genres posted:

Staff may have been asshats, but if you didn't have a view of the stage, then you just didn't try very hard. Unless you're handicapped, you needed to show some initiative, there were good sightlines all over that place

I had to chuckle at this comment.. I am disabled, and had to argue with 4 different staff members for well over half an hour to get a seat and a view. Because they have limited disability seating at the venue, and they consider it for wheelchairs only (I've had a hip replacement but not in a wheelchair), they were refusing to accommodate me at first (telling me I had to "try" and find a seat and hope for a view). I finally got a seat, and a view, but it took a lot of yelling and talking to multiple people to get it.

Mmm I've never been in the pit for NIN, closest I got was @Fragility in STL, but that doesn't even compare. We started about 8 people back, decided to get in there before show and just stay until NIN. The beginning was amazing, the crowd formed into one living breathing PUSHING organism. With that said, we passed up the merch counter just to get a good spot and didn't get the Aragon shirt or a poster, I really hope NIN.com can come up with a way to get merch out to those that attended and didn't get a chance to purchase. Maybe we could work out something with the tickets (pictures,barcode #'s, etc etc). Anywho, this was my third and final(?) NIN show, my sister took me to my first when I was 15 for Fragility and A Perfect Circle opened up, pretty much changing my outlook of life & music forever. We nearly didn't go b/c my friend, Erin, had never seen them, I had a ticket and we were desperately searching for a spare, and miraculously someone posted on here that Ticketmaster had them momentarily and I snatched that shit up, this was on Friday morning. One 4hour drive later, we meet up w/ a NINfriend on Twitter(@Tann) I had never met b4 in person, who saved me a ticket, and somehow, we found ourselves in Chicago. We started about 8 people back from the barricade (I had bright red pigtails if you bumped into me), and ended up right/dead center.
Amazing journey....amazing time........and I fucking will keep hope alive that it's not the last time to see them ..... oh yeah and my NIN virgin (who absolutely loves them just has never had the pleasure of seeing them live) had the time of her life. THanks 2 everyone who made the NIN phenomenon a part of our lives. I hope to see you all soon, again.

This show gradually worked its way under my skin and ripped my heart out.

This being my 37th and final NIN show, I am pretty good at reading TR. When he started "Home" I thought, "uh-oh." I could tell he was struggling, pushing through, trying to make the best of it. I braced myself for a solid show - NIN shows are always solid - but not a special one. But somehow, the magic built.

I think it started when TR held that moment in MOTP. He held, we yelled, he seemed to get caught up in it, almost lost in it. We were caught, too. Screamed as loud as we could - for a really long time. We were all connected. It was electrifying.

From there, the show just took off.

Though Crazy Uncle Peter fucked up Reptile yet again, his performance of Strange Kind of Love was beautiful, and proved what a great performer he really is. Final Solution is an old favorite of mine from the Summer 2006 tour. It was a joyous send-off for Peter and fitting segue into the final section of the show.

My tears started to flow with THTF and didn't let up until well after the show ended. Did I imagine it, or was there an "s" on the end of "friend" in Hurt? Either way, forget it - my heart tore loose, the floodgates opened all the way. I left the venue after the show eviscerated.

NIN fans crave the little personal TR moments. A story here, a comment there, a little eye contact with the audience, a flash of smile. It makes a huge difference - the audience feels included. We had lots of that at this show. It made it feel like a warm hug good-bye. Bittersweet, but sweet nonetheless.

These last 4 years contained some of the best times in my life. The road to NIN has been exhilarating, astonishing and so much damned fun. I became a whole different person as I challenged myself in new ways. I learned new things and went new places and and met all kinds of new people, some of which I hope to hold close.

I doubt TR can fathom what it was like on my side of the barricade. I doubt he can understand why people sleep in the street and endure massive crushing to see the show from down front. I LOVED standing at the rail and letting NIN wash over me - over and over again. LOVED it. I have never experienced anything so powerful and compelling. Like a great, big orgasm of light and sound. I treasure every minute of it.

k258 posted:

This show gradually worked its way under my skin and ripped my heart out.

