IN HIS FIRST IN-DEPTH interview since the tragic death of his son Arthur, Nick Cave considers 30 years as a Bad Seed, the impact of grief on his life and work, and what the future holds. Meanwhile, our famous covermount CD is Murder Ballads – 15 songs that informed and inspired Cave’s darkly dramatic oeuvre. Also in the issue: Brian May remembers the rivalry, artistry and excess of Queen; Elton John’s stellar 1970 is examined; we dive inside Mick Fleetwood’s intimate photo album; Jason Isbell and Peter Perrett celebrate the straight life after years of addiction; and Billy Bragg writes on skiffle – British youth’s first DIY music explosion. Plus: Fleet Foxes’ epic new opus; Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry returns to conquer; Dave Davies, on acid; Carl Craig’s aural orgasms; and all back to Hank Marvin’s!