Nick Cave Rejects Morrissey’s Request for Controversial Collaboration

In a recent interaction with fans on his Red Hand Files platform, renowned musician Nick Cave revealed that he declined a request from fellow artist Morrissey to collaborate on a new song. The request, made in 2024, reportedly involved lyrics that Cave described as an "unnecessarily provocative and slightly silly anti-woke screed". This revelation highlights the complexities of artistic collaboration amid the current socio-political climate.

Cave expressed his reluctance to engage with politically charged themes in music, stating, "I try to keep politics, cultural or otherwise, out of the music I am involved with. I find that it has a diminishing effect and is antithetical to whatever it is I am trying to achieve" (Cave, 2025). Despite this, he acknowledged Morrissey’s lyrical prowess, labeling him as "probably the best lyricist of his generation".

The discussion stems from a broader context of ongoing debates around artistic expression and political discourse in contemporary music. Cave, who has been vocal about his views on the socio-political landscape, previously critiqued aspects of the so-called 'woke' culture. In a 2019 interview, he stated, "Regardless of the virtuous intentions of many woke issues, it is its lack of humility and the paternalistic and doctrinal sureness of its claims that repel me" (Cave, 2019). More recently, in a 2024 interview with the Observer, he clarified his support for social justice but criticized the methods employed by some advocates, particularly around cancel culture, which he described as "bad religion run amok" (Cave, 2024).

Morrissey, known for his controversial stances and lyrical themes, has himself faced backlash for his outspoken opinions. His proposed collaboration with Cave was not only about the lyrics; it also included a musical arrangement that Cave found unsuitable, specifically mentioning a lengthy and "entirely irrelevant Greek bouzouki intro" (Cave, 2025).

Despite their differing views, Cave maintains a respectful admiration for Morrissey’s work, recognizing the impact of his music: "Morrissey’s music, regardless of how jaundiced and disaffected the songs may sometimes seem, does precisely that – ushers us toward what is true" (Cave, 2025).

This exchange underscores the tension within the music industry regarding political engagement and artistic integrity. As artists navigate these waters, the implications for future collaborations and public perceptions of their work remain significant. Cave’s recent solo tour of Europe, which concludes in Luxembourg in September, further emphasizes his commitment to his artistic vision, as does his latest album with the Bad Seeds, *Wild God*, released in March 2024. Morrissey, on the other hand, has not released new music since his 2020 album, *I Am Not a Dog on a Chain*, citing issues with his former label as a barrier to his upcoming work, *Bonfire of Teenagers*, which he claims is "the best album of my life" (Morrissey, 2022).

In conclusion, this incident is reflective of a broader cultural dialogue where art intersects with politics, and the decisions made by artists like Cave and Morrissey will likely continue to resonate within the music community and beyond.