The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Nick Cave (Extended) | Colbert Classic Release Date: January 5, 2025

Introduction

In this extended episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes back the renowned musician and songwriter, Nick Cave, to discuss a range of deeply personal and artistic topics. Released on January 5, 2025, the episode delves into Cave's insights on music, creativity, grief, and his latest work.

Reconnecting and Personal Encounters

The conversation begins with a light-hearted anecdote from Nick Cave about a previous encounter with Stephen Colbert in Reykjavik in 2019:

Nick Cave (01:29): "You don't know this, but we have been in proximity before. In Reykjavik in 2019, you were at a coffee shop, and me and my two boys, who at the time were 21 and 17, were right behind you..."

Colbert humorously acknowledges the resemblance:

Stephen Colbert (02:00): "I've been told that I look like Nick Cave."

Exploring the Power of Music

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the transformative and transcendent power of music. Nick Cave expresses his reverence for music's magical ability:

Nick Cave (03:52): "Music is magical to me because it does what magic does. It causes an effect at a distance. It can reach inside and change your heart and change your mind without touching it." ([03:52])

Colbert echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the communal and sacred experience of live performances:

Stephen Colbert (04:02): "To stand on stage, to perform to people, is a genuinely transcendent opportunity."

Creative Process and Artistic Evolution

The duo delves into Stephen Colbert's creative journey, particularly his evolution from a punk rock persona to a more refined artistic presence. Colbert reflects on his adversarial relationship with audiences in his early music days:

Stephen Colbert (05:27): "When I first started off making music, my relationship with the audience especially was extremely adversarial."

Nick Cave draws parallels with his own experiences, highlighting the universal challenges artists face:

Nick Cave (06:40): "Often there’s hostility toward the audience out of nervousness, out of anxiety, out of fear that you won't be accepted."

A Memorable Collaboration with Johnny Cash

One of the most poignant moments of the episode is Stephen Colbert recounting his collaboration with the legendary Johnny Cash:

Stephen Colbert (07:27): "Johnny Cash is my hero... I got called into the studio by Rick Rubin to actually sing with Johnny Cash."

He describes the surreal and emotional encounter:

Stephen Colbert (08:11): "When he arrived, he was not well at all... It was an extraordinary moment."

This story underscores the profound impact of musical collaborations and the personal connections formed through art.

Introducing "Wild God"

Nick Cave shifts the focus to Stephen Colbert's upcoming album, Wild God, released on August 30th:

Nick Cave (10:58): "How would you characterize this album?"

Colbert describes the album as a departure from his usual somber tones, presenting it as a "joyful, uplifting kind of record":

Stephen Colbert (11:19): "It's essentially a joyful, uplifting kind of record, which is quite different than the records I normally make."

Confronting Grief and Finding Hope

A deeply moving segment addresses Stephen Colbert's personal experiences with grief, particularly the loss of his two sons. Nick Cave expresses his condolences and inquires about Colbert's coping mechanisms:

Nick Cave (12:26): "You've suffered profound loss over the last decade... What have you received from other people about the grief that you've experienced?"

Colbert shares his philosophy on grief, emphasizing the importance of communal support and turning outward rather than inward:

Stephen Colbert (15:26): "We must be able to turn ourselves the other way and look at the world and understand that we are part of the world and that the world is essentially full of people who have lost things."

He highlights the significance of small acts of kindness in healing:

Stephen Colbert (20:48): "It was really of what people did and the idea that people were there for me... there was this sort of dead silence... just squeezed my hand as she gave me back the money."

The Red Hand Files Initiative

Colbert introduces his Red Hand Files, a platform for fans to ask questions about life's challenges. Nick Cave is intrigued and requests to hear one of the letters. Colbert reads a heartfelt message from Valerio of Stockholm, grappling with cynicism and fear of passing grief onto his son:

Valerio's Letter (20:52): "Do you still believe in us human beings?"

Colbert responds with a profound message of hope and resilience:

Stephen Colbert (21:08): "Hopefulness is the warrior emotion that can lay waste to cynicism... Each redemptive or loving act... keeps the devil down in the hole."

This exchange underscores the podcast's commitment to addressing real human emotions and fostering a sense of community among listeners.

Concluding Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Colbert and Cave reflect on the universal nature of grief and the human capacity for joy even amidst loss. Nick Cave succinctly captures the essence of their discussion:

Nick Cave (19:34): "You have this other... it is part of being fully human."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers an intimate glimpse into the minds of two creative forces grappling with profound themes. Through personal anecdotes, philosophical discussions, and heartfelt exchanges, Colbert and Cave illuminate the enduring power of music, the complexities of grief, and the journey toward finding hope and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transformative Power of Music: Both hosts emphasize music's ability to create transcendent and communal experiences.
• Creative Evolution: Stephen Colbert discusses his journey from an adversarial punk rock persona to a more nuanced artist.
• Facing Grief: Colbert's openness about his personal losses highlights the importance of community and small acts of kindness in healing.
• Red Hand Files: An initiative to connect with listeners on deeply personal issues, fostering a supportive community.

Notable Quotes:

• "Music is magical to me because it does what magic does." — Nick Cave ([03:52])
• "Hopefulness is not a neutral position. It is adversarial." — Stephen Colbert ([21:08])

For those interested in exploring more about Stephen Colbert and Nick Cave's discussions, additional content and clips are available on The Late Show YouTube channel.