Webcuts Music

No Longer Shall We Part?

The only original member of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, besides Mr Cave himself, has announced he’s leaving the band. Webcuts wonders whether it was because he felt sidelined on stage recently, outshone by the madman-cum-tramp act of Warren Ellis? Or perhaps jealous of Nick and Warren’s blossoming relationship (their bit on the side – Grinderman and various soundtracks)? Or was Nick annoyed at Mick spending time with his ex PJ Harvey? Until his warts-n-all autobiography: “I was a bad seed, now not so much” we may never know but here’s the official word:

“For a variety of personal and professional reasons I have chosen to discontinue my ongoing involvement with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. After 25 years I feel I am leaving the band as it experiences one of its many peaks; in very healthy condition, and with fantastic prospects for the future. I’m confident Nick will continue to be a creative force and that this is the right time to pass on my artistic and managerial role to what has become a tremendous group of people who can support him in his endeavours both musically and organisationally. It was a fantastic experience to finish my touring days in the band with the recent shows in Australia and the unique events that took place in conjunction with All Tomorrow’s Parties, especially Mt. Buller, which was one of the many highlights of my involvement with the band throughout the years. I shall continue working on the Bad Seeds back catalogue re-issues project over the coming year and look forward to the new opportunities I shall be able to accommodate as a result of my changed circumstances.

Mick Harvey, 22nd January 2009″