What happened to late Conway Savage? Details explored as new music festival launches for Bad Seeds Musician

Conway Victor Savage, popularly known by his stage name, Conway Savage, passed away at the age of 58 on September 2, 2018. He was a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and played piano and organ, as well as provided backing vocals for the rock band. According to a statement from his bandmates, the musician passed away after battling a brain tumor.

The statement said:

"Our beloved Conway passed away on Sunday evening. A member of Bad Seeds for nearly thirty years, Conway was the anarchic thread that ran through the band’s live performances. He was much loved by everyone, band members and fans alike."

The band described Savage as an:

"Irascible, funny, terrifying, sentimental, warm-hearted, gentle, acerbic, honest, genuine – he was all of these things and quite literally 'had the gift of a golden voice,' high and sweet and drenched in soul."

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds also shared one fond memory they have of Savage. They added:

"On a drunken night, at four in the morning, in a hotel bar in Cologne, Conway sat at the piano and sang Streets of Laredo to us, in his sweet, melancholy style and stopped the world for a moment. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Goodbye Conway, there isn't a dry eye in the house."

New music festival launched in honor of late Conway Savage

A new music festival was launched in Ireland to honor the late Bad Seeds musician. It is called "These Are the Waves: A Celebration of the Music of Conway Savage." It will be held in the Irish county town of Dundalk, at Spirit Store, from September 12 to 14, for a total period of three days.

The choice of location is not random, but it had a special significance in Savage's life. He first performed at Dundalk’s Spirit Store in 2000, along with Suzie Higgie, the lead singer of Falling Joys. That was just the beginning of his performances in Dundalk.

The music festival will feature many of Conway Savage's friends and colleagues. This includes Mick Harvey, who was a former bandmate, as well as Suzie Higgie. The two will be giving a full performance of the Soon Will Be Tomorrow album Higgie and Savage released in 1998.

Additionally, the lineup will include PJ Harvey collaborator Terry Edwards, Jim Yamouridis, and Robert Tickner.

Trending

Conway Savage's impact on the music industry resonates to this day. So much so that a music festival is being introduced in his name. "These Are the Waves: A Celebration of the Music of Conway Savage" will be held for three days from September 12 to 13, 2025.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback