Writer, editor, journalist, Mark Mordue appeared on the program to discuss his biography of iconic musician Nick Cave – The Young Nick Cave ‘Boy On Fire’. Topics discussed include:

- Mark’s original John Milton/Paradise Lost framework for the biography, what caused him to pare it back into a more conventional biography and how he went about doing so

- The decision to create the ‘immersive’ experience for the reader, while keeping himself out of the narrative.

- His staggering amount of research and how that was woven into the story in order to bring historic venues like St Kilda’s Crystal Ballroom to life – warts and heroin all.

- Cave’s influences beyond those of musical greats like Bowie and Iggy Pop.

- The inspiration of Ned Kelly and the ‘outlaw’, how Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’ has had a lasting impact on Cave and his work and might be related to connecting with his father.

- The loss of Nick Cave’s father, Colin and how that shaped much of his life and work and how Dawn Cave was equally crucial in the shaping of her son’s future career.

- And much more!

https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460713211/boy-on-fire/