Nick Cave says Radiohead at The O2 made him realise “just how powerful live music is”

In November 2025, Radiohead returned to the stage after seven years away from touring. The band played in cities like Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin, finishing their tour on December 12th in Berlin. Fans were thrilled to see them live again.

One of the people who attended their London show was Nick Cave, the famous Australian singer-songwriter. Usually, Cave doesn’t go to concerts while he’s touring because he likes to focus on his own music. But recently, he’s been taking a break from performing and has been attending other artists’ shows, including Bob Dylan, Swans, Cameron Winter, Dirty Three, and Radiohead.

Cave said this was the first time he had ever been in the audience at such a big show. He was amazed by the crowd, describing people dancing, screaming, crying, hugging, and enjoying the music together. He felt the love and energy in the room and was struck by how powerful live music can be.

For Cave, a concert is more than just music. He said that live shows have a kind of magic that can bring people together. He compared it to other things in his life, like swimming, spending time in nature, or going to church, but said nothing matches the feeling of a live concert. He even called it a “reparative, cosmic force” — music that can make the world feel a little better.

Cave praised Radiohead for their performance, calling it “astonishing”. He admired their courage to stand on stage and share their music with the crowd. He could feel the connection between the band and the audience, which made the evening unforgettable.

Although Nick Cave is currently on a break from touring, he plans to return in early 2026 with shows in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Europe, including a big sold-out show in his hometown of Brighton.

Radiohead’s comeback shows remind us why live music is special. It’s not just about listening to songs — it’s about feeling the energy of a crowd, sharing emotions, and connecting with the performers. Nick Cave’s experience shows that even someone who has spent decades on stage can be amazed by the power of music.

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