Nine Inch Nails Delivers Sonic Onslaught at TD Garden

Trent Reznor and nine Inch Nails left there’s no doubt whatsoever about their musical message during their electrifying performance Friday night at TD Garden.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers pushed their sound to the extreme, captivating the audience with a high-energy 20-song set that lasted 100 minutes.

The “Peel It Back Tour,” their first in three years, showcased the band’s extensive and diverse catalog.

Formed in Cleveland in 1988, Reznor’s industrial project has carved out a unique space with its blend of dark, keyboard-driven melodies and heavy guitar textures. Both elements were prominent Friday,as the band moved between two stages. Reznor, known as one of music’s most enigmatic figures, effectively used both platforms, switching from piano and keyboards to rhythm guitar. He directed the band’s intense energy while maintaining a sense of distance from the audience,adding to his mystique.

“It’s good to be back here in BOSTON,thank you for coming out,” Reznor told the crowd. “We played Boston Calling the last time we were here. It’s good to be at our own show. We appreciate you. Thank you very much.”

Dressed entirely in black, Reznor began the show alone at the piano on the smaller B-stage in the center of the arena. His haunting acoustic rendition of “Right Where it Belongs” set an ominous mood, including a brief “Somewhat Damaged” outro. The singer’s sharp lyrics were amplified by the crowd, who joined in on the song’s intense conclusion.

reznor also performed “Ruiner,” one of eight tracks from the band’s 1994 album “The Downward Spiral,” before being joined by bassist Alessandro Cortini and longtime collaborator Atticus Ross on keyboards and synthesizers, building the energy. Guitarist Robin Finck then added some guitar to “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now).” The song’s chorus resonated throughout the arena.

Drummer Josh Freese raised the intensity back on the main stage. The former Guns N’ Roses drummer started with a drum solo, inviting the band to join him. Nine Inch nails quickly reunited for a powerful version of “Wish.” however, it wasn’t until the band launched into the intensity of “March of the Pigs” that they truly hit their stride.

performing in front of three large screens, Nine Inch Nails maintained its air of mystery. The mosquito net-style staging was unusual but effective, with various videos and graphics projected onto it.

Ross added ambiance with the synth-driven “Reptile.” Cortini provided the techno-inspired rhythm of “Heresy.”

Freese locked into the beat with precision on “Copy of A,” as Reznor danced to the infectious rhythm. the drummer’s timing was further highlighted on “Gave Up,” played with red strobe lights.

Finck complemented the drummer’s tempo with guitar and backing vocals.

Opening act Boys Noize joined Reznor and Ross on the B-Stage for a keyboard collaboration, going into a heavy metal rave mode on several songs, ending with “Closer.”

While atmospheric, the B-stage set was limited by its design, with the performers facing each other, their backs mostly to the audience.

Main Stage Finale

Returning to the main stage, the band was fully revealed. Reznor and company launched into “Mr. Self Destruct,” followed by “Less Than.” Finck’s guitar cut through “The Perfect Drug,” adding to the band’s energy.

The band also paid tribute to David Bowie, performing a cover of “I’m afraid of Americans.”

“We had the privilege of working with David Bowie,” Reznor said. “(This song has) taken on a different meaning now.”

“It’s good to be back here in BOSTON, thank you for coming out… It’s good to be at our own show. We appreciate you.”

Nine Inch Nails ended the night with its most popular songs. “Head Like a Hole” continues to generate the biggest reaction from the audience with its energy. Reznor concluded the evening with “Hurt,” ending an emotionally charged night.

Boys Noize Opening Set

DJ Boys Noize opened with an hour-long set of industrial-strength house music. His synthetic sounds may have generated some head-nodding, but a shorter set might have been more effective.

Setlist for Nine Inch Nails, Aug. 29, 2025 at TD Garden

B-stage

• Right Where It Belongs (acoustic piano version; with “Somewhat Damaged” outro)
• Ruiner (partial acoustic piano)
• Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)

Main Stage

• Wish
• March of the Pigs
• Reptile
• Heresy
• Copy of A
• Gave Up

B-Stage

• Vessel (with Boys Noize)
• Closer (with Boys Noize)
• As Alive as you Need Me to Be (with Boys Noize)
• Came Back Haunted (with Boys Noize)

Main Stage

• Mr. Self Destruct
• Less Than
• The Perfect Drug
• I’m Afraid of Americans (David Bowie cover)
• the Hand That feeds
• Head Like a Hole
• Hurt