This being my 37th and final NIN show, I am pretty good at reading TR. When he started "Home" I thought, "uh-oh." I could tell he was struggling, pushing through, trying to make the best of it. I braced myself for a solid show - NIN shows are always solid - but not a special one. But somehow, the magic built.

I think it started when TR held that moment in MOTP. He held, we yelled, he seemed to get caught up in it, almost lost in it. We were caught, too. Screamed as loud as we could - for a really long time. We were all connected. It was electrifying.

From there, the show just took off.

Though Crazy Uncle Peter fucked up Reptile yet again, his performance of Strange Kind of Love was beautiful, and proved what a great performer he really is. Final Solution is an old favorite of mine from the Summer 2006 tour. It was a joyous send-off for Peter and fitting segue into the final section of the show.

My tears started to flow with THTF and didn't let up until well after the show ended. Did I imagine it, or was there an "s" on the end of "friend" in Hurt? Either way, forget it - my heart tore loose, the floodgates opened all the way. I left the venue after the show eviscerated.

NIN fans crave the little personal TR moments. A story here, a comment there, a little eye contact with the audience, a flash of smile. It makes a huge difference - the audience feels included. We had lots of that at this show. It made it feel like a warm hug good-bye. Bittersweet, but sweet nonetheless.

These last 4 years contained some of the best times in my life. The road to NIN has been exhilarating, astonishing and so much damned fun. I became a whole different person as I challenged myself in new ways. I learned new things and went new places and and met all kinds of new people, some of which I hope to hold close.

I doubt TR can fathom what it was like on my side of the barricade. I doubt he can understand why people sleep in the street and endure massive crushing to see the show from down front. I LOVED standing at the rail and letting NIN wash over me - over and over again. LOVED it. I have never experienced anything so powerful and compelling. Like a great, big orgasm of light and sound. I treasure every minute of it.

Very well put

thisisit posted:

Also, what is with the health care reform people accosting people as they are walking through the doors or spending $30 for a NIN t-shirt? I know Trent is now preaching his political views, but I really don’t want to be solicited the shows. I don’t think it is right to try and take advantage of the fans. I really don’t want the government, Trent, or any person I saw at the venue in charge of my health care or any other aspect of my life.

First point: Merchandise is one of the last remaining revenue streams available for artists to make money. If you can't afford to buy a shirt, then don't buy one. I think it's especially ungrateful to complain about the price point though given that the rate being charged is fairly standard, it's a quality product, it's individualized down to the particular show you're attending (which makes it scarce and therefore valuable), and the artist that you're watching gave out his two albums for free.

Second point: I agree with you in principle that it's annoying to go to a concert and hear an artist pontificate about his/her specific political viewpoints from the stage. That having been said, allowing a likeminded organization to hand out flyers at the door does not rise to the level of "accosting people" or "taking advantage of fans." Your sensitivity to viewpoints that don't conform to your own is quite frankly pathetic. An informed debate is one of the crucial ingredients for the success of a representative democracy.

Gratuitous pot shot: I disagree with you in substance about health care. I'd have appreciated government health care when I was unemployed last year and now that I am employed I'm amenable to supporting such an initiative with my tax dollars particularly when the alternative is leaving insurance companies "in charge" of health care. I'm not aware of any charge that would leave Trent or any person you saw at the venue "in charge." The fact that you pose your argument in those terms leads me to believe that you're either very badly informed, not very bright, or both.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2009 01:32PM by chrispy.

First post here but been a member for a while. Just wanted to throw a post on to share how much I enjoyed the show. I do feel a seminal part of my adolescence is fading away a bit since I started listening to PHM in 1990 during high school. But really enjoyed the ride as well as the folks I've met at these shows over the years.
On an entirely different subject, my wife took a pass on the "general admission" show so one of my buddies went with me. He's 6'10" and while we jokingly talked about getting there early and going right up front, we took the high road and found spots off to the side that were convenient to get beer and the only views we blocked were of the bartenders.

chrispy posted:

First point: Merchandise is one of the last remaining revenue streams available for artists to make money. If you can't afford to buy a shirt, then don't buy one. I think it's especially ungrateful to complain about the price point though given that the rate being charged is fairly standard, it's a quality product, it's individualized down to the particular show you're attending (which makes it scarce and therefore valuable), and the artist that you're watching gave out his two albums for free.

