Nine Inch Nails Plays Calgary
The Innovative Band Entertains Loyal Fans at the Saddledome
Aug 13, 2008
Nine Inch Nails has been tearing up stages while touring internationally for nearly twenty years. Recently the rock band performed at the Saddledome in Calgary. The crowd of around 8 500 ranged widely from children attending the show with parents to baby boomers with ponytails. The majority of the fans seemed to be drawn to the show to celebrate NIN’s earliest hits.
Considering the capacity of the Saddledome, over 20 000, the concert attracted a more intimate group of die hard fans with an appreciation for NIN’s history. While music performed from the band’s most recent album The Slip drew applause and cheers the crowd really got into the show when songs from Pretty Hate Machine and The Downward Spiral blasted from the stage. A rowdy group of fans on the floor clashed as the mosh pit began to encompass more of the audience. Some of the hits that had the crowd jumping were Closer and March of the Pigs, songs that Nine Inch Nails is well known for. Music from the industrial band’s experimental Ghosts I – IV engrossed the energized attendees.
While the hard pounding music whipped the fans into a frenzy the creative technical show often had people staring in awe. Shortly after taking the stage by storm the band began the futuristic light show they are recognized for. A screen dropped in front of the band and the group played in silhouette for several songs. The effects and bright lights added new depth and dimension to classic radio hits.
Throughout the latter hour of the set the screen was adorned with detailed and interactive technical lighting. Views of cityscapes, forests and symbols lit up the stage as NIN hit a feverish rhythm performing their unique and inventive music. The light show danced with the tempo of the songs and appeared to disperse like fog as band members interfaced with the screen. Being an early show on the Nine Inch Nails tour there were some technical difficulties during the performance which the group handled gracefully, offering the audience an apology and leaping right back into their energetic concert.
Though for many fans of Nine Inch Nails the most recent albums have not lived up to the glory of the early 90s recordings the live performances still blow many long time devotees away. NIN seems to have as much enthusiasm now as they had in the early days with close to two decades as a cohesive band. Fanatic followers of the veteran rock group can certainly expect more creative music and animated tours from Nine Inch Nails.
 |
 |
