Last year I wrote about loss and trauma and wondered whether, in a strange way, it could lead to self-improvement. I used the example of Nick Cave who's beautiful film One More Time With Feeling I had seen that day. A film shot in the wake of the tragic loss of his son and one that, as a father, I found remarkably touching. It was clear that the immense bond between Cave and his wife Susie was at the heart of their recovery. His friendship and creative connection to long-time collaborator Warren Ellis was also hugely important. Cave remained actively creative and , with small steps, used the process as a kind of therapy.
Jump forward a year and I witnessed a stunning performance from Nick, Warren and The Bad Seeds in Glasgow last night. This was a performance from a supremely talented showman. Some would even say a Shayman and a Poet. He rolled out classic after classic from a career with The Bad Seeds spanning over 30 years. This was a white-hot and passionate performance (although I'm sure he'd prefer black-hot).
The Weeping Song by the indomitable @nickcave last night at @TheSSEHydro in #glasgow Wonderful. #NickCave pic.twitter.com/zdbhxiSY0Y
— Daniel Holland (@KingOfMen85) September 28, 2017
It turns out (as well all know deep down) keepin' on keepin' on pays off. As I traveled to the gig, I caught this quote from Roald Dhal in a book I'm reading by David Hieatt. For me, it sums up what people like Nick do and the opportunity we all have.
Main image by Daniel Ebersole on Unsplash