NINE INCH NAILS: WITH TEETH 2005-2006
IRVINE, CA [VERIZON WIRELESS AMPITHEATRE]
7.7.06

By malg82


So the show was amazing! It started with Peaches, who is a really wild performer. She is loud, raunchy, and full of energy. She was jumping on top of speakers and drums, and durring her last song was running through the pit and orchestra sections allowing fans to sing into the mic. She didn't disappoint.

Next was Bauhaus. I didn't think I would be too into them, but I think they were a really nice fit as an opening band for NIN. They played a good long set. At the end of Bauhaus, the KROQ DJ Jed the Fish came out, praised Bauhaus, and pointed out that as an opening act, they played for a full house. He also promised us a few "surprises" from NIN.

NIN finally came on around 9:30. They started with the light curtain down, playing behind it. I believe the set-list was:

Somewhat Damaged
You Know What You Are?
Terrible Lie
March of the Pigs
Something I Can Never Have
Closer
Burn
Gave Up
Help Me I'm in Hell
Non-Entity
Even Deeper
Only
Wish
La Mer
Into the Void
The Big Come Down
Suck
Down in It
Hurt
Final Solution (with special guest Peter Murphy)
The Hand that Feeds
Head Like a Hole

I think the songs flowed really nicely, with a good mix of slow, mellow songs and loud, wild ones. Some of the highlights for me were "Somewhat Damaged", just because this is one of my favorite songs and it was my first time hearing it live. "March of the Pigs" was great, and Josh's ending drumming on "Wish" was thunderous. A great ending to another awesome live song. Trent's song with Peter Murphy was good. Trent introduced him as a real inspiration for him, and they seemed to really enjoy playing together.

I loved the light curtain. Throughout the show it was raised and lowered and projected various designs and effects that really added to the show.

The guys played well. Jeordie was lively and was jumping around, singing, and clapping. Aaron was his usual energetic self. He did his signature upside down playing move. Alessandro and Josh were great as usual, and Trent was on point. Trent was wearing a shirt that said SAFE IN HEAVEN DEAD. Towards the end of the set, Trent explained that they would be going away for a while to work on a new album, a statement that was followed by a roar of delight from the crowd. He introduced the band members and explained that he would be sad not spending 24 hours a day with them for the next few months. The show ended with "Head Like a Hole", and when it was over, a giant NIN logo was displayed on the light curtain, and a keyboard was thrown into the crowd.

All in all it was a great show. The band was full of of energy, and Trent continues to put on an amazing live performance after all these years.