Fri Apr 18 03:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Kick Off US Tour With Rare ‘Skeleton Tree’ Performance
**Boston, MA –** Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds launched their highly anticipated “Wild God” US tour last night at the Agganis Arena in Boston, marking their first US dates since 2018. The 18-date tour, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opened with a powerful setlist including tracks from their latest album, “Wild God,” as well as fan favorites.
A major highlight of the evening was the band’s first live performance of “Skeleton Tree” in seven years. The emotional title track from Cave’s 2016 album, written following the death of his son Arthur, followed performances of “Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry” and “The Weeping Song.” The encore also included a performance of the classic “Into My Arms.”
The setlist spanned 22 songs, featuring tracks from “Carnage” and “White Elephant,” Cave’s collaborations with Warren Ellis, and a mix of older and newer material. Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood filled in for the ill Martyn Casey on bass guitar, adding his talents to the already impressive performance.
Greenwood, who has previously collaborated with Cave on solo tours and the “Carnage” tour, expressed his enthusiasm for working with the band, praising Cave’s storytelling and piano playing. He noted the “ferociously loud drummers” and the diverse musical palette of the Bad Seeds.
Cave’s performance comes amidst ongoing reflection on the creation of “Skeleton Tree,” which he has stated exacerbated his mental health struggles following his son’s death. While acknowledging the enduring pain of his loss and the subsequent passing of his older son, Jethro, Cave has indicated he and his wife have found a path toward renewed happiness.
The “Wild God” tour continues across North America, with upcoming stops in major cities including Brooklyn, Detroit, Washington D.C., and more, culminating in San Francisco on May 14th. Remaining tickets are available [link to ticket sales]. The tour supports the band’s 18th studio album, “Wild God,” which has received critical acclaim for its blend of gothic doom and newfound lightness.
First Piper 