Nick Cave and Sean O' Hagan Book Review "Faith,Hope, and Carnage""

Having recently seen Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds live in Manchester, I thought it would be worth reading "Faith, Hope, and Carnage", a book co-written by Nick Cave and journalist Sean O’Hagan, and I'm glad I did. This book is an absolute blueprint of what all future rock journalism should look like. This isn't just a Rock n Roll interview book, it's a profound exploration of life, faith, grief, and creativity. The book takes the form of an extended conversation between Cave and O’Hagan, touching on topics as diverse as the nature of art, the role of faith, and the emotional impact of personal loss. As a result, the book feels less like a conventional memoir and more like a deeply personal meditation, as Nick Cave ( I discovered his genius via the Peaky Blinders soundtrack) opens up about his struggles and transformations in a cathartic and lucid way. 

Although it is a book about songwriting and Cave's immense work ethic, the motif that runs throughout is the touching taboo of grief. Cave has suffered tragic personal loss, including the death of his son Arthur in 2015. This experience has fundamentally changed his approach to life, art, and spirituality, and much of Faith, Hope, and Carnage centres on how Cave has attempted to process and live with his grief. Through his conversations with O’Hagan, Cave rarely tries to rationalize his suffering or provide a path to healing; he speaks honestly about the raw, often painful journey of grief and the moments of unexpected grace that can emerge along the way. This openness and vulnerability make the book incredibly moving and relatable for anyone who has faced similar struggles. For a staunch atheist like me, Cave's devout faith is humbling - his questionable (at times) agnostic attitude is also refreshing. 

Nick Cave in Manchester Nov 5th 2024 Image by @rybazoxo

Another striking element of the book is Cave’s evolving relationship with faith. Despite being known for his often dark and provocative music, Cave has grown increasingly interested in questions of spirituality and the search for meaning. He speaks candidly about his complex relationship with Christianity, describing faith not as a solution but as a way of grappling with religion and its often conflicting theology. Cave’s reflections on faith are nuanced and reflective, capturing the hope, doubt,  and naked faith that come with seeking a deeper purpose. For readers interested in spirituality, his reflections offer a fresh perspective free of dogma, grounded instead in lived experience and a willingness to embrace mystery. As a fan of his music, yet unapologetically unreligious, I found this part the most interesting. 

Nick Cave Image by @rybazoxo

The conversations also delve into Cave’s artistic process, shedding light on how his creative vision has shifted over his 40-year career. Known for his work with the band The Bad Seeds, Cave has long been lauded for his darkly poetic lyrics and evocative storytelling. But in Faith, Hope, and Carnage, he reflects on how his recent experiences have transformed his art, pushing him toward a more open, compassionate view of the world. He discusses his current creative practices, encompassing openness and vulnerability, and how he has come to see art as a way of connecting with others. Cave’s thoughts on creativity are insightful, illustrating how art can be a means of self-expression and healing.

WILD GOD is available now 

Ultimately, Faith, Hope, and Carnage is a powerful, thought-provoking book that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of a memoir, interview or rock biography. It’s a work of introspection and philosophical questioning that invites you to think about your own life, struggles, and their meaning. For fans of Nick Cave or anyone drawn to questions of faith, loss, and creativity, this book offers a resonant, transformative experience and is one of the best I've read in quite some time. 

Ryan's Read Rating - 8/10

I bought this from 'World Of Books'  a brilliant website for buying 2nd hand - helping to save the world, sustainability, and books!

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

GIG REVIEW ll RYAN ADAMS ll SHEFFIELD CITY HALL ll 24/09/24

Words by Ryan Oxley 

Sat in the third row at the front of the stage, the 75% capacity Sheffield City Hall (this was a Tuesday night) seemed eager to applaud Americana singer/songwriter Ryan Adams, who was due on stage at 20:00. As the lights dimmed at 20.05, and I've been a fan of his for 20 years, my excitement was palpable at my first time seeing him live. It was a solo show, so I expected this to be a Ryan Adams plus guitars show. 

