Matthew Mozzer interviews Barry Adamson, The Former Magazine and Current Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Member, who talks about his upcoming Cut To Black Tour.
With a career spanning over four decades, Barry Adamson is one of the most compelling figures in contemporary music. Best known for his time with Magazine, his enduring contribution to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and his expansive solo work, Adamson’s music brims with creativity, power, and that ineffable quality that has made his work so influential. As he prepares for his upcoming tour in support of Cut To Black, his tenth album, I caught up with the man himself to talk about everything from songwriting to his roots in Moss Side and his connection with the crowds that come to hear him perform.
Cut To Black is your tenth album, and it’s fair to say you’ve built quite the career. With so much behind you, does it feel easier to write and record, or do you ever find yourself lost in the vast landscape of your own history?
It’s a bit of both, to be honest. The more you do, the narrower the road gets. You’re known for certain things, and those things kind of start to take shape, becoming signatures. But then, the challenge is to do something new, to keep surprising yourself. Some days you wake up, and an idea hits you like a bolt of lightning—it’s there, done. But there are other days when you’re just wandering in the forest, lost, thinking, “Oh, I’ve done that before… not again.” It’s a balance. That’s why I love songs like Demon Lover. I drew from The Man with the Golden Arm to bring something familiar into a new space, giving it a modern twist. You keep pushing yourself, even if it feels a bit like walking down a narrowing path. But in the end, you get to your tenth album and think, “Wow, this journey’s been something.”
You’ve spoken before about the process of songwriting and how ideas strike at unexpected moments. Is it something that’s constantly in your mind, or do you have to stop everything and focus on writing?
It’s about being ready when the idea comes. It’s like walking around with a butterfly net, trying to catch the right one. You might miss a few, but when you get the right one, it’s magic. I always have my phone on hand to catch a melody or a phrase that strikes me. Sometimes they come in waves, sometimes slowly, but I’ve learned to be alert, always ready to record the moment when inspiration hits.
You’ve played with some incredible musicians over the years—first with Magazine, then with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and also with Iggy Pop and even for Derek Jarman’s films. Was there a shared understanding with your bandmates about musical influences, or was it more about the clash of different ideas?
What really worked in both Magazine and Nick Cave’s band was the diversity of styles, personalities, and even backgrounds. We had people from all over the world, and that created a kind of friction—sometimes, you’d be like, “What do you mean?” But that’s where creativity thrives. Nick Cave, for instance, is a master at using those differences to propel him forward into a new idea or a new song. And we were all aware of that—it was like a beautiful collision of energies, and it really pushed us all to be better.
Growing up in Moss Side, you were surrounded by working-class influences. A lot of artists from similar backgrounds talk about using creativity as a way to escape. Was that something you experienced?
I didn’t really have much of a choice, to be honest, Matt. The band took off so quickly, it was almost like I had to pack my bags and move to London. I’d come back to Moss Side to visit my parents, but I spent more and more time in London, which gave me a new perspective on things—the art scene, the Caribbean influences, all of that. I felt an affinity with that world, and it opened me up in new ways. I wasn’t escaping per se, but it definitely broadened my horizons.
You’ve had an incredible career with artists like Iggy Pop and worked on films with David Lynch. Looking back, do you ever reflect on those moments, or are you always thinking about what’s next?
Sometimes, yeah. It’s funny, because in the moment, you take it all for granted—like, of course I’d get a call from David Lynch! You’re just in the moment, young and full of arrogance, thinking this is normal. But when I look back now, I realize how fortunate I was. I never stop looking ahead, though. As soon as one project ends, I’m thinking about the next. It’s the only way I know how to keep moving forward.
You’ve been performing live for so long. After all these years, do you still get the same rush when you hit the stage, or has it changed for you?
Oh, the buzz is still there. For this tour, it’s all about Cut To Black, and seeing the songs go from an idea in the studio to something that connects with the audience is still thrilling. The live experience is unique—there’s something special about being in that moment with the crowd, when everything clicks. A lot of time is spent in the studio, so when you finally let the music loose, it’s a beautiful feeling. It’s the same buzz I felt when I first started. It never gets old.
Finally, you’ve played Liverpool many times over the years. What’s your relationship with the city, and how does it feel to perform here?
Liverpool’s always been a stronghold for me. I remember playing those matinee shows at Eric’s—wild times. The Liverpool crowd is so knowledgeable, they know everything about the music scene, and there’s always this energy in the air. Of course, there’s always a bit of rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool, but there’s also a deep respect. Both cities have their own rich cultural identity, and I love being part of that northern tradition.
Thanks, Barry. Wishing you all the best on the tour!
Thanks, Matt. Appreciate it!
Barry Adamson’s Cut To Black tour is an opportunity to experience the continuing evolution of an artist who has remained unafraid of change while staying true to his unique musical voice. With ten albums under his belt, countless collaborations, and decades of experience, Adamson continues to thrill both new listeners and longtime fans alike, proving that the magic of live performance is timeless.
UK tour dates:
13th March – Oslo, Hackney, London
14th March – Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich
15th March – Future Yard, Birkenhead
16th March – Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
You can book your tickets here.
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