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Nick Cave has revealed that he turned down an invitation to collaborate with Morrissey, despite admiring him as “one of the best lyricists of his generation.” The singer, known for his work with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, made the revelation in a heartfelt entry on his fan Q&A site, The Red Hand Files.
A fan had asked Cave about any relationship with the former Smiths frontman. Cave explained, “I’ve never actually met Morrissey, which is probably why I like him. He is undeniably a complex and divisive figure.” He went on to praise Morrissey’s songwriting: “He is probably the best lyricist of his generation, certainly the strangest, funniest, most sophisticated, and most subtle.”
Despite this admiration, the two artists never officially teamed up. Cave received an email from Morrissey requesting him to sing on a new song. While Cave said he would have been open to that, he explained that the track began with “a lengthy and entirely irrelevant Greek bouzouki intro.” More surprising, Morrissey wanted Cave to deliver what Cave described as "an unnecessarily provocative and slightly silly anti-woke screed" over the top of the bouzouki.
Although Cave admitted that he “supposed I agreed with the sentiment on some level,” he said, “it just wasn’t my thing.” He explained that while he respects Morrissey’s political opinions, he chooses not to put politics in his own music, saying: “I find that it has a diminishing effect and is antithetical to whatever it is I am trying to achieve. So, I politely declined. I said no.”
‘It just wasn’t my thing’ - left: Morrissey and Nick Cave. Credit: Christie Goodwin/Redferns
This revelation underscores the deep divide between two significant figures in British music, both celebrated for provocative lyrics, yet cautious about the influence of politics on their art. Cave’s reasoned, respectful refusal is a testament to his thoughtful approach to music-making and purpose.
Fans responded with surprise and admiration at Cave’s honesty, one wrote, “Not a clash, but two giants deciding to stay in their lanes,” another praised his “graceful refusal.” The story sparked wider debate on whether artists should infuse overt politics into their work.
At a time when political messaging is increasingly present in mainstream art, Cave’s stance offers a counterpoint: sometimes artistry demands purity of intention. His refusal underlines that for him, music isn’t a soapbox, it’s a sanctuary.
