed catastrophes in your life. Do you still believe that?
120 What do you think about NA? As a recovering heroin addict, I am having difficulty getting into the Narcotics Anonymous scene. Do you have any more advice for a recovering heroin user?
119 I was thinking how much I wish I could write this story to you in Greek, my native language. In June one of my best friends suddenly died aged 46.
118 I’m thinking about having a child but everything looks so grim right now. It looks like your website is censoring people who ask about Israel.
117 Do you enjoy magic? Card tricks, stage illusions, that kind of thing.
116 Nina Simone once said: Freedom means having no fear. Sometimes on stage, she added, she would reach that kind of state. How do you free yourself from fear?
114 If, for decades, an anchor served a ship, which one day decided to cut its chains and sail away, can the drowning anchor grow wings? And if so, will the anchor always be burdened by the weight of having been used?
113 On The Lyre of Orpheus, the track Breathless moves me beyond words. In the intro every time I hear it I’m taken to a 14th or 16th century style ensemble. Is that the intention or can you explain where that comes from?
112 I spent the day watching Bad Seed TeeVee and the fan cover versions of your songs are amazing. How will you choose a winner?
111 I think you’ll be touched by this story, and the part you play in it. Please take a look.
109 What is mercy for you? What do you think of cancel culture?
108 What do you do when the lyrics just aren’t coming?
107 Part 3. Why don’t you just buy your own fucking piano, you cheap c**t.
107 Part 2. No more mails to Fazioli please.
107 The piano you played for Idiot Prayer was magnificent. Was it a personal instrument?
106 I lost someone in the last year. I thought it was fine. It was a gentle passing. Now shapes and echoes resound. I feel a presence that comes and goes. How to understand the experience of loss. It’s not something I could negotiate with.
105 Do you ever collaborate with Susie?
103 If you feel that he is beside you… and within you, why would you need to look for him? What is love for you?
102 Do you ever look back at your anthology and wish you had been more overtly politically outspoken in your art? I love your music and its ability to relate common suffering, as you have discussed in the past.
101 Would you consider compiling a list of 40 books you love?
100 If you would have a gold ring made that your son would inherit one day, what would you have engraved inside the ring? I am currently having a ring made that I want my son to have after my day.
099 I feel that our identity is a patchwrk of desires, choices, affiliation, eccentricity. What do you personally look for in an artist?
098 Sometimes in the morning in order to rouse my spirits, I plug into my amp and play very distorted guitar and drown my world in sound. However, the cat that sleeps in my room is very put out by this.
097 I recently stumbled across your interview in GQ “THE LOVE AND TERROR OF NICK CAVE” and was impressed by your brutal honesty. Are you that honest with yourself?
096 Last evening I spent some time watching the mesmerizing Bad Seed TeeVee and I learned that the Night raid line “I slid my little songs out from under you” was actually written years before. Could you write something more about its origin and how it found its way into this particular song?
095 After the sudden and tragic death of our beautiful son, brother recommended not to listen to ‘Ghosteen’.Found it comforting and consoling but am still struggling. I am 16 weeks and three days in at losing my child, how did Susie and yourself find peace with your agonising grief?
094 I recently read that the band Rising Signs believed ‘Palaces of Montezuma’ plagiarized their 2005 song, ‘Grey Man.’ I think one of many reasons I love ‘Palaces’ is that it reminds me, if anything, of the intro to ‘Theme From Mad Flies, Mad Flies’ by The Laughing Clowns from 1982.
093 What inspired the lyrics for Palaces of Montezuma?
092 A Prayer to who? Mystery that exists at the edge, Tears and Revelation.
091 I’ve been listening to Bob Dylan’s new song for most of the day. I can’t shake it. I think it might be a masterpiece. Do you like it?
090 What are your plans for the corona pandemic? What do you intend to do to fill the time?
089 What do we do now? Our new world ‘a ghost ship.’
088 Please give us a hint on the tour in regards of the Corona virus. What is the latest you know?
087 What is your favourite moment from the Bible?
086 Do you ever feel the need to change lyrics which may be problematic in 2020? For example “a fag in a whalebone corset dragging his dick across my cheek”?
