Everyone that knows me is aware that rock music is a huge part of my life. And to me, it is a living & breathing part of me – like my arms or my eyes – my life would not be the same without it. There is one band (one man really) that has been a massive and influential part of my youth and adolescence, and still moves me to this day – Nine Inch Nails – created and masterminded by the legendary Trent Reznor. He is by far the rock star that I have the most respect and admiration for. He is talent, angst, respect, and art – all rolled into one.
To me, Nine Inch Nails is more than just the music. Each album was a chapter in my life, almost like a photograph. I can tell you exactly what my life was like when I listen an album of his, and I even remember purchasing each and every one of them.
A typical NIN show is giant. Almost always, he plays the outdoor arenas – and that type of venue does fit him quite well. His shows are very visual and artistic and he needs the large stage to pull it off. He can also pack in 15,000 fans in each city without a problem.
Trent announced in December of last year that he had plans of discontinuing the band Nine Inch Nails. This year, he made it official by joining Jane’s Addiction on a “Wave Goodbye” world tour. As a devoted fan, of course I had to see Trent one last time. To my disbelief, he chose to be the opening act for Jane’s, and I missed the beginning of his performance – and he only played for an hour. It wasn’t the best way to see my last NIN show, and certainly left me feeling disappointed. He ended up feeling the same way, so announced 10 more very special shows in small venues as his final Nine Inch Nails shows – 4 in NY, 2 in Chicago, and the final 4 in LA. Somehow, I scored tickets through his website to the show at the Henry Fonda Music Box Theatre. It is a small theatre that holds about 1000 people. The original show was scheduled for 9/3/09, but was then postponed to 9/8/09 due to Trent’s “nin”fluenza. I changed my flight from Chicago that morning to make sure I’d be back in time…and I’m so glad I did.
The whole process to get into the theatre was so secretive and official – it felt like you were going to see the president. Trent had a “no scalping” policy and strictly enforced it for these final shows. Tickets were not issued until 3 hours before the show started, your name was printed on your ticket on grey cardstock with a NIN hologram – and they would only give it to you if it matched the name on your photo ID. You were wristbanded with 2 different wristbands (one to get into the theatre, and one to get on the floor), and you were not allowed in without the wristbands AND ticket. You know I kept that ticket stub – Brian Flach printed right on it!! I’ll also point out, he only charged $65 and NO TICKET FEES for this show. He paid for this whole ticket distribution process out of his own pocket. A good man…
Anyway, to get to the good stuff – he opened the show with “Head Like a Hole” which has always been his signature closing of shows before his encore. He followed that up with a double whammy “Terrible Lie” and “Sin.” It was his way of telling all of us mega fans “this is going to be a very different NIN show.” It was a very down and dirty show for NIN – no giant screens, no visual art, no fantastic lighting. Just the basics – a band, some lights, some fog, and his music. He played 31 songs, which lasted 3 hours – and covered all the bases of his best songs from each album (except for Closer). He also played the Queen cover “Get Down, Make Love” – a cult NIN underground favorite that he NEVER plays live. I was one of the few to ever see it, and it was my favorite moment of the evening. Gary Numan joined him towards the end of the show and they performed together on “Metal” and a very cool NIN version of “Cars.” I can only hope that gets released at some point…they killed it!! He was also joined by some of the other NIN band members over the years that toured with him – they helped him shut down the 2nd act with “Mr. Self Destruct” and one of my favorite NIN songs “Wish.”
I thought I’d be a little sad at the end of the show, to see a major part of my life be put on the shelf. However, by the time he reached his final song “Hurt”, I was completely exhausted – and so was Trent and the rest of the band. I have no idea how any drummer or singer could perform for so long with that much energy, and completely change the setlist every night, but they totally pulled it off. I couldn’t be happier that I was able to be at that show – it was the perfect way to put the final cap on my NIN jar. Trent did mention that he’s not retiring, but rather he’s moving forward with other projects and doesn’t want to do any more touring. Whatever it is, I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next. The last NIN show will be tonight at the Wiltern – good luck to Trent – and farewell to Nine Inch Nails! Thanks for 20 years of ass kicking, body movin’, fist raisin’ ROAAACK!
