Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Rock Alternative rock Blues rock Art rock Experimental rock Punk blues Roots rock Punk rock Post-punk Gothic rock Dark wave Singer-songwriter permanent wave

Members

Select a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Kid Congo Powers

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Cramps The Gun Club Fur Bible

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Warren Ellis

Roles:

Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Grinderman Dirty Three

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Rowland S. Howard

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Einstürzende Neubauten The Birthday Party The Go-Betweens These Immortal Souls Teenager Lydia Lunch & Rowland S. Howard Crime and the City Solution The Holy Soul A.C. Marias Spurs for Jesus Pink Stainless Tail Tuff Monks The Shangri-Las

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Blixa Bargeld

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Einstürzende Neubauten The Birthday Party

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Mick Harvey

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer Keyboardist

Groups:

The Birthday Party Crime and the City Solution The Wallbangers

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Nick Cave

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist

Groups:

The Birthday Party Grinderman

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Tracy Pew

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

The Birthday Party

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Gareth Jones (producer)

Roles:

Music Producer

Groups:

Depeche Mode Wire Einstürzende Neubauten Erasure

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Barry Adamson

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Buzzcocks Magazine The Birthday Party

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George Vjestica

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Andromedae

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Martyn P. Casey

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Grinderman The Triffids

Needs more gear

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J.G. Thirlwell

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Marc and the Mambas

Needs more gear

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Hugo Race

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Dirtmusic The Wreckery

Needs more gear

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Thomas Wydler

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Die Haut

No gear added

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Conway Savage

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

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Jim Sclavunos

Roles:

Bassist Drummer

Groups:

Sonic Youth Grinderman Teenage Jesus and the Jerks 8 Eyed Spy

No gear added

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Roland Wolf

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist

No gear added

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Anita Lane

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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About

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is an Australian rock band formed in 1983 by the enigmatic Nick Cave (vocals, piano), along with a rotating ensemble of talented musicians over the years. Known for their eclectic style, the band blends elements of rock, alternative rock, post-punk, gothic rock, and blues. Core members have included Mick Harvey (guitar, drums), Blixa Bargeld (guitar), and Warren Ellis (violin, keyboards), among others, each contributing to the band’s evolving sound. The group is celebrated for their dark, poetic lyrics and dynamic live performances, with Nick Cave's baritone voice and intense stage presence at the forefront.

How to Sound Like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

The sound of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is a compelling mix of raw, atmospheric textures and haunting, melodic compositions. Their music often features a dark, cinematic quality, where the interplay of instruments creates a rich, layered backdrop for Cave's brooding vocals. The use of gear like the Fender '65 Twin Reverb contributes to their expansive sound, offering a clean yet powerful tone suitable for both delicate and aggressive passages. Warren Ellis's use of the Roland JD-Xi Interactive Crossover Synthesizer adds an experimental edge, weaving electronic elements into their rock foundation. Moreover, the Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano, employed by Nick Cave, provides an iconic, resonant sound that underscores the band's dramatic flair. These elements together create a soundscape that is both immersive and emotionally charged, capturing the essence of their dark, multifaceted artistry.

Discography

From Her to Eternity (2009 - Remaster)

1984

The Firstborn Is Dead (2009 - Remaster)

1985

Kicking Against the Pricks (2009 Remaster)

1986

Your Funeral... My Trial (2009 Remaster)

1986

Tender Prey (2010 Remaster)

1988

The Good Son (2010 Remaster)

1990

Henry's Dream (2010 Remaster)

1992

Live Seeds

1993

Let Love In (2011 Remaster)

1994

Murder Ballads (2011 Remaster)

1996

The Boatman's Call (2011 - Remaster)

1997

No More Shall We Part (2011 Remaster)

2001

Nocturama

2003

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus

2004

The Abattoir Blues Tour

2007

Push the Sky Away

2013

Live from KCRW

2013

Skeleton Tree

2016

Ghosteen

2019

Idiot Prayer (Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace)

2020

Live God

2025

Get the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Sound

Want to sound like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.