♪ I like to make my audience suffer! ♪ Nick Cave rocked the Metronome Festival

At around 8:00 PM on Saturday evening, the main stage of the Metronome Festival in Prague came alive as Australian musician Nick Cave and his band The Bad Seeds took to the stage. Their performance began with the song "Get Ready for Love," setting the tone for an intense and emotionally charged concert. The band was joined by a large ensemble of musicians, including a choir, keyboardist, percussionist, and others, all dressed in suits—though the choir members wore metallic harnesses, adding a dramatic flair to the visual presentation.

From the very beginning, Cave displayed an energetic and youthful presence, moving around the stage with vigor and reaching out toward the audience as though trying to touch the energy flowing between them. His face radiated the vitality he seemed to draw from the crowd's response. During the third song, he spent time on the edge of the stage, engaging directly with fans. After finishing the song, he looked into the eyes of his devoted followers and quipped, “I love making my audience suffer. I could feel how much you were shaking.”

As the concert progressed, Cave’s appearance became more unorthodox. He first removed his jacket and later loosened his vest and tie. By the second half of the show, his shirt had completely slipped out of his trousers, completing the image of a wild, almost spiritual figure connecting deeply with his listeners. One particularly memorable moment occurred when Cave threw his microphone backward toward the stage—a spontaneous act that left his fellow musicians visibly startled.

The stage design contributed significantly to the overall atmosphere. A translucent curtain covered the back screen, displaying lyrics of songs in an ethereal manner. On the side panels, black-and-white footage from cameras on stage played continuously. This visual setup, combined with the live broadcast, allowed even those not physically present to experience the concert in real-time, thanks to the exceptional work of the production team and cameramen.

The setlist featured a balanced mix of both classic hits and newer material from Cave’s latest album *Wild God*. Songs such as "Wild God" and "Joy" were performed alongside older favorites like "Red Right Hand," "O Children," and a rendition of "Henry Lee," where PJ Harvey’s part was sung by a member of the supporting choir. The performances were enhanced by the setting, which included a beautiful sunset, although Cave humorously expressed hope for rain during the song "Tupelo," which tells the story of a storm approaching Elvis Presley’s birthplace.

During the performance of "Hollywood," one of the most significant tracks from his personal and emotional album *Ghosteen*, Cave shared that the song was important and long, noting that they had been advised against playing it at the festival. However, he insisted on performing it anyway. This choice underscored the deep connection Cave has with his music, especially pieces born from personal loss.

The concert concluded with slower, more introspective songs such as "Into My Arms" and "The Weeping Song." Despite being well-established classics, these songs were delivered with genuine emotion, reflecting Cave’s heartfelt approach rather than a calculated attempt to sell tickets. His performance was marked by raw, unfiltered feelings that resonated throughout the entire venue.

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds electrified the Metronome Festival in Prague, filling the area with a palpable spiritual energy and a balanced sound. As the night drew to a close, Cave bid farewell, expressing his anticipation for future visits to Prague. Fans can hopefully look forward to experiencing this unique blend of musical talent and emotional depth again soon.