Nick Cave - Nick Caves In To Religion

Macabre Australian-born NICK CAVE's new album was inspired by God.

The rocker - who once duetted with KYLIE MINOGUE - admits religion is a huge influence on him - even though he struggles to stick with any organised faith.

Cave says, "One of the things that I guess excites me about belief in God is the notion that it is unbelievable, irrational and sometimes absurd.

"So to put your hand up and say 'I believe in God' seems a difficult thing to do, particularly considering the way things are going in the world. But that's also why it is so exciting.

"It is about imagination and mystery. And that for me is what art is about as well. So the whole thing is very much tied together.

"I have wanted to be involved in some kind of organised religion - it would be a lot more practical and neater. The problem is I've tried organised religion but I've never managed to stay.

"I enjoy the ritual. Some part of me does like that there is a community of people there, coming together with the same belief - that's a comforting thing. But there's another part of me that wants to run a million miles away from that."