Lazarus appeared in Hammersmith Apollo

7th of May 2008, Hammersmith Apollo
Barry Adamson/Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

It has been a while since I last went to a gig and was really sad when leaving (obviously because I think, "that was it, when am I going to the see them live again??"). Last Thursday night, I felt that really strongly and for a damn good reason. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (no Blixa of course) performed their latest album Dig! Lazarus Dig! as well as many songs of the past live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Despite the new ominous moustache-bearing look, I still adore Nick Cave and his music. It was in 1998 when I actually saw him live in Athens while I am trying to forget the year (was it 2001 or 2003??) when a terrible thunderstorm made it impossible for him to perform and left us in the rain just hoping we would see him the next day.....

In 2008, Nick Cave does not feel older a bit, his performance on stage is absolutely breathtaking while he still maintains his communication with the audience. Dig! Lazarus, strongly reverberates the good old days of Murder Ballads and even before that (a sign evident in Abattoir Blues as well). In a nutshell, on Thursday he proved my enthusiasm and long-term devotion right.

Highlights: Stagger Lee (especially the cock-sucking imitation)
Nick instructing us how to sing along "O Mamma" in The Lyre of Orpheus.
The incident with the weird sound that scared Nick but entertained Sclavunos and Wydler who indulged in pretending to shoot each other.
Papa Won't Leave You Henry!!!
Warren Ellis' (Grinderman) arm strokes while playing several chord instruments
The 2 encores!


In case you are wondering we missed Barry Adamson's performance (why performing at 7.30 in a closed space in the beginnging of May??)

Set
Night of the Lotus Eaters
Dig! Lazarus Dig!
Tupelo
Today's Lesson
Lie Down Here (And be my girl)
Deanna
I let love In
Red Right Hand
Jesus of the Moon
We Call upon the Author to Explain
The Ship Song
Papa won't leave you Henry
Midnight Man
More News from Nowhere
Get Ready for Love
Stagger Lee
The Lyre of Orpheus
Into my Arms
Wanted Man (written by Dylan for Johnny Cash)

(I am sure I am not forgetting too many songs, only a couple maybe)

Photo by Purplecatster