When Trent Reznor walked onto the stage at the Benchmark Arena on Wednesday night, a roar of applause instantly fell to a reverent hush. The packed venue held its breath as he took a seat at his piano. As the first notes of “Right Where It Belongs” echoed through the arena, Reznor’s vocals were so delicate that any stray shout from the audience momentarily eclipsed them. He concluded the piece with a nod to “Somewhat Damaged,” and before the crowd could fully process it, he transitioned into a raw, stripped-down rendition of “Ruiner.” During the song, Atticus Ross, Robin Finck, and Alessandro Cortini materialized on the small stage, poised to launch into their signature wall of sound. It was a remarkably understated opening for a Nine Inch Nails show, but this was far from a typical concert.
A Theatrical, Two-Stage Spectacle
Dubbed “The Peel It Back Tour,” the performance unfolds less like a rock concert and more like a meticulously crafted piece of performance art. The production features two distinct stages; the band fluidly migrates throughout the night between the expansive main stage and a smaller B-stage situated in the venue’s center. While the main stage was home to surreal and unsettling visuals projected onto translucent scrim screens, the B-stage provided a level of intimacy rarely seen in an arena setting.
This multi-stage arrangement ensured that every attendee, including those in the nosebleeds, had an excellent vantage point. Rather than relying on standard LED screens and canned footage, the visuals were generated in real-time, capturing the band’s performance through a mix of fixed cameras and a roaming handheld unit. The synergy between the intense music and the live, dynamic visuals created a captivating sensory experience that was utterly mesmerizing.
A Setlist of Classics and Surprises
The 20-song set was a masterclass in pacing, balancing iconic mainstays with deep cuts. The crowd erupted for classics like “The Perfect Drug,” which showcased a ferocious drum solo from Josh Freese, alongside “March of the Pigs,” “The Hand that Feeds,” “Head Like a Hole,” and “Wish.” However, Reznor had more than a few rarities in his back pocket for the faithful. Fans were thrilled by the inclusion of “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me),” “Vessel,” and the punishing “Mr. Self Destruct.” Adding another layer to the evening, opening act Boys Noize joined the band on the B-stage for a mini-remix set, delivering electrifyingly reworked versions of tracks like “Closer,” “Came Back Haunted,” and their new collaboration, “As Alive As You Need Me.”
The Inevitable, Emotional Finale
Nine Inch Nails concluded the night with “Hurt.” Regardless of how many times one has witnessed it live, it remains a profoundly beautiful and communal catharsis. Amid a galaxy of phone flashlights and lighters, the entire audience sang along with Reznor, connecting with every lyric. A powerful cheer rose from the crowd as Reznor delivered the lines “you are someone else/I am still right here,” a moment that felt less like a rock show and more like a collective celebration of survival and the unifying power of music.
This tour, Nine Inch Nails’ first arena run in 12 years, is not a standard concert; it is a fully immersive experience. The innovative two-stage design allows for unexpected moments of quiet intimacy within an otherwise abrasive and powerful set. The visuals are not just accompaniment but an integral part of the storytelling. Ultimately, what elevates the night from great to unforgettable is the band’s sheer force. Always lauded as phenomenal live performers, they have somehow managed to become even better—sharper, tighter, and more polished than ever.
Reznor’s voice possesses a strength and clarity that surpasses his younger years, yet he can still channel raw emotions like anguish, fury, and sorrow with chilling authenticity. Nine Inch Nails is a band in a constant state of evolution, but the visceral power and deep emotional impact of their live performance are unchanging constants.
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