2017.09.15 - Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest

[TheBang]

Please only post if you attended

[Swykk]

Holy shit, they're playing The Background World!

[somewhat_]

Highlights - background world, somewhat damaged, The day the world went away


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ash512]

Highlights - background world, somewhat damaged, The day the world went away


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Pretty much. Still my favourite setlist this year so far.

I also recorded The Background World in full... on my iPhone, but still.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_y5uyCemEA

[bryan_NIN65]

Omg fucking amazing!!!!!! Will disucuss more latter.

[Bachy]

Absolutely fantastic set list. Is this the first time they've played The Background World live?

[kargath]

Really great set. Pissed i didn't see the nin merch booth, so I missed out on the shirt. :-(

[Bachy]

I stayed pretty much on the rail right center till about 1,000,000, then I had to fall back as I started to get lightheaded, plus I don't know how much speed and coke the jackass next to me was on. He kept literally like roaring or screaming nonsense. I want to say three separate times ushers had to tell him to chill the fuck out.

[joel]

I was on the roots stage side and back about half and some guy kept trying to tell me not to dance. Assholes don’t understand where they were

[Bachy]

I will say this is the last time I go to a NIN show in my glasses. They must have nearly gotten knocked off at least five times.

[magnolia]

It's been a long day, so will post more on it later, but --
Got there around 1130, and immediately claimed a spot along the rail, towards Atticus's side, and we stayed there all day. 10+ hours.

I can't believe we got the debut of The Background World! I got video of the whole song, but will have to upload tomorrow, or in a few days when I'm home.

Also very surprised - but so thrilled! - to get Somewhat Damaged again, as well as TDTWWA! Going to sleep now exhausted, but very happy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bachy]

After just 45 minutes on the rail, my back is still screaming.

https://media.giphy.com/media/3b1JW7LxfsAKs/giphy.gif

[InvitingmeAway]

Fantastic show. Loved the way The Great Destroyer lead into Burning Bright. Glad to hear Somewhat Damaged and TDTWWA as well. That was my first time seeing NIN live and I wasn't disappointed in the least.

[W.O.R.M]

Awesome show
great set list
the background world live was awesome!!!


https://youtu.be/wqvX13-9u3w

[ninlive]

Download of my recording from last night is now available: http://ninlive.com/shows/2017/20170915.html

What can I say? My first NIN show since 2014 and it was NASTY!!!!! Drove from Detroit for the show and back the same night. Got there early to hopefully see DFA but we got stuck in some traffic. Made it in during Ministry and got a spot dead center of the stage. Taped New Order from where I stood, that tape is mediocre at best. Obviously more interested in catching NIN’s set. They did not disappoint. The sound was absolutely fantastic at the stage and Branches/Bones is a HEAVY HITTING opener! This was the Panorama Fest set on steroids. The first few songs I was getting thrown around as it got pretty aggressive out there. But I got through it! During “March of the Pigs,” some guy grabbed my shoulder (right on one of the mics) and I flipped on him. Turned around and gave him a swift heart punch and yelled, “don’t fucking touch me!” Honestly have no idea how that didn’t show up on the tape. Probably due to these beast of Schoeps mics. Should point out, BIG THANKS TO JD for allowing me to borrow his rig for this run of shows (including my Depeche Mode trek). He allowed me to run the same rig for the NIN/Soundgarden 2014 shows I went to.

“I Can’t Give Everything” was a real emotional song. Actually teared up during it. Just really powerful. This was also the debut live performance of “The Background World” and it was AMAZING! By the end of these two songs, there are a few spots of wind noise, as it started to pick up. I heard “The Hand That Feeds” and there was still 30 minutes left. I thought we were getting close to the end. HLAH played, then the encore… It was like a minute long and Trent comes back on stage and says, “fuck it, we’re playing some more!” and goes into SOMEWHAT FUCKING DAMAGED!!!!!!!!!! My favorite song, I lost it, man… So damn good. That encore kicked so much ass. The show was so good. There are not many better feelings than a concert high. I get it every time I see NIN. I am hoping for a club show on Sunday or Monday!

It was really nice to finally meet the other NIN fan site creators from ninhotline, nintourhistory, and ninwiki! It’s been a long time coming and it was finally nice to meet them all in person and chat for a few seconds!

