Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Nine Inch Nails!

Top Nine Inch Nails Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1988

Formation and First Performance of Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails was formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1988 by Trent Reznor, who was inspired by Prince to perform most instruments himself except for programming drums electronically. Before forming the band, Reznor worked as an assistant engineer and janitor at Right Track Studios, where he utilized studio time to develop demos. The band had its first live performance on October 27, 1988, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This marks the beginning of Nine Inch Nails as a pioneering industrial rock band, with Reznor as its driving creative force.
1989

Release of Debut Album Pretty Hate Machine

Nine Inch Nails released their debut album, Pretty Hate Machine, in 1989 via TVT Records. The album successfully introduced their industrial rock sound, featuring synthesizers, electronic beats, and dark lyrics. Despite initial tension with their record label regarding promotion strategies, this album helped establish Nine Inch Nails' reputation and laid the foundation for future creative and commercial success. Pretty Hate Machine became influential in the alternative and industrial music scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
1992

EP Broken and Grammy Award for "Wish"

In 1992, Nine Inch Nails released the EP Broken after signing a new deal with Interscope Records following disagreements with TVT Records. Broken showcased a heavier and more aggressive sound compared to the debut album and garnered significant attention in the rock and industrial genres. That same year, Nine Inch Nails won their first Grammy Award for the track "Wish," which highlighted their rising prominence in the music industry and set the stage for their influential presence throughout the 1990s.
1994

Release of The Downward Spiral and Lineup Expansion

The release of The Downward Spiral in 1994 marked a critical and commercial peak for Nine Inch Nails. The album is widely regarded as a masterpiece of industrial rock, featuring intense emotional themes and innovative production techniques by Trent Reznor. This period also saw the addition of guitarist Robin Finck to the live band lineup. The album's success solidified Nine Inch Nails as a major force in alternative music and greatly expanded their fan base worldwide.
1999

Release of The Fragile Double Album

The Fragile, a double album released in 1999, represented an ambitious and dense musical endeavor for Nine Inch Nails. Combining electronic experimentation with rock elements, the album reflected Reznor’s complex creative vision and his struggles during that period. The Fragile was praised for its intricate production and emotional depth, further establishing Nine Inch Nails' reputation as an innovative and evolving artist in the industrial music genre.
2005

Return from Hiatus with With Teeth

After a hiatus, Nine Inch Nails returned in 2005 with the release of With Teeth. This album marked a comeback for the band, featuring a more accessible and polished sound while maintaining the industrial rock edge. Alongside the album, Nine Inch Nails resumed touring with a live band including Robin Finck, Alessandro Cortini, and Josh Freese. The album's release revitalized the band's career and re-established its presence in the music industry after several years of relative quiet.
2007

Year Zero Release and Departure from Interscope

In 2007, Nine Inch Nails released Year Zero, a concept album with an intricate narrative exploring dystopian themes. The album was accompanied by an innovative alternate reality game as part of its promotion. Following Year Zero, the band left Interscope Records due to disputes, choosing to pursue independent releases thereafter. This move allowed Trent Reznor greater creative freedom and control over the band's music and distribution method.
2008

Independent Releases Ghosts I–IV and The Slip

Nine Inch Nails independently released two critically acclaimed projects in 2008: Ghosts I–IV and The Slip. Ghosts I–IV consisted of 36 instrumental tracks showcasing experimental ambient music, while The Slip offered a more rock-oriented sound. Both releases demonstrated innovative distribution methods, including free downloads, reflecting the band's adaptation to changes in the music industry. This period cemented Nine Inch Nails' status as pioneers not only musically but also in music marketing and fan engagement.
2013

Release of Hesitation Marks

Hesitation Marks, released in 2013, was Nine Inch Nails' eighth studio album and marked a return to more traditional album formats after a period of independent releases. It showcased a blend of industrial rock and electronic music with polished production. The album received positive reviews and represented Trent Reznor's continued evolution as a musician and producer. It reinforced the band's relevance in the contemporary music scene and led to subsequent projects and touring activities.
2016-2018

Trilogy of Releases: Not the Actual Events, Add Violence, and Bad Witch

Between 2016 and 2018, Nine Inch Nails released a trilogy of works consisting of two EPs and one studio album: Not the Actual Events (2016), Add Violence (2017), and Bad Witch (2018). These releases explored darker themes and experimental sounds, blending industrial, electronic, and rock influences. This trilogy was significant as it reaffirmed the band's innovative spirit and provided a continuous narrative and sonic exploration, maintaining their artistic momentum into the late 2010s.
2020

