Since the late 1970s, Gothic rock has affected the music industry with its melancholy melodies and darkly poetic lyrics. Among the musicians linked with this genre, Nick Cave is a notable figure. The singer, on the other hand, has always denied being the godfather of gothic music. In an interview with NME’s Jack Barron in 1988, the interviewer told Cave about the myth, claiming that his work had influenced the development of many goth bands. The rocker reacted, saying: “Heh-heh. Unfortunately, all of the worst aspects of my creative work appear to have been embraced as the most influential by people. What you become is what other people take up and imitate. But when the things people take from you are the most unpleasant assumptions about you, like goths do, it’s all quite frightening.” He went on to explain why he rejects the moniker of “Godfather of Gothic Rock,” saying: “I’d hate to be remembered as the first goth, the man who gave birth to a thousand goth bands with stacked hairstyles, no personality, and pale, sick people.
” I don’t want to be held accountable for anything like that. I believe there are a lot more interesting aspects to what I’ve done than what appears to have the greatest impact on people.” In a May 2023 interview with NME, Cave discussed being classified as a ‘goth band.’ He noted how being referred to as such was something they didn’t appreciate in the beginning, but he also acknowledged his affection for the subject, saying: “I believe the goths have survived in some ways.” That was the bane of our lives when we were younger: being labeled as a ‘goth band.’ Because we weren’t, it was the last thing you wanted to be called. We were a comedy troupe! But I have a strange romanticism for that and their endurance.” Gothic rock began in the United Kingdom as a punk-influenced style of rock music. Early gothic rock bands included Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Bauhaus. The Damned, the Cure, and Sex Gang Children are other bands linked with the goth genre. Later, its impact spread beyond the United Kingdom, with appearances in Germany, America, and Australia.
