Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Live at the Waldbühne, Berlin

About the Event

Prepare for an evening of profound emotion, raw intensity, and unforgettable musical artistry as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds descend upon the iconic Waldbühne in Berlin on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. This is not merely a concert; it is an immersion into the captivating universe crafted by one of contemporary music’s most revered and enigmatic figures. The Waldbühne, with its sweeping amphitheatre design and stunning natural surroundings, offers a unique and magical backdrop for the singular experience that a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds performance invariably delivers. Expect a night where the sacred and the profane intertwine, where moments of tender vulnerability are juxtaposed with electrifying surges of primal energy, all orchestrated by a band operating at the absolute zenith of their powers. This is a rare opportunity to witness a truly legendary act in a venue befitting their stature, promising an indelible memory for all fortunate enough to be present.

About Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

For over four decades, Nick Cave, alongside his ever-evolving ensemble The Bad Seeds, has carved a singular and uncompromising path through the landscape of modern music. Emerging from the post-punk scene in the late 1970s with The Birthday Party, Cave quickly established himself as a formidable lyrical force, his words steeped in biblical imagery, dark romance, and visceral storytelling. With The Bad Seeds, formed in 1983, he found the perfect vehicle for his expansive artistic vision, allowing for a breathtaking sonic diversity that seamlessly blends gothic rock, blues, soul, country, and avant-garde experimentation.

Throughout their illustrious career, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have released a string of critically acclaimed albums, each a testament to their enduring creativity and refusal to tread familiar ground. From the brooding intensity of From Her to Eternity and The Boatman’s Call to the cathartic power of Skeleton Tree and Ghosteen, their discography reads like a profound exploration of the human condition. Notable hits and fan favourites that often grace their live sets include the hauntingly beautiful “Into My Arms,” the apocalyptic fervour of “The Mercy Seat,” the darkly intoxicating “Red Right Hand,” the tender “Where the Wild Roses Grow” (often performed with a special guest or a powerful rendition by Cave himself), and the epic, soaring “Stagger Lee.” Their live performances are legendary, renowned for their raw emotional honesty, Cave’s magnetic stage presence, and the extraordinary musicianship of The Bad Seeds, who collectively create a soundscape that is both vast and intimately detailed. Their work continues to resonate deeply, exploring themes of love, death, faith, violence, and redemption with unparalleled poetic grace and sonic innovation, solidifying their status as one of the most important and enduring bands of our time.

Venue Information

The Waldbühne, a majestic open-air amphitheatre nestled within the Olympic Park in Berlin, is an architectural marvel and a cherished cultural landmark. Constructed in 1936, its sweeping, tiered seating offers spectacular views of the stage, enveloped by lush greenery and creating an intimate yet grand atmosphere. The acoustics, particularly when amplified for live music, are renowned, ensuring that every nuance of the performance reaches the audience. Its unique setting provides an almost festival-like ambiance, adding another layer of magic to the concert experience. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

A Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds concert is a profound and cathartic experience, far removed from the conventional gig. Prepare for an evening that traverses the entire spectrum of human emotion, from the tenderest whispers of love and loss to the roaring infernos of rage and despair. The band’s setlists are fluid and often surprising, drawing from their deep and varied catalogue. You can anticipate a selection of their most beloved anthems, including powerful renditions of “The Mercy Seat” and “Red Right Hand,” which often build to thunderous crescendos. Equally, expect moments of sublime beauty with tracks like “Into My Arms” and the deeply poignant songs from their more recent albums, such as “Ghosteen (Full)” or “Higgs Boson Blues,” showcasing Cave’s unparalleled ability to evoke profound emotional responses.

The performance style of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds is utterly captivating. Nick Cave himself is a magnetic frontman, a shamanistic figure who commands the stage with an almost hypnotic presence. He moves with a dramatic intensity, his delivery ranging from intimate, almost conversational intimacy to unrestrained, primal outbursts. He connects with the audience on a deeply personal level, making each spectator feel as though they are part of a shared spiritual experience. The Bad Seeds are a formidable musical unit, their collective artistry creating a rich and textured sonic tapestry. Warren Ellis’s violin and mandolin weaving ethereal melodies, Thomas Wydler’s propulsive drumming, Martyn P. Casey’s grounding basslines, and the multi-instrumental talents of Jim Sclavunos and George Vjestica all contribute to a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. Expect the performance to be dynamic, with shifts in tempo and mood that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The show typically lasts for around two to two-and-a-half hours, with a brief interval, allowing ample time for the band to explore both their explosive rock anthems and their more introspective, melancholic pieces. The Waldbühne’s open-air setting under a summer sky will undoubtedly add an extra layer of magic to this already extraordinary event.

FAQs

Q1: Will Nick Cave perform songs from his solo work or only from albums credited to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds? Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are a cohesive artistic entity, and their live shows predominantly feature material released under the band’s name. While Nick Cave’s solo albums are deeply personal and influential, the live concert experience at the Waldbühne will be focused on the collective power and extensive discography of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

Q2: How long is the typical setlist for a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds concert? A typical Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds concert generally lasts for around two to two-and-a-half hours, including a short interval. The setlist is usually extensive, allowing the band to draw from their vast and varied catalogue, spanning decades of their musical evolution.

Q3: Can I expect any special guests to perform with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds? While Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have collaborated with many esteemed artists over the years, including Kylie Minogue for “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” live performances typically feature the core band members. Special guest appearances are rare and not something to be expected as standard.

Q4: What is the general atmosphere or mood of a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds live performance? The atmosphere is often intensely emotional and cathartic. It can shift dramatically throughout the night, moving from moments of profound tenderness and vulnerability to explosive, raw energy and primal power. Nick Cave is a commanding and magnetic frontman, and the band creates a deeply immersive and often spiritual experience for the audience.

Q5: Are there any specific songs that are almost always included in their live set? While setlists can vary, certain fan favourites and iconic tracks are frequently performed and highly anticipated. These often include powerful renditions of “The Mercy Seat,” “Red Right Hand,” and “Into My Arms.” Songs from their more recent, critically acclaimed albums like Skeleton Tree and Ghosteen are also regularly featured, showcasing their continued artistic relevance and emotional depth.

Q6: What should I wear for an outdoor concert at the Waldbühne? The Waldbühne is an open-air venue, and the weather in Berlin in late June can be variable. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast closer to the date. Comfortable footwear is recommended as there can be a lot of walking involved. Layers are a good idea, as evenings can cool down. Given the passionate nature of Nick Cave’s performances, comfortable and practical attire is generally the best choice.