Crawling across the planet from March 9, 1994 to September 8, 1996, Nine Inch Nails’ Self Destruct touring cycle, in support of 1994’s The Downward Spiral, has passed into legend. Trent Reznor’s one-man studio project evolved into a full live band featuring his closest confidants: guitarist Robin Finck, bassist Danny Lohner, drummer Chris Vrenna, and keyboardists James Woolley (until December 11) and Charlie Clouser (all other shows). Across 178 dates around the globe, Trent recreated the album themes of self-loathing, destruction and nihilism.
It took a huge toll on the mental and physical wellbeing of those involved, with Trent spiralling into depression, panic attacks, violent outbursts onstage, and heavy drug use behind the scenes. Instruments, hotel rooms and even personal relationships between touring members were destroyed, dismantled and abused. Images…