To break from what we're tied to...

So Kim and I were lucky enough to be able to go backstage at the NIN/JA show this previous Friday. We got in about an hour before everyone else, got to see the sound checks for Nine Inch Nails and Street Sweeper Social Club, meet NIN, take pictures, and get some autographs. It was such an amazing experience and so surreal.

Kim and I were in the front of the line to get in for the sound check so we were able to get an excellent spot. They came out shortly after and Trent said "We're going to play some songs we won't be playing tonight." Then they broke into I'm Afraid of Americans.



The next song they played was The Good Soldier, followed by Meet Your Master, and finished up with Dead Souls. After saying bye and thanking us, SSSC set up for their sound check. They played 4 songs only one of which they played a little bit later. Tom Morello let us know, "We'll be playing this song again in about 25 minutes, so act like it's the first time you've heard it...or better yet, sing along loudly!"



Directly after their sound check, we lined up to go backstage and meet Trent and the guys. Kim and I ended up being third in line for this which worked out. Justin, Robin, and Ilan came out first and I had them sign And All That Could Have Been and they all introduced themselves which was cool because I obviously know who they are but they didn't assume as much. I got my picture taken with them and then Trent walked out. He was so soft spoken and such a nice guy. He came up and I introduced myself and he signed AATCHB also during which I asked him about LOST. I knew he is a fan and I'm a fan so there is some common ground haha. I didn't really know what else to say. So I said "So you're LOST fan eh?". He asked me what I thought of the latest season and I let him know. Then he replied "Yeah, it started out good, but then it kinda went downhill and now I don't know what the fuck is going on". This made me laugh and he said the last time he was here was for the bridge school and I thanked him and Kim got her ticket signed and a picture as well. We then went out into the venue and walked around. It was incredible to meet someone who you're a huge fan of for a long time and to find out they're really nice and not a total asshole.

The show itself was stunning as well. SSSC had so much energy which I loved. Their songs were really catchy and I can not wait till their album drops next month. Boots Riley had dance moves similar to the godfather of soul himself, James Brown, and compiled with the thrashing and intensity of Tom Morello, really made for an excellent opening act for NIN.



NIN took the stage shortly after. This time around Trent had mentioned they were going more minimal than their previous Lights In The Sky Tour which was visually complex. Their line-up also slimmed down with Trent on vocals and guitar, Robin on guitar, Ilan on drums and Justin on bass. Keys being taken up by Trent, Robin, and Ilan depending on the song. Their setlist was as follows:



Home
1,000,000
Terrible Lie
Discipline
March of the Pigs
Piggy
Metal
The Becoming
Burn
Gave Up
The Fragile
The Way Out is Through
Wish
Echoplex
Survivalism
The Day the World Went Away
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like a Hole
Hurt



I was very happy that they played Metal (a Gary Numan cover), The Becoming, The Way Out is Through, and The Day the World Went Away. Along with I'm Afraid of Americans and Meet Your Master, I was incredibly pleased. If they threw in Last in there I would have lost my shit, but I'm content with what I got.

Jane's Addiction was entertaining. Perry seems to be the weakest link in this reformation of a band who has influenced many. Everyone else seemed on the top of their game though. That being said, I'm glad I got to see them live and had a smile on my face the whole time.

12 days till we leave for Paris. Kim and I had dinner with my boss, Laura's brother, Michael, on Saturday. Him and his family came up for the weekend (Laura and Michael went to the NIN show also) and we got to get to know each other a little bit which was so cool. Such an awesome family. Sweet and interesting people and fuck...what an amazing cook Michael is. Or should I say bbq-er? I don't know, but man. Kim and I started eating meat again so we our bodies will be used to it when we eat meat on our trip and experience all aspects of Paris/Germany. I'm really looking forward to meeting new people, hanging out with Anna and getting to know her and her friends, and flying. I love flying and keeping myself entertained.