The return of nine inch nails, of me

I have been on hiatus. So has nine inch nails. It's been a long, quiet, and arduous road for both me, and for music I love. This week proved one thing to me, and that was we could never really stay away from the things we love to do. After years of "silence" from concerts, nine inch nails announced they were touring, and I had the honor of seeing them at the prudential center in Newark, New Jersey. It was nothing short of fantastic, even if the crowd crush almost ground me into a fine pulp. What did it matter? I was third person in from the rail, and Trent Reznor was life sized!

Yes. I was this close.

There were many special moments of the evening, but the thing that keeps sticking out in my mind is the general sense of "groove" injected into the set. I even spied Mr. Reznor replace his trademark agonized crouch for a rhythmic wiggle that garnered a catcall or two from yours truly. (I GOT A DOLLA! I shouted, quite shamelessly). He even chuckled at the hoots and hollers! The addition of two voluptuous female back up singers added to the cool funk of the new album's sound, and the female presence on a nine inch nails stage was unprecedented! It added a depth andpersonality to the new tracks, and breathed some freshness into old ones.

The true breakout sensation of the nine inch nails live show is their light show. It has become a signature of nine inchnails' performance over the last few years. After "Lights in the Sky" we have come to expect a stellar production, and while the festival tour over the summer was promising, clearly the real art was saved for their solo arena shows. The only drawback is if you have epilepsy. The lights flash and shift pretty rapidly, and while they create a spectacular display, it can be a lot to take in! The benefit of the light production is that no matter where you are, you have a good seat and a visual point of interest.  I almost wish I could have viewed the show from multiple positions to get the full effect (not that I am complaining).

The most surprising twist of the night was the ABSENCE of "Closer" from the set list. Not sure if Trent has finally decided to retire the track, or if he was just thinking of his two young boys hanging out back stage and fearful that they may pick up a new phrase or two? I somehow doubt it, considering FIST FUCK was still shouted out at the top of his lungs during "Wish". There were still plenty of crowd pleasers, alongside "Wish" which, honestly, I would love if he would retire. At this point in my nine inch nails concert attendance, there are a few tracks I would prefer to hear over the "Greatest Hits". The great thing is, it looks like Trent and the Boys (plus some LADIES) are back and we might get lucky a little more often.

Setlist:

Copy of a

1,000,000
Terrible Lie
March of the Pigs
Reptile All Time Low(Closer mash up)
Dissappointed 
Came Back Haunted
Find a Way
Into the Void
Big Comedown 
In two
Survivalism 
Running
A Warm Place 
Somewhat Damaged
Wish
Hand That Feeds
Head Like a Hole
Echoplex
I'm Afraid of Americans
While I'm Still Here
Hurt