Holy Smokes! Trent Reznor with the spectacular Nine Inch Nails opened their World Tour at Redhat Amphitheater to a sold out show and blew my wig off!

Nine Inch Nails’ 2022 U.S. tour marked the band’s first live performances since 2018, with the Raleigh, North Carolina show at Red Hat Amphitheater on April 28 serving as the tour opener. The 11-stop U.S. leg spanned from late April to September and included notable performances in cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The tour featured a diverse lineup of opening acts, including Boy Harsher, 100 Gecs, Yves Tumor, and Ministry, all personally curated by Trent Reznor. The tour was a response to the band’s hiatus and the cancellation of previous shows due to the pandemic, offering fans a long-awaited return to live music.

Trent Reznor, alongside longtime collaborators Atticus Ross, Robin Finck, Alessandro Cortini, and Josh Freese, delivered a powerful performance that resonated deeply with the audience. The setlist included classics like “Somewhat Damaged,” “Wish,” and “Every Day Is Exactly the Same,” the latter being performed live for the first time since 2006. The band’s energy was palpable, and the crowd’s ecstatic response reflected the anticipation and excitement of the return. Fans, many dressed in NIN merchandise and band tees, filled the venue with enthusiasm, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored the significance of the event.

The tour’s production was a collaboration between Moment Factory and production designer Roy Bennett, resulting in an interactive stage setup that allowed the visuals to respond to the band’s movements and intensity. The lighting design, led by Paul “Arlo” Guthrie and supported by a skilled crew, complemented the band’s performance, enhancing the overall experience. The soundboard was managed by a professional team to ensure optimal audio quality throughout the tour. Nine Inch Nails’ official website, nin.com, offers merchandise, tour updates, and information on their discography, which includes influential albums like The Downward Spiral, With Teeth, and Ghosts V: Together. The band has also been recognized for their contributions to film soundtracks, earning accolades such as an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy for their work on Soul. Their commitment to the arts and their fans continues to solidify their legacy in the music industry.

Boy Harsher, the opening act for the Raleigh show, delivered a compelling performance that set the tone for the evening. The duo’s blend of dark electronic beats and haunting vocals resonated with the audience, drawing them into the immersive atmosphere that Nine Inch Nails would later amplify. Their set was a testament to their growing influence in the electronic music scene, and their inclusion on the tour highlighted the band’s commitment to showcasing diverse and innovative artists. Boy Harsher’s performance was well-received, adding depth to the night’s musical journey and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

NIN

Boy Harsher