inulro | Nick Cave - Bristol Colston Hall, 26 February

Last night was the long-awaited Nick Cave "solo" gig. I say "solo" because it wasn't quite - he was accompanied by Warren, Jim and whoever is playing bass for him these days.

It was a top night, but nowhere near the intensity of a full Bad Seeds set. To compensate, it was a smaller venue than they usually play, so I had a much better view of Nick than I've ever had, and there was a lot more between-song banter. The emphasis was, not surprisingly, on the newer stuff. I can't remember the full setlist - I couldn't even do that at the end of the night. I think it went on for over two hours though.

Highlights were absolutely stunning renditions of Jack the Ripper, Christina the Astonishing, Red Right Hand and Lucy.

Lowlights included the crime against lyrics that is Rock of Gibraltar, though it's more enjoyable live than on CD. The Weeping Song doesn't work with only one vocal - I suspect it would have worked better if he'd had *anyone* doing the second part. (One of the hecklers at the back shouted out "bring back the German" at the end). The Mercy Seat came very near to being a lounge pastiche of said song. He did The Ship Song for the very last encore, quite obviously because the audiences always want him to than because he wanted to, and it suffered in consequence. (Me? For some reason I wanted to hear Foy Na Cruz. I think it would have suited the setting very well).

In between, there was rather a lot, and it was very good, if not life-changing. I'm especially ecstatic that I got to see Nick without having to travel for once. And the seated venue was nice, mainly because I had kick-ass seats.

Nick is still ridiculously skinny. It's not fair. Even if he does still look like a monkey.