Nine Inch Nails kicked off the 2026 leg of their “Peel it Back” Tour in New Orleans, where frontman Trent Reznor previously lived, and where we saw the band preform for the first time. After a short wait outside, we were already immersed in the pre-show atmosphere. Smoke blew out of the main room as ominous tones resonated through the building. As we went to our seats, the droning got louder and we were greeted by an ominous red light over the stage. The opener, electronic DJ and producer, Boys Noize, played remixes of Nine Inch Nail’s early works. By the end of the hour, the audience was excited for more.
After the opener, Nine Inch Nails began their part of the show on a smaller stage in the center of the venue with a deconstructed version of “Something I Can Never Have,” from their debut album “Pretty Hate Machine.” Once the band joined the main stage, aggressive flashing lights accompanied the music. Through the lights, we could see the band projected on the screens behind them. The lights, screens and screaming vocals from Reznor and fans could be described as an assault on the senses in the best way. Despite Reznor performing for over 30 years, he has not lost his voice or stage presence.
Reznor lived in New Orleans for nine years where he began a recording studio out of a former funeral home on Magazine Street. After a series of deep cuts from the band’s discography, Reznor addressed the New Orleans crowd, saying, “It’s good to be home.” They proceeded to play a cover of David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid of Americans,” a song “helped create during his friendship with the rock legend. During the tour, Reznor has prefaced the song as one that is becoming increasingly relevant. He has spoken openly about U.S. politics since the Bush administration. The song satirizes American culture and the alienation a European traveler might feel in the United States.
The setlist showed how important New Orleans is to Reznor, including classics the band has not played live in years. After a long battle with addiction, New Orleans was where he became sober, and he now sees it as a home even after moving to Los Angeles. With every song, the band’s emotion came through clearly. They closed with “Hurt,” leaving the crowd stunned. It was the kind of show that stays with you and one everyone should see if given the chance.
