Nick Cave reveals he receives death threats and abuse online

Writing on his website, The Red Hand Files, the musician discussed how he receives “the odd unkind message”.

The singer and songwriter, who lives in Brighton, made the revelation in a response to a fan-submitted question.

A fan named Pat, from Chicago in the USA, asked: “In this time of illness, cynicism and cruelty, do you receive many mean or vile messages?

“How do you cope with that kind of negative energy?”

Nick Cave performing.

In response, Cave wrote while the majority of the letters sent into his website are “beautiful” and “full of love”, he does receive “unkind messages”.

He wrote: “Generally, though, I like them and find them weirdly energising. There is nothing quite like a good death threat in the morning to get the juices flowing.

“They are a form of validation, really, as no one with a public platform and an opinion is doing his or her job effectively if they are not being attacked from time to time.”

Cave went on to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has proved to be a “frightening and deeply uncertain time” and has emboldened “cynical voices”.

However, he went on to say that in his opinion, “they do not represent the voices of the many, or the good”.

Cave wrote: “My experience of actual people in this time is overwhelmingly positive – there is a great deal of love and mutual regard and community.

“I think most of us understand that in order to rise above this particular moment we must pull together, and act with civility, generosity and kindness.

“We have a monumental task ahead of us that will require vast reserves of energy – we must rehabilitate the world – and this fellow feeling and mutual respect is essential to the process.”

The musician called on people to “come together” for the sake of our “existence”.

Cave added: “Of course, there is much in our world that is in need of change, to be set to rights, and clearly humanity is complex, conflicted and full of faults, but at this moment in time, when our very existence hangs in the balance, we need to come together not just in good faith and consolation, but also in a spirit of creativity and invention.

“Our existence depends upon offering the best of ourselves. Negativity, cynicism and resentment will not do.

“We must love one another or die.’”