Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
Nine Inch Nails last played Dublin on the 22.08.07 at Marley Park and played Belfast on 21.08.13 Custom House SQ, Belfast, so it’s been a while. The announcement of ‘The Peel Backed’ tour was met with much excitement and anticipation especially as NIN are not releasing a new album. Three items of new Merch were launched and met with mixed reception. NIN are keeping schtum regarding the premise of the tour driving fans to speculate on online forums, what songs the band will play, especially in tonight’s show as it’s the opening gig of the tour. Fans have travelled far and wide across Europe with die-hard fans purchasing tickets for multiple gigs on the Peel Backed Tour. Some wonder if the industrial giants will play “The Downward Spiral” in its entirety due to its 30th Anniversary last year.
Originating in Cleveland, Ohio NIN has always been Trent Reznor’s baby. Reznor a multi-instrumentalist writes, performs and records NIN studio albums and has always maintained complete creative control. The current line up consists of Atticus Ross (session musician since 2004 and became an official member in 2016), Alessandro Cortini – Bass (Multi-instrumentalist) Ilan Rubin– Drums (Multi-instrumentalist) and Robin Finck – Guitar. Reznor and Ross have been busy composing award winning movie soundtracks which have left the fans hungry for another NIN album and tour. Before the Challengers soundtrack was released Reznor and Ross approached Boys Noize to create a remix album for the film’s score. So it wasn’t a big surprise that the German producer was approached to provide support for the Peeled Back Tour.
Boys Noize provided a warm up DJ set, enshrouded in red light and dry ice and surprisingly played a set suitable to the main headliners. The crowd enjoyed the techno trance beats whilst waiting with great anticipation. As Boys Noize ended the last song with a crescendo the venue was in darkness followed by the curtain dropping on Stage B.
Act 1 (B Stage)
Everyone turned with delight to see Trent Reznor seated in a simple yet effective white light, solo playing the opening intro on keyboard to ‘Right Where It Belongs’ (first live performance since 2009: with a snippet of Somewhat Damaged). The crowd fell silent entranced to hear the beautiful stripped back version. Reznor ended the song with a few lines from Somewhat Damaged and the crowd joined him in ending the poignant track singing “Didn’t quite, fell apart, where the fuck were you?” The crowd roared and cheered with delight. Despite the unsure comments regarding the acoustic atmosphere of a couple of lads beside me I thought it was an enigmatic start to what would be an exceptional evening.
Continuing on with the ‘Ruiner’ (partially acoustic: first live performance since 2009) Reznor began the second song of the evening solo, soon to be joined by Alessandro Cortini on bass and Atticus Ross on synthesizer. Both entering the B Stage via separate stairs in a demure fashion fitting with the sombre atmosphere. The crowd cheered briefly not wishing to interrupt the band at work. The lads added a layer of complexity which was well received by the audience. Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now: first live performance since 2009) saw Reznor take to his feet and Robin Finck take to the stage. Drum and bass and other experimental sounds were the perfect back track to Cortini and Fincks guitars – with Reznor chanting “Hey Hey” in between lyrics. 60 Yr old Reznor began to bounce and jump about frantically as if it were the 90’s again as Finck chaotically played his guitar solo. NIN are the kings of experimental industrial metal and tonight will be no exception to them mixing it up.
Act 2 (Main Stage)
Ilun Rubin appeared projected onto the curtains of the mainstage and began playing drums like his life depended on it. The other lads departed Stage B and made their way to the main stage to join Rubin. ‘Wish’ saw the main curtain rise on the main stage to reveal a transparent curtain which had projections of the band encapsulated with erratic lights, fitting in with the songs beat. NIN certainly know how to bring an extraordinary visual display. ‘March Of The Pigs’ erupted and had the crowd chanting along – there was no risk of us coming down at this stage – the band were in full flight and we were along for the intoxicating ride. The crowd were more than obliging in singing along with Reznor “and doesn’t it make you feel better”. The raw energy of NIN is intoxicating as we are enveloped in auditory and visual dysfunctional heaven. ‘The Frail’ was exquisitely played on keyboard by Reznor with a stunning light display akin the aurora borealis. ‘The Wretched’ saw the light and visual images ramp up a few notches in keeping with the songs intense ambiance. Reznor commanded our attention as we sang in unison, alongside him to “Now you know this is what it feels like”.