I was not complaining about the price, just giving details... but way to stand up for Trent and his struggling bank account! Oh yeah, and I bought one, and I love it. Awesome shirt.

chrispy posted:

Second point: I agree with you in principle that it's annoying to go to a concert and hear an artist pontificate about his/her specific political viewpoints from the stage. That having been said, allowing a likeminded organization to hand out flyers at the door does not rise to the level of "accosting people" or "taking advantage of fans." Your sensitivity to viewpoints that don't conform to your own is quite frankly pathetic. An informed debate is one of the crucial ingredients for the success of a representative democracy.

First off, great job recognizing America as a representative democracy. I get so tired of hearing people say that the USA is simply a democracy. To your point though… I don’t think it was simply Trent “allowing” likeminded organization to hand out flyers. The NIN camp obviously went out of their way to make sure they were there. They were combing the merch booth trying to people to sign their petitions. It was annoying. Also, I do feel it is taking advantage of people that do not know the facts and what this could mean in the long term. Some people going to these shows might not understand anything else about health care reform other than what Trent says. “Hey Trent wants this here, these people are asking me to sign this, cool!” It just puts a bad taste in my mouth. I would feel the exact same way if it was the opposite view point.

chrispy posted:

Gratuitous pot shot: I disagree with you in substance about health care. I'd have appreciated government health care when I was unemployed last year and now that I am employed I'm amenable to supporting such an initiative with my tax dollars particularly when the alternative is leaving insurance companies "in charge" of health care. I'm not aware of any charge that would leave Trent or any person you saw at the venue "in charge." The fact that you pose your argument in those terms leads me to believe that you're either very badly informed, not very bright, or both.

Why do you have to use the government as an instrument of plunder to support your idea of what health care should be? Donate to charity or help in numerous other ways. I absolutely agree that something needs to change, but the current proposals will not create what you really are looking for anyway. We should start with things like equalizing the tax laws and enacting tort reform... then we can see where we go from there.

Finally, if you think the current push by the government for health care is not about control of others… that leads me to believe that you're either very badly informed, not very bright, or both.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2009 03:05PM by thisisit.

My foot is still totally messed up from when I lost it during "Ruiner" and attempted to enter the circle pit which was entirely composed of tall and/or large men. That was one of those songs that I knew if I ever heard it live, I would want to feel some sort of pain. I'd been waiting for that day ever since I first heard "Ruiner" when I bought TDS. Also, the solo is a killer.

For most people "Hurt" is a huge tear-jerker, but I cried during "RWIB" through the whole song. I don't know if I can listen to it for a while.

It sucked that Robin's mic was off the first two lines of "Final Solution".

This isn't going to be much of a real review, I'm not even sure what else to say at this point. The whole show was great. My favourite setlist out of the two nights. Thanks Trent for making it through the show and for everything. JMJ, Robin, Ilan... thank you for making NIN and this live show amazing. Everything I had to do this summer to make it out to these shows was worth it ×10.

Okay here is my contribution for this show. All videos were taken from the rail (yay!):

Video of Aragon Ballroom Crowd and May Concert Pics
Right Where It Belongs v2
Trent's Speech Before "Suck"
Reptile w/ Peter Murphy

nin_historian posted:

jonjanego posted:

nin_historian posted:

8/29/09
Chicago, IL
Aragon Ballroom
...I feel a tap on my shoulder and figure it is someone in my group needing something. I turn around to see a security guy telling me I need to sit down! My response “Are you fucking kidding me?” He says “No, people back here can't see” I said “Its a concert man, you can't honestly expect me to sit down” He launches into some bullshit about how these people paid for a ticket and they want to be able to see the show too. Mind you these people were SITTING DOWN. How the hell can you sit at a NIN show? The security guy kept on and on about me sitting and I told him “I'm not sitting down its a general admission show- these people could have sat anywhere they wanted, it isn't my fault they didn't get up to the balcony faster than someone else.”

