In a rare and touching moment of mutual admiration, two music legends, Nick Cave and Bob Dylan, connected over a simple yet profound tweet. After attending a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds concert in Paris, Bob Dylan shared his heartfelt thoughts on the song Joy, praising its poignant message: “We’ve all had too much sorrow, now is the time for joy.” Dylan described it as a fitting reflection on the current times.
Cave, who was unaware of Dylan’s presence at the concert, expressed his gratitude and delight on his Red Hand Files website. Reflecting on the surprise, he shared how his phone buzzed with messages about Dylan’s post while he was unwinding at home. “Sitting in bed with Susie, eating Belgian chocolates, I was struck by the unexpected joy of seeing Dylan’s words. His praise lifted me out of my post-tour exhaustion,” Cave wrote.
This moment carries deeper significance, highlighting the enduring influence and shared philosophy of these iconic artists. Both have explored themes of love, despair, redemption, and the human condition throughout their careers, and Dylan’s acknowledgment of Cave’s work reinforces the powerful connection between their art.
Cave further elaborated on the song’s message, explaining how Joy serves as a counterpoint to the pervasive despair surrounding today’s political and social climate. “Dylan’s words reminded me why we make music—to transcend the gloom and offer something sacred,” he wrote. He also admired Dylan’s decision to remain active on social media despite its often divisive nature, calling it “admirably perverse in a very Bob Dylan way.”
This exchange also underscores the respect Cave holds for Dylan, a long-time influence on his songwriting. Cave has previously described Dylan as “a towering figure in the pantheon of music,” and the chance to connect—even indirectly—through this shared moment was clearly meaningful.
Fans of both artists have celebrated this interaction as a testament to the timeless power of music to bring people together. It’s a reminder that even the most legendary figures are still deeply moved by recognition from their peers.
As Cave concluded in his post, “Thank you, Bob. You’ve reminded me, yet again, that music is a shared language of joy.”
This rare connection between two masters of their craft is sure to remain an inspiring chapter in
music history.