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It’s been a while since my trip to NZ’s big smoke to see NIN for the 5th (and apparently last) time. Since then I’ve had the privilege of seeing Amanda (Dresden Dolls) Palmer in concert, up close and personal in Aotea Square – signing The Selfish Capitalist for me no less. Exchanging a few pleasantries and smiling pleasantly at me. More about that later…

Anyway, its probably a good thing (time passing), seeing as I’m that guy who looks at everything NIN has done as earth shatteringly brilliant (which it is of course), with a healthy disbelief that anyone couldn’t possibly see that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

So… what did I think of their performance at The Vector Arena? I’m in the process of gathering my thoughts, but…

To be honest, it’s hard not to feel a little hard done by. Considering this was really their first real performance in New Zealand (festival performances don’t count in my book – I’m thinking the Big Day Out in 2000), and we never (I’m talking Australasia) did get to see a full NIN stage production.

Yeah sure, I understand it would no doubt be a logistical nightmare, not to mention cost prohibitive, to bring all that amazing gear that looked so incredibly impressive during their Lights In The Sky tour in 2008, all the way down under. So, putting all that aside, and taking into account that I’ve seen them in Australia three times previously – just how did this show stack up?

Did I feel like the oldest person there? Just a little, but that’s beside the point really. It did take almost a full week for me to be actually able to walk comfortably again (that’s to do with age no doubt) – so it must of been pretty good?

Yes, it was. I was a little disappointed it was such a ‘rock’ set with little of the electronic chaos of Year Zero (and no Closer – what’s up with that)?

More to follow, but for the moment here’s some further reading…

NZ Herald
Stuff

Hard to believe, but in less than a week Trent Reznor & Co will be in Auckland, New Zealand for the first time since 2001′s Big Day Out.

nin.com has come alive this week with the familiar photo blog, showing their rehearsals and a new project he’s working on.

Up until a couple of weeks ago I’d never even heard of these guys. Until a few days ago I knew next to nothing about them. To this day I couldn’t tell you their names, the titles of their albums or songs – but that really is pretty irrelevant. Last night at the Civic in Christchurch, they were excellent.

I don’t know if they were having a good day at the office, or a slightly off colour one. Still, being a BJM novice – I was impressed. Probably not my general cup of Earl Grey, but they were tight, professional and created an interesting wall of sound. Considering there were seven of them on stage at once – I guess that’s to be expected.

Anyway, if you like bands that have got that ‘certain something’ and they happen to be playing at a town near you – check them out.
Rather than regurgitate second had trivia, here’s some useful background info to acquaint yourselves;

http://bit.ly/1kuVEl
http://bit.ly/4kACVH
http://bit.ly/1iQ0UO