It’s always an adventure seeing Nine Inch Nails

Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 01:03 pm

It always amazes me that people are surprised that I love Nine Inch Nails. When I saw that they announced US dates earlier this year I went to my go-to concert friend. She agreed to go with me. I’d never attended a NIN show that was GA standing only. My friend and I had been discussed that earlier in the year coincidentally enough, She was the one who suggested we try floor seats at least once. Well like with most concert ticket sales I get excited. I was so happy i was able to buy some. It seemed like they were selling out quickly. I was also excited because I’d never attended a show at the Hollywood Palladium so that was an added bonus.  NIN was also being supported by Jesus and Mary Chain as well. So that was cool too. 

I was lucky enough to purchase tickets for at the time of purchase the second to last who. Shows were added after I purchased my tickets. So we saw the 4th to last show. Either way, it was so worth it. I live about 2 hours away from L.A. so my friend and I knew we needed to leave early. For me, concert days are an all-out experience. i take my time to revel in the moments leading up to the show. I don’t go to many shows so it’s sort of like getting ready for a big date.  I love being able to just not worry about anything else but seeing one of my favorite bands. I don’t know for anyone else but it’s just exciting. I have a feeling of butterflies in my stomach. It’s just fun. My friend likes to call our concert dates adventures. Because most of the time they are. We’ve seen NIN together around four times. The last time we saw NIN was in 2013. We love to people watch so that passes the time as well.

One thing about going to concerts is that you always meet a wide array of people. We chatted with many interesting people. We enjoyed our time overall. I will say that I did have an incident but that was someone who was a bully. Overall the Hollywood Palladium has some great acoustics. The opening act and Jesus and Mary Chain were interesting to listen to.

During intermission, my friend turned to me and said: “There’s a lot of black clothing.” I nodded. She also said “There are so many straight-laced people here.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that one. I even said “There’s a lot of nerdy people here too. Look a number people who wear glasses love NIN too.” She found the humor in my comment too.

I can say that I’ve survived my first mosh pit experience. I never thought I’d be in my 30’s when it happened though. It seemed like the second NIN hit the stage people pushed forward. The next thing I knew I heard music and i was being pushed to and fro. I can only liken it to what it must feel like to be in a washing machine or maybe when your sucked into a rip tide. I just heard Trent Reznor’s vocals and the room was spinning. I was pushed left, right, back and forth. In a situation like that you instinctively gab onto the closest person to you. That happened to be an older man in front of me. I did get a bit scared because I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I was also choked by someone who grabbed a hold of me. But we made it out of that by the 3rd or 4th song. It’s a bit of a terrifying yet it’s exciting at the same time. 

I can say that I’ve survived my first mosh pit experience. I never thought I’d be in my 30’s when it happened though. It seemed like the second NIN hit the stage people pushed forward. The next thing I knew I heard music and i was being pushed to and fro. I can only liken it to what it must feel like to be in a washing machine or maybe when your sucked into a rip tide. I just heard Trent Reznor’s vocals and the room was spinning. I was pushed left, right, back and forth. In a situation like that you instinctively gab onto the closest person to you. That happened to be an older man in front of me. I did get a bit scared because I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I was also choked by someone who grabbed a hold of me. But we made it out of that by the 3rd or 4th song. It’s a bit of a terrifying yet it’s exciting at the same time.

Moving our way back from the stage a bit we were still moshed but not as bad as being in the front. I can say this much I did get my aggression out. I pushed and shoved people too. My friend found that funny she also enjoyed that I was stepping out of my comfort zone.  To feel that raw power and the roaring energy of the crowd is just amazing. It’s also great to meet people from all walks of life who love the same band you do. I had a girl hit me in the face not meaning too. I was kicked in the shin and was a bit sore by the end of the show but it was worth it all.

Overall the Hollywood Palladium has great acoustics. The layout is good as well. If you’re on the floor you can see the stage freely. However, I’m short so i got to see what I could before people moved into my sight line. I can say it’s always an adventure when I see any band but with Nine Inch Nails it’s more so. Being in a venue such as the Palladium is great. Just to be in the presence of a powerhouse band like NIN was worth all the soreness and bruises. I would gladly do it all again. If you can ever catch a show at the Hollywood Palladium i highly suggest you do. I’d like to take the time out to thank my friend Yesi for always being a trooper and attending these shows with me. Thanks.