 I wasn't expecting a piano, a coat rack, or dim lights, which gave the evening a cabaret club feel. Sat within a metre of two of the ‘Gimme Something Good’ tunesmith, I had a perfect seat, but I did feel for those who would have sat much further back, the atmosphere (just like the guitars) wasn't electric - it was dark and in more ways than one. Ryan Adams seemed self-deprecating, dour and came across as arrogant.

Although his eclectic back catalogue and demonstratable music talent were present tonight, the eagerness of the audience virtually disappeared about three songs into the set-list, when Adams stopped the show to complain about camera phones, and their flashes ruining his concentration. 

Although billed as a 3-hour 30-song show, which he did complete, he threatened to call the show off earlier if the cameras continued flashing, so the audience seemed to cool, although the atmosphere did not. Ryan had guitar tech ‘Drew’ and a lightning guy - that was it. When the music flowed, you could have heard a pin drop. However, at times he appeared distracted, had his back to the audience when on piano, and even singled out a fan, whom he called a ''douchebag'' for taking some film of one of his songs; ‘'It’s (the footage) is for a friend who couldn't make the gig tonight’' said the fan, but Ryan was not amused. 

He (Ryan) spoke candidly in between songs about depression and sobriety, which is perfectly fine ( I think I misconstrued the self-deprecation for that) but being sat so close whilst he chastised fans was seriously awkward. 

Calling the interval early, Ryan came back on stage in a markedly different disposition and gave an incredible second half of the show, delving into his mighty back catalogue and showcasing talent, yet the atmosphere remained remarkably dour. 

I'd waited 20 years for this gig and paid £70 for the pleasure, all whilst sat at the front, but had I been sat further back? I would have probably left earlier, and unlike Ryan Adams, I would have meant it. 

Ryan Adams is still on tour 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

Have you seen a brilliant artist who was also a bit of a douchebag? 

Let me know in the comments section. 

GIG REVIEW / GLEN HANSARD / LIVERPOOL / APRIL 2024

Glen Hansard. Image (c) @rybazoxo

Saturday 13th April 2024 St George’s Hall, Liverpool, UK 

Words by Ryan Oxley 

For me, ONCE is one of the finest indie music films ever. Released in 2007, the film is a musical that stars, and has a soundtrack co-written by Glen Hansard. Before the film's release, I did recognise Glen from the cast of The Commitments, the celebrated Irish film based on a book by Roddy Doyle but I wasn't aware of his incredible talent. 

Glen Hansard. Image (c) by @rybazoxo 

Glen Hansard is a journeyman/troubadour of a musician, and following 'ONCE' I became an immediate fan of his solo work, The Swell Season, and The Frames. Based in the UK, I doubted I'd ever get a chance to see this regular European touring artist (who’s also hugely popular in the USA) then I found out he was playing a gig in my favourite music city (sorry Manchester) I grabbed a ticket online, booked a bedsit for the night, and got a train to Liverpool. Promoting his latest album ‘All That Was East Is West Of Me Now’, I downloaded it on Spotify and had the tracks on repeat.  I was excited to see if Glen would do any songs from the ONCE soundtrack, and he peppered them throughout the gig, tracks from the new album are also folksy balladeering stories that enamoured this small venue, and enthusiastic crowd. 

St George's Hall, Liverpool. Image (c) by @rybazoxo

Of course, I took a few images, and as you can see, St George’s Hall is a beautiful venue - historically, aesthetically, and acoustically. Glen is also a great storyteller - in between songs, he told a few funny tales of life, love, ancestry, and everything you’d expect from an Irishman. ONCE is a timeless classic, and it was worth waiting 17 years to see Glen Hansard live.

Watch my YouTube video of ‘When Your Minds Made Up’ from this special gig here 

Learn more about Glen Hansard & buy his latest album here 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com