085 Who is the ‘Girl in Amber’? What is the story behind this song?
084 Do you often think of the circumstances of your death? Tell us a joke.
083 Have you ever considered playing in far away countries in Middle East or somewhere? You have a fanbase here in Iran.
082 I just met a guy who has completely the opposite political beliefs to me but I really like him. Are we doomed? The Sensational Alex Harvey Band are the uncrowned kings of 70’s rock. Do you agree?
081 Do you need to be hurt or mentally ill to be a great artist? What makes a great song?
080 I’m currently emulating your rock n’ roll persona in a Nick Cave tribute band. I dress up like you and in a shamanistic way recreate your live performances…
078 Please tell us everything you can about the song ‘Hollywood’. Do you think that your songs tell the future?
077 What is your feeling about Christmas? We are photons released from a dying star.
076 Would you say humour is an important aspect of your writing? Who has inspired your humour? Who in your band is the funniest?
075 what is Ku Klux furniture? Have you ever reached the same highs when sober as when you were on some sort of lovely substance?
074 My mom was murdered with an AR-15 by a white supremacist in our synagogue, killed because this 19-year-old felt Jews were ‘destroying’ the white race. It has been almost 8 months.
073 Many people have remarked that Ghosteen is a sad album, but I don’t think it is at all. We both felt moved by its brightness and gentle optimism.
071 Don’t you get sick and tired of people asking dumb ass questions? I have come to believe that the right question is what we are really searching for.
070 Can you please pay for the Transcendental Meditation course for me? It’s really fucking expensive.
069 How do I stop fearing the end of the world? Do you practice meditation?
068 What is shyness? What was your first date with your wife like?
067 How much time do you spend answering these questions?
065 I cannot see anything positive in my body. Feel like everyone is better than me, even though I did very important things for being just 16 years old. How should I behave?
064 Do you have any regrets as you get older? I even feel guilty for having regrets.
063 When can we expect a new album-2?
062 When can we expect a new album?
060 Will you write us a poem about how much you love Susie?
059 My girlfriend refuses to read any of my writing. Because she always sees some hint of infidelity, resentment, or perhaps madness in it.
058 How do you forgive somebody whom you love very much but has done something truly terrible?
057 Why did you give up on your relationship with PJ Harvey in the 90s? I had a real hard time with your music until The Boatman’s Call.
056 What is the song ‘Rings of Saturn’ about? Is this song about evolving?
055 Do you believe in signs? My husband died some years ago but I feel him all around.
054 I recently received a pair of ‘Bad Seed’ tube socks as a birthday present. What are your thoughts on the merchandising of art?
053 Who are your favourite guitarists? When was the last time you felt a sense of pride (in yourself)?
052 Do you get any nasty or annoying comments and questions via The Red Hand Files?
051 Geppetto (Pinocchio’s father) is swallowed by a giant whale while searching for Pinocchio. What happens if the son dies? Do we lose the ability to be saved and evolve?
050 Do you pray with you’r family and maybe friends?
049 I’m a young writer. Your music has inspired me deeply in terms of not being afraid of throwing my feelings into my texts.
048 What are your views on Morrissey. Both early days and his newer more ugly persona?
046 How do you forgive yourself for horrible things did to someone in throes of addiction? In Issue #43 you gave David a song lyric. Can I have one too?
045 My partner died in 2014: traffic. ‘Into My Arms’ became our song. At that moment I was actually pregnant by him. I lost his child. He was a huge fan of your music and I think I became a fan of your music because of him.
044 Androgyny and sort of cross-genderedness of your performance style. (My girlfriend agrees you often bring an amazing drag-queen energy.)
043 Do u have any spare lyrics I can have? I’m seriously blocked.
042 Sexual desire affect general desire for creation. If there is a whole lot of sex in your religion or a whole lot of religion in your sex.
041 In your mind, does God have a voice. And if so, is it a familiar one? There is a twistedness to my idea of God that makes me think of Tom Waits.
040 How can I reclaim songs of yours. Which have, until recently associated intensely with a really terrible relationship?