I was right behind you, man, and we were NOT sitting down. Everyone was standing, and couldn't see shit because your 6'6" ass was pretending to be an orchestra conductor, writing around like a maniac.

I can speak for EVERYONE behind you when I quote the guy standing next to me: "I hope that tool rocks out so hard he falls off the balcony and gets the fuck out of the way."

Here's a note of common courtesy: If you're six and a half feet tall, with the best seat in the house, don't STAND UP, and then proceed to spread your arms out for the course of the entire show. It ruins the night for everyone else.

I'm 6'1" but thanks for the kind words nonetheless. I hoped you moved instead of just standing there bitching all night about it. I saw plenty of balcony sections that people were more than happy to sit down and watch the show. To each his or her own I suppose.

So I gave all I had back as appreciation for what I was witnessing, I was connecting with the show on the most primal level.. "acting like a maniac" as you said. I fully appreciate your stance, but since you could have sat anywhere you wanted.. it seems fairly petty to complain when you could have found someplace else to go if I was "annoying you." Looking down from my vantage point form the balcony-- on the back of the floor right next to the soundboard were people milling around with their beers. Best sound in the venue, hands down. But I can't apologize for getting into the show, in my own way.

You don't even need to argue, we all paid the same fucking price, if you want to stand up and rock out, then fucking do it! If people want to bitch about it the whole time, and cry, and hope that someone in front of them dies, then FUCKING MOVE.

Seriously, why would you find ruining someone else's experience by making them sit down justifiable? Chances are he (nin_historian) was smart and got to the venue just a bit earlier than you, or did spend his time waiting in beer lines.

Get over yourself, if you can't see, then dont be a fucking pussy on the balcony and get in the crowd.

If he was talking over all the slow songs and screeching "Take your shirt off" or "Play perfect drug!" like the bitch by me, you have the right to complain, because this person is clearly trying to pis people off. From what I hear, the dude was 6'1" (hey! same as me!) and he was really connecting with the music by dancing. NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS.

If you want to be the bitch who cries to security about a guy being too tall and having too much fun, YOU should be the one falling of the balcony.

As my 33rd and final NIN show I felt like the entire experience was perfect in every way. Sure there are things I could complain about and there were instances where I got pissed off but overall I felt like this show was a great way to end 20 years of seeing NIN live. In case anyone is interested (I know I like reading these types of posts from everyone else) a summary rundown from my perspective:

First, the experience of waiting in line was easily the best ever! The people I met and hung out with were great. Waiting in line for almost 12 hours with these folk was so enjoyable that it honestly didn't feel like that much time elapsed. It actually reminded me of the days in waiting in line to get tickets and how that was such a fun part of the concert going experience. But anyhoo, props to dark_vanity for helping me sell my extra ticket, Amy, Jonathan, the married couple that's going to all the shows, and my new friend in AZ. If you see this message me so we can keep in touch.

Second, I give props to the live crew staff for devising and executing a very efficient system of entry and direction for all the concert goers. In my opinion, I have to thank you just for the simple fact that looking back in hingsight I realize that if it wasn't for the well though out plan you (the staff) used I wouldn't have been able to get the merch I wanted AND get as close as 2 people back from the barrier. If only other concerts could follow your example.

Third, I'm sure someone will disagree with me on this but I thought the sound and acoustics were amazing for a ballroom performance. Sure the slight fuckups during Reptile and Final Solution with the mics kind of lightened the experience a little but honestly I don't think I've ever been to a small enclosed venue show where something didn't go wrong at least once. It sucks but it's a small price to pay for a great live experience. The tracks that went off without a hitch were probably the best sounding performance of those tracks I've ever seen and I'm truly thankful for that. Even the sound and production of Mew's set helped me appreciate and like their music more than before the show.