Release of Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts and Rock Hall of Fame Induction

In 2020, Nine Inch Nails released two further installments in their Ghosts series: Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts, continuing their exploration in ambient and instrumental music. This year also marked a major milestone for the band as they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This honor recognized their impact on rock and industrial music over three decades and solidified their legacy as pioneers and influential artists in their genre.
2024-2025

Announcement of New Projects and Upcoming Peel It Back Tour

In 2024, Nine Inch Nails announced several new creative projects through their multimedia company With Teeth. These developments signal the band's ongoing innovation and engagement with modern media forms. Additionally, they are planning to embark on the Peel It Back Tour in 2025. This upcoming tour and slate of projects reflect Nine Inch Nails' enduring presence and continued influence in the music world, promising fresh material and performances for their dedicated fan base.
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Joshua Eustis

N/A

Additional

Guitar

Pino Palladino

N/A

Bass

Additional

Justin Meldal‐Johnsen

2008

Additional

Robin Finck

2008

Additional

Ilan Rubin

2009

Percussion

Additional

Drums (drum set)

Keyboard

Trent Reznor

1988

Lisa Fischer

N/A

Additional

Atticus Ross

2016

Sharlotte Gibson

N/A

Additional

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Josh Freese

2005
2008

Drums (drum set)

Additional

Sean Beavan

1994
1995

Additional

Chris Vrenna

1994
1995

Additional

Chris Vrenna

1988
1991

Additional

Rich Fownes

2008
2008

Additional

Alex Carapetis

2005
2005

Additional

Robin Finck

1993
2000

Additional

Jeff Ward

1990
1991

Additional

Danny Lohner

1994
2000

Additional

Lee Mars

1990
1991

Additional

Ron Musarra

1988
1988

Additional

Charlie Clouser

1995
2000

Additional

Nick Rushe

1990
1990

Additional

Richard Patrick

1989
1993

Guitar

Additional

Kevin McMahon

1996
1996

Guitar

Additional

David Haymes

1990
1990

Additional

Jerome Dillon

1999
2005

Additional

Aaron North

2005
2007

Additional

Jeordie White

2005
2007

Additional

Alessandro Cortini

2005
2008

Additional

James Woolley

1991
1995

Additional

Story of Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails: A Sonic Landscape of Industrial Rock

Nine Inch Nails, often abbreviated as NIN and stylized as NIИ, is an American industrial rock band that emerged from the underground music scene in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. The band, led by the enigmatic Trent Reznor, has become synonymous with dark, atmospheric soundscapes and a relentless exploration of themes like pain, alienation, and societal decay.

Reznor, a multi-talented singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, has long been the creative force behind Nine Inch Nails. In 2016, his frequent collaborator Atticus Ross officially joined the band as a permanent member, adding a new layer of depth to their already complex sound.

Their debut album, "Pretty Hate Machine" (1989), released through TVT Records, established Nine Inch Nails as a force to be reckoned with. However, creative differences with the label led them to sign with Interscope Records, where they released the groundbreaking EP "Broken" (1992).

Two landmark albums, "The Downward Spiral" (1994) and "The Fragile" (1999), cemented Nine Inch Nails' place as one of the most influential bands of the 90s. These albums, with their innovative use of industrial sounds, electronic textures, and Reznor's raw, emotive vocals, became critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Following a hiatus, Nine Inch Nails returned with a vengeance in 2005, releasing "With Teeth," their fourth studio album. This marked a period of prolific output, with "Year Zero" (2007) and the independent releases "Ghosts I–IV" (2008) and "The Slip" (2008) following shortly after.

A second hiatus ensued before the band's eighth studio album, "Hesitation Marks" (2013), signaled a renewed artistic direction. This was followed by a trilogy of EPs – "Not the Actual Events" (2016), "Add Violence" (2017) – and their ninth album, "Bad Witch" (2018), which saw them pushing the boundaries of their sound even further.

Throughout their career, Nine Inch Nails has remained a groundbreaking and influential force in music, inspiring countless artists and influencing the soundscape of alternative rock for over three decades. Their music continues to resonate with listeners who crave an intense and emotionally charged sonic experience.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Nine Inch Nails

Bands you may like

More Alternative Rock Bands

Explore Alternative Rock

Discover more bands in the Alternative Rock genre and explore the diverse sounds that define this musical style.

Browse All Alternative Rock Bands

More Bands from United States

Explore United States

Discover the rich musical heritage of United States and explore bands that represent the country's unique sound and culture.

Browse All United States Bands