Rock musician Nick Cave has confirmed the death of his second son, Jethro Lazenby, who was 31 years old. The announcement came through a statement issued by Cave’s publisher and was reported by major outlets, including the BBC, marking a deeply painful moment for the family and fans alike. The confirmation underscores the private nature Cave has long maintained around his private life, especially following the public attention that often follows the family’s more personal chapters.
In a brief, public message, Cave expressed his profound sorrow over Jethro’s passing and asked for space and privacy for the family during this heartbreaking time. The plea for privacy reflects the artist’s longstanding wish to keep personal matters out of the spotlight, even as the world takes note of the loss felt within his close circle. The family has requested that their grief be respected as they navigate this difficult period.
Reports indicate that Jethro Lazenby died a few days after being granted bail in connection with legal proceedings involving his mother, Bo Lazenby, at a residence in Melbourne, Australia. Cave and Lazenby were never married, and Jethro was one of Cave’s children from his relationship with Bo Lazenby. The details surrounding the case have drawn public interest, yet the family’s request for privacy remains central as the investigation continues to unfold.
History shows that the musician’s eldest son, Arthur Cave, died seven years earlier after falling from a cliff in Brighton, an event that happened when he was only 15. The family has endured a sequence of tragic losses in a relatively short span, shaping the emotional landscape around Nick Cave’s life and the themes explored in his later work and public conversations.
Jethro Lazenby was born in Melbourne in 1991 and grew up in the orbit of a renowned musician. From a young age he discovered his father’s identity, and as he matured he carved out a career as a model and actor. His film appearances include Corroboree (2007) and My Little Princess (2011). In the twilight of his life, Lazenby also pursued photography, adding another dimension to his artistic interests and enriching the family’s artistic footprint during challenging times.
Beyond the immediate family circle, there had been discussions in media circles about a forthcoming book by Nick Cave that would explore life after the loss of his son. The project, anticipated by fans and readers, was described in preliminary reports as Faith, Hope and Carnage, reflecting the emotional journey and resilience that have characterized Cave’s response to grief in recent years. This work, when published, would contribute to the ongoing public conversation about personal loss and creative renewal, offering insights drawn from a renowned artist’s handling of tragedy.