The 9 artists that disappointed Nick Cave on a personal level: “Damn them!”
Nick Cave has described nine artists he deeply admires as having disappointed or alienated him at points in their careers. His reflections show how admiration can coexist with disagreement, and raise the question of how listeners relate to artists whose choices diverge from their own beliefs.
In an April 2024 Red Hand Files response, Cave named Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Nina Simone, Kanye, Van Morrison, Morrissey, Brian Eno, Leonard Cohen and Patti Smith. He said they had followed their own paths to their own truths, even when those paths were not what he would have wished. Cave connected his continuing interest in them to their authenticity, and has elsewhere called Simone “the real thing”.
In short
- Cave says nine admired artists have disappointed him.
- He accepts that they followed their own paths.
- Their authenticity keeps him interested.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Listeners can value an artist’s work while taking seriously the beliefs and choices behind it; continued admiration need not mean endorsing everything the artist says or does. Cave’s reflections suggest that artistic authenticity and a willingness to follow one’s convictions can remain compelling even when they disappoint people who care about the artist.
The case against
For some listeners, an artist’s public choices are inseparable from the work, especially when those choices conflict with deeply held beliefs or cause harm. Continuing to celebrate or support an artist may feel like lending legitimacy to those choices, so stepping back can be a principled response rather than a denial of the artist’s talent.
Explained simply
Nick Cave is an Australian singer, songwriter and author, known for music that often explores faith, violence and human relationships. The Red Hand Files is his online series of answers to questions from readers.
The artists he named are musicians from different generations and styles, including Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and Patti Smith. Cave has said he admires their work while sometimes feeling troubled or alienated by choices they have made.
His comments touch on a familiar question: whether people can value an artist’s work while disagreeing with the artist’s views or actions. They also reflect Cave’s interest in artists who, in his view, follow their own convictions.
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