Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds surprised fans with an impromptu rooftop performance at Brighton’s Resident Records on Friday 31 July 2026, hours before the band headlined a sold-out show at Preston Park.
Crowds gathered outside the independent record shop in the city’s North Laine after news of the appearance spread on Friday morning. At 11am, Nick Cave and the band took to the rooftop for a short set celebrating their return to Brighton.
Nick Cave opens with a rare live performance
The surprise performance began with “Train Long Suffering” from The Firstborn Is Dead, marking the first time the song had been played live in Brighton since a performance at The Escape Club in 1985.
Greeting the crowd below, Cave said:
“Thank you. F***ing Brighton! What a thing to be doing.”
The set continued with a piano-led version of T. Rex’s “Cosmic Dancer”, featuring a violin solo from Warren Ellis, before the band performed “Henry Lee” from Murder Ballads alongside backing singer Janet Ramus.
During the performance, Cave also acknowledged his wife, Susie Cave, and son, Earl, who were watching from a nearby balcony.
The rooftop appearance concluded with “Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry” from Henry’s Dream.
Before leaving the stage, Cave told fans:
“See you tonight! Thank you. Thank you, Resident records, for this, best fucking record shop in the world.”
Brighton celebrates Nick Cave’s return
The rooftop set formed part of a wider programme of events celebrating Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ UK-exclusive headline concert at Preston Park on Friday.
The sold-out show features support from The Flaming Lips, English Teacher, Cate Le Bon and Warmduscher.
Resident Records is also hosting a venue takeover from 30 July to 2 August, including an exclusive merchandise pop-up, special offers across the band’s catalogue and a post box where fans can leave letters for The Red Hand Files.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s Duke of York’s Picturehouse is screening five films selected by Cave across the weekend, while visitors arriving at Brighton railway station will hear specially recorded station announcements voiced by the singer.
Nick Cave calls Brighton show a homecoming
Ahead of the concert, Cave described the performance as a special moment for both himself and the city.
“I am thrilled beyond words to return to my beloved Brighton with The Bad Seeds to play Preston Park. It’s a homecoming!”
