What happens when you combine two of the biggest Alternative Rock artists of The 90s, and have them tour together? Pandemonium! That’s the term to describe the sold out Soundgarden/Nine Inch Nails that took place last weekend at Auburn’s White River Ampitheater.
Both bands broadened the 90s alternative rock scene, though Soundgarden broke up in 1996, and Nine Inch Nails released albums sporadically. Many even wondered if frontman Trent Reznor had fallen off the face of the earth.
Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails both played separate shows last year in Seattle. With Soundgarden playing two sold out shows at the historic Paramount Theatre, and Nine Inch Nails dominating Key Arena. Soundgarden was also slated to play the second weekend of Sasquatch, but sadly a second weekend didn’t happen due to low ticket sales, leaving many in the PNW upset. However, many were relieved when it was announced in June that Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails added more dates to their current tour, which included shows in Ridgefield and Auburn.
Slated to open was fan favorite indie hip-hop duo Death Grips. However the duo decided to disband in July. But that didn’t stop fans from attending a show some people stated was as great as when Nine Inch Nails toured with rock legend David Bowie back in the 90s.
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Soundgarden was in rare form, performing many of their hits from their vast career. Frontman Chris Cornell was in his prime, feeding off the energy of the audience. In a rare appearance, original and current Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron joined the band, giving the audience a full-on rock orgasm.
Nine Inch Nails is a band that defies explanation. Trent Reznor’s energy is amazing. For a man nearing 50, he has the energy of a 20-year-old, and his vocals sound just like they did when he first released Pretty Hate Machine in 1989.
Author’s note: This completed my summer. I grew up listening to both bands, and remembered vividly in junior high when I heard on the radio that Soundgarden had broken up. Trent Reznor has always been a personal hero of mine, not only for his artistic abilities, but also for his non-conformist attitude when it came to creating music. Seeing Nine Inch Nails live was like the first time I saw Rob Zombie. Leaving me with that giddy feeling.
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