NICK CAVE - CAVE IS NOT SAD TO BE 50

Australian singer NICK CAVE fails to understand why turning 50 triggers depression in so many people - because the landmark age has brought him one step closer to retirement. The Bad Seeds frontman was well prepared for his 50th birthday on 22 September (07) thanks to the frenzied media attention he received preceding the notable anniversary. The Mercy Seat singer, who admits to using hair dye to keep his locks looking youthful, wants to relax when he reaches retirement, but still has big plans for his music career. He says, "I haven't a problem with being 50. Truly. I'd tell you if I did. When I turned 50, it was like 'so what?' "It's because people have been saying I'm 50 or nearly 50 for f**king years. A big part of me looks forward to retirement. A gold watch for services rendered. But there's still so much to do." Cave has just released his 14th album with The Bad Seeds, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!