It’s been 12 long years since I've seen Nine Inch Nails. I don’t know exactly why it's been that long. I think it’s a combination of having no one who listens to the same music (which is quite lonely for me, considering how much I love metal) and dates just not aligning. I mean, Danny doesn't listen to NIN, but he has to do what I tell him to do. Like seeing Nine Inch Nails live on his birthday. I assured him it was the greatest gift of his life. I wish NIN would play on my birthday! I'm eternally jealous.
I've always said you should see Nine Inch Nails at least once in your life. What I saw was something primal, cinematic, and cathartic unfolding on stage at the Barclays Center. It wasn’t just a concert. It was a religious experience. It was a therapy session delivered at 100 decibels (I checked my health app, which yells at me every time I’m at a concert).
From the moment the lights dimmed and Trent Reznor emerged in silhouette, the energy in the arena shifted. He played an acoustic piano version of Right Where It Belongs. Girl, I LOVE this song. An unpopular opinion, but With Teeth is my favorite Nine Inch Nails album. Thankfully, our seats were relatively close to the B-stage, which was situated in the center of the floor area. It was a small square stage, but it gave us immaculate views of Trent and the band.
Trent’s voice was unequivocal, probably the clearest I’ve heard at a concert so far. He’s more fit and energetic on stage than ever. I can’t believe this man is 60?! I recently saw a clip of him from 1994, in which he was asked where he’d be in 25 years, and he said he didn’t want to become a relic by performing like other aging rock stars. He didn’t want to be a gimmick of himself. He was so wrong.
Regarding the set list, I was prepared for Trent not to play any of my favorite NIN songs. LOL. I’ll take what I can get. Not surprisingly, they played seven songs from The Downward Spiral, which is their most classic album. I’m disappointed we didn’t get anything from The Fragile, not even The Wretched. Honestly, I would sell my soul to hear We’re In This Together and The Fragile live. I read that Trent doesn’t perform We’re In This Together often on tour because it strains his voice.
Selfishly, I wish I could hear more songs from With Teeth and Year Zero. If I had a time machine to revisit those 2000s concerts, I’d cry. Funnily, I did listen to NIN during my early tween years, when I was obsessed with Korn and Limp Bizkit. Still, it wasn’t until college that Nine Inch Nails truly left a lasting impression on me, which is surprising given my love for industrial music. I was so struck by these albums and their lyrics, which still resonate deeply with me. If it wasn’t for those albums, I don’t know if NIN would have become one of my all-time favorite bands.
Listening to songs from the B-Stage with Boys Noize was a magical experience. Hearing Closer live after so long felt surreal— it was SO GOOD. Also, As Alive as You Need Me to Be was AMAZING. I’m really falling in love with this new single for Tron. Later during the show, it was cool to hear Trent perform David Bowie’s I’m Afraid of Americans too. I’ve grown to quite fond of the song, given the ongoing state of our country lol. I must say, hearing Mr. Self Destruct, Head Like a Hole, and Hurt truly moved me. I’ll never tire of these songs. They’re so iconic.
Visually, the show was stunning. Nine Inch Nails’ production quality has always been unmatched. The use of lights, strobes, shadows, and screens was done with precise skill. I appreciate it when bands invest in their visual presentation during performances. Trent understood the importance of this early on in his career. That’s why I say you should see NIN at least once in your life.
I left the arena a little empty. This was the last concert of the year. All my favorite artists have left the building. Still, I’m blown away every time I think of this show. I told Danny not to be surprised if I go rogue and buy tickets for the 2026 Newark date.
Actually, I lied. This isn’t technically my last concert. I’m seeing someone very special in October, and it’s not who you think!
Set List:
B-Stage
1. Right Where It Belongs (Acoustic piano with 'Somewhat Damaged' outro snippet)
2. Ruiner (Partially acoustic verison)
3. Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)
Main Stage (Unpeeled Stage)
4. Wish
5. March of the Pigs
6. Reptile
7. Heresy
8. Copy of A
9. Gave Up
B-Stage
10. Vessel (with Boys Noize) (Remix)
11. Closer (with Boys Noize) (Remix)
12. As Alive As You Need Me to Be (with Boys Noize)
13. Came Back Haunted (with Boys Noize) (Remix)
Main Stage (Unpeeled Stage)
14. Mr. Self Destruct
15. Less Than
16. The Perfect Drug
17. I'm Afraid of Americans (David Bowie cover)
18. The Hand That Feeds
19. Head Like a Hole
20. Hurt
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