Fourth, I absolutely loved the setlist! Great choices and just amazing energy from the band playing those choices. It's been awhile since I've seen Robin or Trent get that lively or engrossed with the tracks they played. Of course Ilan and JMJ really solidified their place in NIN with their top notch musicianship at this show.

And lastly I just loved the speech he made about Chicago and WaxTrax! Records since I was wearing my WaxTrax shirt that night (red/black logo sleeveless tee). I know kind of silly for that to be reason but I thought it was really cool and it made me feel special when the people around me in the crowd all turned to me and pointed at me shirt. Yes, in case you're wondering little things like that are cool to me. Also it was great to meet so many forum members in the crowd and finally get to put faces to the names so to Sharona65, NIN_rocksmysocks, Sarah, and Diego (I think I spelled that correctly) I hope we still stay in touch.

SoFarGone posted:

LXscope posted:

nin_historian posted:

jonjanego posted:

nin_historian posted:

8/29/09
Chicago, IL
Aragon Ballroom
...I feel a tap on my shoulder and figure it is someone in my group needing something. I turn around to see a security guy telling me I need to sit down! My response “Are you fucking kidding me?” He says “No, people back here can't see” I said “Its a concert man, you can't honestly expect me to sit down” He launches into some bullshit about how these people paid for a ticket and they want to be able to see the show too. Mind you these people were SITTING DOWN. How the hell can you sit at a NIN show? The security guy kept on and on about me sitting and I told him “I'm not sitting down its a general admission show- these people could have sat anywhere they wanted, it isn't my fault they didn't get up to the balcony faster than someone else.”

I was right behind you, man, and we were NOT sitting down. Everyone was standing, and couldn't see shit because your 6'6" ass was pretending to be an orchestra conductor, writing around like a maniac.

I can speak for EVERYONE behind you when I quote the guy standing next to me: "I hope that tool rocks out so hard he falls off the balcony and gets the fuck out of the way."

Here's a note of common courtesy: If you're six and a half feet tall, with the best seat in the house, don't STAND UP, and then proceed to spread your arms out for the course of the entire show. It ruins the night for everyone else.

I'm 6'1" but thanks for the kind words nonetheless. I hoped you moved instead of just standing there bitching all night about it. I saw plenty of balcony sections that people were more than happy to sit down and watch the show. To each his or her own I suppose.

So I gave all I had back as appreciation for what I was witnessing, I was connecting with the show on the most primal level.. "acting like a maniac" as you said. I fully appreciate your stance, but since you could have sat anywhere you wanted.. it seems fairly petty to complain when you could have found someplace else to go if I was "annoying you." Looking down from my vantage point form the balcony-- on the back of the floor right next to the soundboard were people milling around with their beers. Best sound in the venue, hands down. But I can't apologize for getting into the show, in my own way.

You don't even need to argue, we all paid the same fucking price, if you want to stand up and rock out, then fucking do it! If people want to bitch about it the whole time, and cry, and hope that someone in front of them dies, then FUCKING MOVE.

Seriously, why would you find ruining someone else's experience by making them sit down justifiable? Chances are he (nin_historian) was smart and got to the venue just a bit earlier than you, or did spend his time waiting in beer lines.

Get over yourself, if you can't see, then dont be a fucking pussy on the balcony and get in the crowd.

If he was talking over all the slow songs and screeching "Take your shirt off" or "Play perfect drug!" like the bitch by me, you have the right to complain, because this person is clearly trying to pis people off. From what I hear, the dude was 6'1" (hey! same as me!) and he was really connecting with the music by dancing. NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS.

If you want to be the bitch who cries to security about a guy being too tall and having too much fun, YOU should be the one falling of the balcony.

Short people need to put an end to their guilt-tripping and be proactive rather than reactive. I didn't wait in line for 6+ hours both days only to be asked to move because you're short and I'm tall.

I can't help it that I'm tall, and you can't help it that you're short. Let's move on and control things that we can, such as showing up early to get positioned in the place where you want to be.

