Art rock icon Nick Cave is a complex character, one that has been marred by tragedy in recent years. Faith, Hope and Carnage, a memoir arriving this month—crafted from over 40 hours of intimate conversations with Observer journalist Seán O’Hagan—will offer an in-depth look into Cave’s life and music over the years since the 2015 death of his 15-year-old son, Arthur, before the loss of his son, Jethro, earlier this year.
The memoir’s synopsis reads: “The book examines questions of faith, art, music, freedom, grief, and love. It draws candidly on Cave’s life, from his early childhood to the present day, his loves, his work ethic, and his dramatic transformation in recent years. From a place of considered reflection, Faith, Hope and Carnage offers ladders of hope and inspiration from a true creative visionary.” A project prompted by the 2020 pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns, the book was borne from hours of phone conversations between the musician and the writer.
Videos by American Songwriter
“This is the first interview I’ve given in years,” the “Red Right Hand” singer explained in a statement. “It’s over 40 hours long. That should do me for the duration, I think.
“It has been a strange, anchoring pleasure to talk to Sean O’Hagan through these uncertain times,” Cave continued.
Amid discussions of creativity, grief, mortality, and more, Faith, Hope & Carnage is a memoir “of intimate and often surprising conversations in which Nick Cave talks honestly about his life, his music, and the dramatic transformation of both, wrought by personal tragedy” O’Hagan added.
An exclusive extract from the book was recently released by O’Hagan ahead of its publication on Sept. 20.
The singer and his musical partner, Warren Ellis, are currently touring around their native land on the Australian Carnage Tour. A UK book signing tour is currently scheduled to begin upon the release of Faith, Hope and Carnage.
Photo credit: Kerry Brown
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 13: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire attend the 53nd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 13, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images) -
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 27: Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC perform onstage during the "Power Up" tour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) -
Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage -
Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage -
Photo by Steve Thorne/Redferns -
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode A5169 — Pictured: Kelly Clarkson — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) -
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Guitarist Rudolf Schenker, guitarist Matthias Jabs and singer Klaus Meine of the Scorpions perform during Scorpions – Coming Home to Las Vegas 60th Anniversary Las Vegas Residency kick off at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on August 14, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Live Nation Las Vegas)