Concert Reviews: Nine Inch Nails Riot Fest

Credit to Chicago Sun Times, 2022. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/9/18/23359794/riot-fest-reviews-sunday-chicago-nine-inch-nails-yeah-yeahs-coolio-jawbox-linda-lindas-zola-jesus

As a frequent Riot fest go-er and proud Chicago citizen I went to all three days of this festival this year. I have to say by far the best show I saw was Trent Reznor and his boys. From the moment they went on Trent's stage presence commanded attention. They also opened with Wish which is a blisteringly hot and rage-filled track. The show felt incredibly dark and commanded such a special energy. Throughout the set blew fucking minds through their skulls with amazing performances of their Downward Spiral classics like Closer and March of the Pigs. My greatest surprise is that Trent through in lesser known songs like Copy of A (which was a distorted, dark and psychedelic performance) to great avail.

One of my biggest thoughts throughout the whole show was "they proved their right to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". This show was an amazing cathartic and angry performance. Robin Finck was in such peak form his guitar sounded so heavy and visceral. Atticus Ross also added an incredibly synth dynamic to the bands music. One of the greatest shows I have ever seen, just art from NIN late in their career too.

10/10

(photo I took on my iPhone lol)