Aug 21, 2024 - Music

Greatest Blossom Concerts: No. 2 — Nine Inch Nails

Troy Smith

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails performs ons tage. — The muscular sound of Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. Photo: R. Diamond/Getty Images for VetsAid 2022

Nine Inch Nails' reunion at Blossom Music Center on Sept. 24, 2022, was a landmark moment for a band founded in Cleveland more than three decades prior.

Why it mattered: The concert saw frontman Trent Reznor take the stage with several former band members for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Flashback: Reznor formed NIN in 1988, recording early demos while working as an engineer and janitor at Right Track Studio on Payne Avenue.

NIN's 1989 debut album, "Pretty Hate Machine," was a commercial success and helped pioneer industrial rock.

The intrigue: Reznor planned to reunite with NIN alumni during the band's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2020.

Yes, but: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rock Hall ceremony was turned into a pre-recorded TV special.

State of play: The 2022 Blossom gig served as a do-over. Reznor and NIN's current lineup played a handful of songs with former bandmates, including original members Richard Patrick and Chris Vrenna.

The group even performed "Hey Man Nice Shot," the 1995 alternative rock hit by Filter, the band Patrick formed after leaving NIN.

The bottom line: The concert was a singular event for NIN fans and, given Reznor's busy schedule, may never happen again.

Go deeper: Blossom Music Center's 10 most memorable concerts

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Greatest Blossom Concerts: No. 2 — Nine Inch Nails

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