‘Reptile’ – definitely one of the songs of the night for me – saw a more sinister green hue visual as white lines flashed across the bottom of the curtain. The lads gave a raw, incomparable performance with angst ringing through Finck’s guitar and Rubin’s thumping drums accompanied perfectly with the ominous synth and backing tracks of Ross and Cortini. The instantly recognisable intro of ‘Copy of A’ rang throughout the arena. Silhouette copies of the band members moved hypnotically across the screens and main curtains. The upbeat track had everyone jumping and dancing along living in the moment and singing in harmony. The Arena is a sweatbox at this stage with the contagious energy of NIN pulsing though our veins. ‘Gave Up’ a red hue descended the stage perfect accompaniment to the songs menacing nature. The intensity and power of this five piece is nearly overwhelming as we can feel the beats in our chest.
Act 3 (B Stage)
The curtain on the mainstage dropped and the curtain lifted on stage B to reveal Reznor and Ross joined by Boys Noize for a three song set.’ Vessel’, ‘Parasite’ (How to Destroy Angels cover – first live performance since 2018) – introduced by Reznor saying “Let’s fuck around” and ‘Came Back Haunted’ (first live performance since 2018) were given the NIN experimental techno treatment. The lights descended and stage B was boxed in with screen like lights and dry ice providing a mesmerizing display. I suspect that this set wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, however, Nine Inch Nails have always liked to experiment and keep things fresh whilst having fun. That is the sick and twisted beauty of NIN they like to keep us guessing and test expectations and boundaries – and why the hell not.
Act 4 (Main Stage)
The lyrics ‘Just can’t stop, came back haunted’ pulsed from Reznor’s vocals as they made their way back to the Main stage. The drum intro of ‘Mr. Self Destruct’ echoed through the venue as the main stage curtain lifted to reveal the band reunited on the stage for the final act. The stage explodes with a light from a huge light installation situated on the back wall. The bass gently thumps along to Reznor softly singing “You let me do this to you, you let me do this to you”, the ferocity of the song kicks in again and the stage is again on fire with lights and smoke. ‘Heresy’ detonates and the crowd are chanting alongside Reznor. Finck’s guitar rings throughout the arena and the crowd clap along devotedly with Reznor along with the chorus. The alluring ‘Closer’ (with “The Only Time” interpolation) sees the arena nearly matching the noise level of Reznor as they sing along to the controversial lyrics. The arena is truly bouncing and swept up in the charismatic wave of the fourth act.
Reznor thanks the adoring audience saying “Here we are, the first show, thank you for coming. It’s not a well-oiled machine it’s five guys trying to keep their shit together up here”. The crowd applauds eager to deliver our appreciation and hungry for more. Reznor then introduces the band and thanks Alex Boys Noize before introducing the next song, “Playing an increasingly relevant song right now for you”. The opening lines of ‘I’m Afraid of Americans’ (David Bowie Cover) was met with a rapturous applause and agreement from the crowd. NIN deliver a fantastic menacing rendition of this Bowie classic – Rubin’s drumming is outstanding. The crowd sing poignantly along with the chorus. Reznor tributes the song to his dear friend and inspiration David Bowie. The ever humble Reznor tells us that they do not take any of this even one second for granted and it’s hard to believe that they are still here doing this and they appreciate it.
‘The Hand That Feeds’ launches, the synths and backing tracks whip the crowd into a frenzy, singing and jumping along. Finck’s guitar rips through the 3arena as we get swept away with the catchy tune. ‘Head Like A Hole’ continues on with the energetic set much to our delight. The lights match the ferocity of Reznor’s signing. “Bow down before the one you serve, You’re going to get what you deserve” rings throughout the arena the audience shouting along enthusiastically. Finally NIN end the set with the moving ‘Hurt’. Everyone sings along emotively and phone torches are used to sentimentally preserve the moment. During the final chorus the voices and clapping of the arena nearly drown out Reznor. The applause for the band is deafening. NIN they came, they delivered and they conquered Dublin. I would have loved to have heard ‘Only’ and ‘Perfect Drug’ – that aside they delivered an outstanding setlist. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see NIN on this current tour. This will be a gig which will be talked about for years to come.
Feature Photo – John Crawford
