Phoenix Concert Review: Nine Inch Nails Owns the Cricket Pavilion Stage May 15 2009

by Cassie Roberts, www.FromTheCrowd.com Contributor

Some shows, have a lot of hype, from fans, from the media and well from just a lot of great PR, however, after the show begins, you realize its all just hype. Occasionally, this is due in no part to the actual band performing, but in some cases, the crowd itself, or some other outside factor like the weather. In some cases the bar, has simply been set too high.

Here in Arizona, we already have two things going against us, the weather (anytime after March) and the crowds (which aren’t exactly known for being the most supportive, in the I’m going to stand the entire show type of way). Even the most seasoned performer can fail to deliver with these two roadblocks, you just never know until the set has begun.

There was a lot of hype with the NIN|JA tour, after all it is the first tour in 9 years with them sharing a stage… so I have to admit I was concerned, but with my ticket in hand, with faith in Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction, I had a good feeling about tonight and I was right!

I do have to give props to Street Sweeper Social Club. I had read and heard some great things and they provided a set that was unlike anything I was expecting. I feel privilege to be there on the ground floor with them on this tour. Sure, I’m talking about Tom Morello and Boots Riley, two legendary performers in their own genre, but would they mix? The answer to that is an overwhelming YES!

Jane’s Addiction also delivered a strong set and was able to get the crowd motivated and on their feet, however, the night belonged to Nine Inch Nails.

All of the elements were in place for one of those once in a life time performances. Sure it was hot, but there was an amazing energy in the crowd, that was matched by NIN on stage. The sounds, the lighting, the crowd and the music all collided to create the perfect enviorment for NIN as to deliver, perhaps the one of the best performances I have ever witnessed. The set was moving, the stage and lighting were unprecedented and the crowd was eating out of the palm of their hands.

To steal a tweet from Tom Morello (http://twitter.com/tmorello) @tmorello shared: “It is near impossible to make a musical moment in a 15,000 seat venue “haunting” but NIN “Hurt” is that and more. Just stunning. Unreal.” Keep in mind who this statement is coming from.

If you missed this show, you may never forgive yourself, however, you still have time to catch them on tour for the rest of the summer near by. It’s time for a road trip!