The ‘world of resistance’ that almost stopped Nick Cave’s extraordinary Melbourne homecoming

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne: a homecoming that almost didn’t happen. Richard Clifford

The city’s arts leaders say stronger support for creatives and a revamp of venues such as the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are key to retaining the status of Australia’s culture capital.

As dusk fell over Melbourne on a balmy, fragrant night, Nick Cave commanded a surge of people like a receding tide to the banks of the Yarra River.