Nick Cave rejects Morrissey’s request to sing ‘anti-woke’ message on new song
Nick Cave recently revealed that he rejected a request from Morrissey to feature on a new song in 2024. The former Smiths frontman asked Cave to sing lyrics that Cave described as “an unnecessarily provocative and slightly silly anti-woke screed.” Despite acknowledging some agreement with the sentiment, Cave felt that delving into political or cultural themes was not in line with the type of music he aims to create. He expressed his belief that introducing such elements could have a negative impact and run counter to his artistic goals.
When discussing his views on societal issues, Cave has previously criticized what he termed as the lack of humility and dogmatic certainty associated with many “woke” causes. He called out cancel culture as resembling “bad religion run amuck.” In a later interview, he clarified that while he supports social justice, he disagrees with the methods, such as “shutting down people” and “cancelling people,” that are sometimes employed to achieve these goals. He expressed concern about the absence of mercy and forgiveness in these tactics, contending that they conflict with his spiritual beliefs and create obstacles to meaningful dialogue.
Regarding Morrissey’s proposed collaboration, Cave touched upon the lyrical content of the song sent to him. He noted that while the piece was musically appealing, it began with a lengthy and tangentially related Greek bouzouki introduction. Despite never having met Morrissey, Cave expressed a degree of admiration for him as a lyricist, describing him as perhaps the best of his generation due to his peculiar, humorous, sophisticated, and subtle writing style. However, Cave acknowledged Morrissey as a polarizing figure who derives pleasure from provocation, a quality that, while entertaining to some, holds little interest for Cave himself.
In response to a question about the essence of yearning, Cave noted the role of music in addressing the human experience of incompleteness and abandonment, guiding listeners toward deeper truths. He praised Morrissey’s music for its ability to convey a sense of disaffection while ultimately leading audiences to a genuine understanding of reality.
As he shared his current musical preferences, Cave mentioned the New York-based band YHWH Nailgun, lauding their debut album as a standout release of the year. He commended the band for their unique ability to blend punk-funk noise with transcendent elements, offering listeners an emotionally resonant and spiritually uplifting experience.
Cave’s ongoing engagement with fans through his Red Hand Files platform underscores his commitment to fostering a sense of community and transparency. He continues to use this platform as a means of connecting with audiences on a profound level, allowing for an intimate exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Currently embarking on a solo tour of Europe, Cave remains a prolific artist whose creative output continues to captivate audiences. With his latest album release alongside the Bad Seeds, his musical journey displays a commitment to authenticity and a deeply introspective approach to artistry.
In contrast, Morrissey’s recent musical endeavors have faced obstacles, with his highly anticipated album being reportedly held back due to disputes with his former label. Despite these challenges, Morrissey remains resolute in his conviction that the unreleased record represents a pinnacle in his career, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft.