Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds |ADDICTED

Words and photos by Stephen McGill

Australian legends Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds brought the final date of their Skeleton Tree tour to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 28. Though there may have been some trepidation on the fans part in regards to seeing the acclaimed artist in an arena setting after years of theatre shows, Cave blew everyone away with an intense and powerful two and a half hour set. Flanked by both veteran Bad Seeds members and new blood, the band behind him was impeccable, especially musical genius Warren Ellis. Cave had the crowd in the palm of his hand aided by a special stage set up that allowed him to spend most of the set in the embrace of the crowd. Cave is an artist almost without peer, and his ability to turn a massive arena into an intimate venue for personal, and emotional connection is a mark of credit on his immense career.