Nine Inch Nails

Headshot of Nine Inch Nails

Trent Reznor’s industrial outfit defined a generation of music, and, thanks to his melodic sensibility, brought the previously underground movement to the masses. Multi-talented songwriter, producer and musician Reznor has remained the one constant creative force in the band, performing the majority of the instrumentation for his albums in the studio, while employing a rotating cast of musicians for live shows. Initially based in Cleveland, the artist began performing shows under the pseudonym Nine Inch Nails, recording his first demo in the late ’80s. It wasn’t long before he attracted interest from record labels, and his debut, Pretty Hate Machine, was released in 1989. A critical and commercial triumph, widely driven by word of mouth, the album was embraced by the burgeoning alt-rock scene, its success driven by singles “Sin,” “Down in It,” and, one of NIN’s most popular hits, “Head Like a Hole.” Pretty Hate Machine went on to sell over four million copies, and had the distinction of being one of the first albums on an independent label to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. Following a long run on the road, including a slot on the 1991 Lollapalooza festival, Nine Inch Nails’ follow-up was eagerly anticipated by a legion of fans; they weren’t disappointed. 1994’s The Downward Spiral solidified Trent Reznor as a musical tour de force.

Reznor continued to record and tour as Nine Inch Nails throughout the ’90s and 2000s, racking up a considerable list of accolades and awards (including two GRAMMYs). His music had reached far beyond its industrial roots, as evidenced by the wide success of single “Closer,” which climbed a diverse collection of Billboard charts, including Modern Rock, Mainstream Rock, Dance and even the Canadian pop charts. Reznor’s GRAMMY nominated-song “Hurt” also brought him further into popular culture, and Johnny Cash’s deeply moving cover version of the song became a massive hit for the venerable singer-songwriter.

During this era, Reznor had also taken on the role of producer  ̶  not only working with other artists, but also delving into soundtracks and film scores. By the end of the ’00s, the artist had firmly established himself in Hollywood, finding a prolific musical partner in producer and composer Atticus Ross (who became the only other permanent member of NIN in 2016). The two garnered an Academy Award for Best Original Score in David Fincher’s The Network, and continued to collaborate with the director, scoring such hit films as The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl. As a producer, composer and performer with a steadfast vision, Reznor endures as an innovative and provocative figure, always striving to shatter his own creative boundaries.

Nine Inch Nails Tour Dates

Trent Reznor’s industrial outfit defined a generation of music, and, thanks to his melodic sensibility, brought the previously underground movement to the masses. Multi-talented songwriter, producer and musician Reznor has remained the one constant creative force in the band, performing the majority of the instrumentation for his albums in the studio, while employing a rotating cast of musicians for live shows. Initially based in Cleveland, the artist began performing shows under the pseudonym Nine Inch Nails, recording his first demo in the late ’80s. It wasn’t long before he attracted interest from record labels, and his debut, Pretty Hate Machine, was released in 1989. A critical and commercial triumph, widely driven by word of mouth, the album was embraced by the burgeoning alt-rock scene, its success driven by singles “Sin,” “Down in It,” and, one of NIN’s most popular hits, “Head Like a Hole.” Pretty Hate Machine went on to sell over four million copies, and had the distinction of being one of the first albums on an independent label to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. Following a long run on the road, including a slot on the 1991 Lollapalooza festival, Nine Inch Nails’ follow-up was eagerly anticipated by a legion of fans; they weren’t disappointed. 1994’s The Downward Spiral solidified Trent Reznor as a musical tour de force.

Reznor continued to record and tour as Nine Inch Nails throughout the ’90s and 2000s, racking up a considerable list of accolades and awards (including two GRAMMYs). His music had reached far beyond its industrial roots, as evidenced by the wide success of single “Closer,” which climbed a diverse collection of Billboard charts, including Modern Rock, Mainstream Rock, Dance and even the Canadian pop charts. Reznor’s GRAMMY nominated-song “Hurt” also brought him further into popular culture, and Johnny Cash’s deeply moving cover version of the song became a massive hit for the venerable singer-songwriter.

During this era, Reznor had also taken on the role of producer  ̶  not only working with other artists, but also delving into soundtracks and film scores. By the end of the ’00s, the artist had firmly established himself in Hollywood, finding a prolific musical partner in producer and composer Atticus Ross (who became the only other permanent member of NIN in 2016). The two garnered an Academy Award for Best Original Score in David Fincher’s The Network, and continued to collaborate with the director, scoring such hit films as The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl. As a producer, composer and performer with a steadfast vision, Reznor endures as an innovative and provocative figure, always striving to shatter his own creative boundaries.