The notion that keeps blooming in my mind, more than any other, is that of Reznor's enormous generosity as a performer. I was struck by his respect for his own work, and for himself as an artist, and as an extension of that, for his audience.
There is no way that Trent Reznor would ever take the stage without being prepared to give it up with total commitment and savage seriousness. In saying that, I don't mean to say that he is humorlessly self-serious, because that widely-held misconception concerning the alleged relentlessness of his angst need to be put to rest in the worst way. I mean to say that, essentially, he truly and soulfully stands behind everything he does, and ever has done, with every single part of himself, and that is pure gold. You can't ask for more.
Reznor takes Nine Inch Nails on to a festival tour in Europe this summer before returning to the states for an arena tour this fall. If you know what's good for you, you won't miss it.
Article comments
1 - Bryan
Another great piece -- and as a NIN comrade-in-arms who was fortunate enough to be at both of the San Diego shows, I must agree that it was a revelation.
Whatever awkward steps Reznor has put forth on his new search-for-live-performance-self (Coachella), they all seem to have been summarily left behind him. He is an artist reclaimed, and though the experience of seeing NIN on this tour could not be further from the depravity of the "self-destruct" tour, with_teeth era NIN live has a power and assurance that is unequalled.
Plus they played "The Day The World Went Away" and "Dead Souls". How cool is THAT?
2 - Dierdre
Nice review, but you forgot to mention that he was also TOTALLY HOT.
3 - Anonymous
Oh, I'm sure she mentioned that in there somewhere, no?
4 - Bennett
Wow Jaime, what a great review. Tis is the best "back and rippin" piece I've read since your Bauhaus Totally Undead concert review! You have a way of capturing the excitement, better than damn near anyone.
Fanfreakingtastic!
Thanks for the uplift to my spirit.
5 - Howler
Nice Review! I'm so jealous I can hardly stand it.
6 - Mr. Testy
Just a test.
7 - Jaime Nichols
Thanks everybody...
And, Dierdre, I didn't forget...
8 - Diana
It's so cool to read a review that calls a NIN concert "joyous". It's true. I had such a great time at this show, and Trent does look like a million dollars. I'm sure you couldn't have forgotten.
9 - Temple Stark
I promoted this review to Advance.net. That means I put it here (and these places) where it could potentially be read by another few hundred thousand readers.
- Thank you for the post. Temple Stark