039 How do you deal with loneliness? What made you become a vegetarian?
038 Future fills with fear and hope. Is there anything that you think of as essentially beautiful, and that is sustained and forceful enough to save us.
037 How do you feel about God? Really. Do you smoke?
036 Stereotypical Nick Cave fan? What do you think about your fans?
035 Thoughts on state of modern rock music.
034 What does Elvis mean to you?
033 Did you ever want to give up and quit. Because of your inner voice?
032 What is Love. Why do love songs so frequently move us? List of your top 10 love songs?
031 Cover for Push the Sky Away. What was the thought process behind choosing the cover of Push the Sky Away?
030 How is Susie doing? I have just finished watching One More Time With Feeling.
029 What is your earliest memory. And has it in any way framed or spoken to any past or ongoing thematic concerns?
028 How do you deal with evil? The casual, everyday evil, like throwing tobacco in the eyes of a beautiful animal in a zoo?
027 Have your own songs ever made you cry. Whilst performing them on stage?
026 I am 10. How will having your music in my life so early on affect me?
025 Most loved poets? Mentioned that you look to some poets for inspiration in your songwriting. Which ones?
024 Thoughts on Dismissal of Legacy. I am bothered that you dismissed the idea of leaving a legacy – I’d like to challenge you on this.
023 Hard to Find Happiness. Three and a half years ago I lost my wife and I was left to take care of my (then 2 year old) daughter.
022 Considering Human Imagination. Considering human imagination the last piece of wilderness, do you think AI will ever be able to write a good song?
021 Spitting on Nocturama. Kindly note that you’re all in my burn-book now for spitting on Nocturama, which I love with a capital L.
020 Why Nocturama is so hated. Can you explain why Nocturama is so hated amongst your fans?
019 Why do you want to talk to your fans. Why do you want to talk to your fans and what do you hope to achieve by doing this?
018 Facing the mob in Wangaratta. How did it work out for you – facing the mob in Wangaratta when you did your “In Conversation” event.
017 Send Your Own Damn Emails. Hang on a minute. 72 hours to the end of the world, and you contact Rachel to send out an email?
016 10 Most Favorite Pieces Music. What would be a list of 10 of your most favorite pieces of music, by artists other than yourself? And number 11 must be a Gun Club song.
015 72 Hours Band Members.You say you would freak the fuck out when you heard that you have only 72 hours to live.
014 Mother Most Helpful Advice. May I ask what was the most helpful advice she gave you? What of her words do you hold dear?
013 Thoughts Brian Eno’s Stance on Israel. What are your thoughts on Brian Eno’s stance on Israel?
012 Freak Out the Whole 72 Hours. You said you’d “freak the fuck out” if the world were about to end in 72 hours. Would that be for the whole 72 hours?
011 Explain Your Faith. As an atheist I find other people’s belief in a god both incomprehensible and fascinating. Is there any way you can explain your faith?
010 Subconscious Dreams Imagery. In your ‘notebook full of words’ do you record pieces of your subconscious? And how much influence the imagery of your writing.
009 Creativity Disappears Coax It Back. Are there times your creativity disappears and if so how do you coax it back / jump start it?
008 World End 72 Hours. If somebody told you that the world was going to end in the next, let’s say, 72 hours, what would you do in those 72 hours?
007 Communication Dream Feeling. I have experienced the death of my father, my sister, and my first love in the past few years and feel that I have some communication with them.
006 I have experienced the death of my father, my sister, and my first love in the past few years and feel that I have some communication with them, mostly through dreams. Are you and Susie feeling that your son Arthur is with you and communicating in some way?
005 Grinderman Guitar Music World. Any plans to rock out again a la Grinderman.
004 A Bit About Warren. Do you hang out with Warren a lot, or just whilst recording? I’m hoping you say you do, as there are friendship goals.
003 Write Resonate. I feel the process is like trying to describe something which I can only see imperfectly, or out of the corner of my eye.
002 Animal Nature. It seems that in your last few albums you have been writing songs about animals and nature. Do you have any animals at home?
001 Writing Challenge after Skeleton Tree. I would love to know how you feel about your writing now. Did it get easier after what seemed to be quite a challenge around “Skeleton Tree”?
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