Exactly, and back to my point (to add to yours) we ALL paid the same exact ticket price, we all had "GA" on our tickets, which gives us the legal right to any "General Admission" location in the venue. So if you want to complain to security, know that you are an idiot.

Oh yes, to the drunk guy on the right side(trents righ)who kept trying to fight with the small guy on the corner with his girl,and kept staring at this blondie girl like he was going to rape her and grabing her and shit(in which the security guy warned like 6 times before they did something which also shows the staff were actually cool)But my buddy was going to drag u off in the crowd and beat the shit out of you and dissapear in the crowd...I saved your ass that night so you r welcome, i actually had to hold my friend back so yeah...Best be careful...

You know i ALMOST had more fun watching all of you guys...odd



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2009 04:58PM by degradeumonkeys.

[quote SoFarGone][quote LXscope][quote nin_historian][quote jonjanego][quote nin_historian]8/29/09
Chicago, IL
Aragon Ballroom
...I feel a tap on my shoulder and figure it is someone in my group needing something. I turn around to see a security guy telling me I need to sit down! My response “Are you fucking kidding me?” He says “No, people back here can't see” I said “Its a concert man, you can't honestly expect me to sit down” He launches into some bullshit about how these people paid for a ticket and they want to be able to see the show too. Mind you these people were SITTING DOWN. How the hell can you sit at a NIN show? The security guy kept on and on about me sitting and I told him “I'm not sitting down its a general admission show- these people could have sat anywhere they wanted, it isn't my fault they didn't get up to the balcony faster than someone else.”[/quote]

[/quote]

Short people need to put an end to their guilt-tripping and be proactive rather than reactive. I didn't wait in line for 6+ hours both days only to be asked to move because you're short and I'm tall.

I can't help it that I'm tall, and you can't help it that you're short. Let's move on and control things that we can, such as showing up early to get positioned in the place where you want to be.[/quote]

this right here.

i had to be one of the shortest ones @ the shows & got there early enough so i didn't have to deal with that kind of shit. i was a bit worried that people up in the balcony were going to give me shit but @ 4'10" most can see over me sitting down!

i'm glad i taped it. now i just need time to break it up so i can distribute.

the show was amazing & never did i think i would get to hear i do not want this.

they should webcast the echoplex show.

[quote renic][quote SoFarGone][quote LXscope][quote nin_historian][quote jonjanego][quote nin_historian]8/29/09
Chicago, IL
Aragon Ballroom
...I feel a tap on my shoulder and figure it is someone in my group needing something. I turn around to see a security guy telling me I need to sit down! My response “Are you fucking kidding me?” He says “No, people back here can't see” I said “Its a concert man, you can't honestly expect me to sit down” He launches into some bullshit about how these people paid for a ticket and they want to be able to see the show too. Mind you these people were SITTING DOWN. How the hell can you sit at a NIN show? The security guy kept on and on about me sitting and I told him “I'm not sitting down its a general admission show- these people could have sat anywhere they wanted, it isn't my fault they didn't get up to the balcony faster than someone else.”[/quote]

[/quote]

Short people need to put an end to their guilt-tripping and be proactive rather than reactive. I didn't wait in line for 6+ hours both days only to be asked to move because you're short and I'm tall.

I can't help it that I'm tall, and you can't help it that you're short. Let's move on and control things that we can, such as showing up early to get positioned in the place where you want to be.[/quote]

this right here.

i had to be one of the shortest ones @ the shows & got there early enough so i didn't have to deal with that kind of shit. i was a bit worried that people up in the balcony were going to give me shit but @ 4'10" most can see over me sitting down!

i'm glad i taped it. now i just need time to break it up so i can distribute.

the show was amazing & never did i think i would get to hear i do not want this.

they should webcast the echoplex show.[/quote]

Haha. Good call.

Speak of the devil (x2). . .. "i'm glad i taped it. now i just need time to break it up so i can distribute." I'm hoping that you're talking about video footage when you say that you taped it.

Would you mind putting it up as a torrent and posting a link here for all of your fellow NIN fans???

Thanks!