NIN @ Staples Center

Sympathy Set List

When: Friday, November 8, 2013
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles
Accompanied By: Anthony, Daylin, Will & Judith
Genre: Industrial Rock & Deliciousness

Where do I begin? What words could possibly describe this evenings events? Brilliant. Fantastic. Amazing. and as I stated before when describing the 9/3/13 show, life changing. If I thought I wouldn't end up being served divorce papers, I'd be on my way to Vegas later this week for more. But the reality is, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to top my first and only three NIN experiences. But I certainly would like to try. And I will. Again. Someday. Just not this week.

Thank you KROQ!!

To back it up a bit...I was lucky enough to win tickets to this show many months back, courtesy of KROQ. It wasn't until a few weeks ago, when the tickets were made available for pick up that I discovered they were GA floor tickets. I had assumed they would be seats, and I was prepared to saunter into the show shortly before starting time to get comfortable. But with GA floor, I thought, why not take advantage and get there early to be up close and personal. However, I discovered that those fans who had purchased tickets through the NIN presale would be allowed a priority line up, and that cancelled out my great plan. And then BAM, I was presented an opportunity. And everything was right as rain, thanks to my friend, Anthony. 

# 5, #6, #7, #8 & #9

So, Friday morning arrived and Anthony made his way to Staples early enough to claim spot #6. Being the nice guy that he is, he told me that it would be okay if I met up with him later that morning, which allowed me to sleep in a little and miss morning traffic. I got to Staples around 10:30 and prepared for the "hurry up and wait" routine. Over the course of the next few hours, I met Daylin #5 (New York), Will #8 (Toronto) & Judith #9 (UK).  As you can see, we were very excited about our wristbands.  One, because we had single digit numbers and two, because now it meant we could run over to The Yardhouse for cocktails and food.  It was on and we were good to go! 

I've never experienced a more organized event. The wrist bands actually meant something. By 5:45pm, everyone was lined up in order, according to number. We were escorted down to the floor area and instructed to slowly and safely make our way to the front. There was no running, bum rushing, pushing, shoving, etc. Center right rail was ours and we were happy. And then it was back to more waiting. And watching the droves of people fill the venue.  Highlight of the waiting game was Josh Eustis walking past us and obliging us with smiles and waves.

Explosions in the Sky opened with a 30-45 minute set. it wasn't bad. It just wasn't good. Completely instrumental, which is fine and well, but there wasn't any semblance of when one song ended and one began. Either way, I was happy when they exited the stage and would be happy to never see them open for anyone again. That's all I've got to say about that.

And then it was time. As the crowd surged forward, I knew it was going to be a wild ride and holding on tight was all I could do. Any space that existed from body to body to body became no longer, and the story that we were fed at Bridge School a few weekends back came to mind about rocks and pebbles and sand.  But there was something comforting with having that sacred rail to hold on to and that all those hours of waiting had paid off.

The next 2+ hours was hot, sweaty and magnificent. I can't say there was one particular favorite moment...however, having hundreds of people pushing forward while screaming the lyrics to Wish is definitely something I will never forget.  Every now and again, Anthony would ask if I was okay. I just looked up (way up, dude is 6'5"), smiled and nodded. I was beyond okay. I was in heaven. Although, when all was said and done I felt like I should be lighting a cigarette and getting the name of the guy behind me.

It turned out, the evening was set up to be filmed so hopefully somewhere down the line I'll be able to view this entire show over and over again from the comfort of my couch.

Random photos of filming (c) TaiDyed

As the encore approached, something happened that pretty much made this experience come full circle. From the hours upon hours of waiting in line, to securing a spot on the rail, and being in the pit of a Nine Inch Fucking Nails concert, the night became complete with a random foot hitting me squarely across my face and nose. Yup, not necessarily my idea of a good ending, but at the same time, once my eyes finished tearing up, I found the irony and humor. And the best part about this accidental randomness was that the head security guy, after making sure I wasn't hurt, came up to me later and placed a folded up set list into my hand. Which then made the tears start all over again, but in a good way.

So there we have it. My first and only three experiences with NIN. Two Vegas shows are right around the corner and I've tried to figure out a way to make it happen, knowing that it's absolutely impossible. But as is with any addiction, I'm obsessed with wanting more...

Robin Finck - Trent Reznor

NIN @ Staples 11/8/13

Tension 2013

NIN Treasures 2013