Full Breakdown
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Turn Brighton Into a Musical Homecoming
8/1/2026, 11:56:38 PM
Surprise Rooftop Set Kicks Off Brighton Celebration
On July 31, 2026, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds appeared unannounced on the roof of Resident Records in Brighton’s North Laine. The band began at 11 a.m. with “Train Long-Suffering,” a track not performed in the city since 1985, and also played a piano rendition of T. Rex’s “Cosmic Dancer” with violinist Warren Ellis, a duet of “Henry Lee” with backing singer Janet Ramus, and closed with “Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry.” The set was part of a Resident Records venue takeover that ran from July 30 through August 2, 2026.
Main Event: Sold-Out Preston Park Show
That evening the band headlined a UK-exclusive concert at Preston Park. An estimated 45,000 fans filled the outdoor arena, one of the city’s largest recent audiences. Support acts included The Flaming Lips, English Teacher, Cate Le Bon and Warmduscher. Midway through the set, Kylie Minogue joined Cave for a reunion of their 1995 duet “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” the first time they performed it together since 2018.
Background & Context
Cave has lived in Brighton for many years and often cites the city as central to his work. The concerts capped a promotional run for the band’s 2024 album Wild God and marked the final UK headline date of their 2026 tour. Resident Records’ takeover featured a merchandise pop-up, catalogue offers and a post box for letters to “The Red Hand Files.”
Data & Statistics
- Rooftop set & headline show: July 31, 2026.
- Venue takeover period: July 30 – August 2, 2026.
- Audience size at Preston Park: ~45,000 (on-stage commentary).
- Support lineup: The Flaming Lips, English Teacher, Cate Le Bon, Warmduscher.
Official Statements & Responses
Cave called the Brighton run a “homecoming,” describing the experience as “overwhelming” and noting the significance of reuniting with Minogue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “See you tonight! Thank you. Thank you, Resident records, for this - best fucking record shop in the world,” — Nick Cave
- “I am thrilled beyond words to return to my beloved Brighton with The Bad Seeds to play Preston Park,” — Nick Cave
- “Can we please welcome to the stage, Kylie Minogue,” — Nick Cave
- “We are The Flaming Lips and words cannot describe how amazing it is to be playing here for you today,” — Wayne Coyne
On-the-Ground Reports
Crowds gathered in North Laine to watch the rooftop performance, chanting “F***ing Brighton!” as Cave addressed the street-level audience. At Preston Park, fans gave roaring applause when Minogue appeared, and the duet sparked an emotional sing-along that many called the night’s highlight.
What’s Next
Following Brighton, the band will continue its European festival circuit and return to the studio in Islington later in May with longtime bandmates Martyn P. Casey, Thomas Wydler, Jim Sclavunos and Warren Ellis.