Listening back to the tape now, I am really happy with the results and stoked to get this kind of quality for the archive. Thanks to all who have helped gather sources and sent them my way. Hope there is more to come from Cali next month and the tour in 2018!

[mostlymad]

Download of my recording from last night is now available: http://ninlive.com/shows/2017/20170915.html

What can I say? My first NIN show since 2014 and it was NASTY!!!!! Drove from Detroit for the show and back the same night. Got there early to hopefully see DFA but we got stuck in some traffic. Made it in during Ministry and got a spot dead center of the stage. Taped New Order from where I stood, that tape is mediocre at best. Obviously more interested in catching NIN’s set. They did not disappoint. The sound was absolutely fantastic at the stage and Branches/Bones is a HEAVY HITTING opener! This was the Panorama Fest set on steroids. The first few songs I was getting thrown around as it got pretty aggressive out there. But I got through it! During “March of the Pigs,” some guy grabbed my shoulder (right on one of the mics) and I flipped on him. Turned around and gave him a swift heart punch and yelled, “don’t fucking touch me!” Honestly have no idea how that didn’t show up on the tape. Probably due to these beast of Schoeps mics. Should point out, BIG THANKS TO JD for allowing me to borrow his rig for this run of shows (including my Depeche Mode trek). He allowed me to run the same rig for the NIN/Soundgarden 2014 shows I went to.

“I Can’t Give Everything” was a real emotional song. Actually teared up during it. Just really powerful. This was also the debut live performance of “The Background World” and it was AMAZING! By the end of these two songs, there are a few spots of wind noise, as it started to pick up. I heard “The Hand That Feeds” and there was still 30 minutes left. I thought we were getting close to the end. HLAH played, then the encore… It was like a minute long and Trent comes back on stage and says, “fuck it, we’re playing some more!” and goes into SOMEWHAT FUCKING DAMAGED!!!!!!!!!! My favorite song, I lost it, man… So damn good. That encore kicked so much ass. The show was so good. There are not many better feelings than a concert high. I get it every time I see NIN. I am hoping for a club show on Sunday or Monday!

It was really nice to finally meet the other NIN fan site creators from ninhotline, nintourhistory, and ninwiki! It’s been a long time coming and it was finally nice to meet them all in person and chat for a few seconds!

Listening back to the tape now, I am really happy with the results and stoked to get this kind of quality for the archive. Thanks to all who have helped gather sources and sent them my way. Hope there is more to come from Cali next month and the tour in 2018!

Oh, that was you. I was next to you all night. I saw the altercation. Thought there was going to be blood. I was feeling off today, and kind of stayed in the shade until I knew I had to get to the stage.

I'm so very glad I got to be present for The Background World's debut. I loved it. Oh and The Day the World Went Away. Damn. Such a good setlist. It could have been something I'd have come up with. Even though being 3 months post-op, and feeling a bit worn down from overtime at work, then driving on my own from Cincy, I am soooooo happy I got to go and see this show.

[Kodiak33]

Was the crowd really energetic? I love going to Riot Fest because the fans really give a fuck about rock music.

[joel]

Was the crowd really energetic? I love going to Riot Fest because the fans really give a fuck about rock music.

Where I was it was ok. I was kinda the only one jumping around but that my fault for not getting up front. Was too excited for DFA and new order that I ended up on the wing side.

[ninlive]

Oh, that was you. I was next to you all night. I saw the altercation. Thought there was going to be blood. I was feeling off today, and kind of stayed in the shade until I knew I had to get to the stage.

Yeah, I'm usually not like that. And I get it, you're on the floor of a rock show and you know what you're getting yourself in to. But I thought I was far enough back to be out of the thick of it. Plus, these were not my mics, I borrowed them from a taper friend who was generous enough to allow me to use these again after using them in 2014. The whole mic rig is almost $5k when they were done with it. I was guarding it with my life. Plus the guy was trying to use my shoulder as a drum pretty much. Thankfully, he wasn't hitting the mics. But I lost it, cause he was a potential threat. Lmao


Was the crowd really energetic? I love going to Riot Fest because the fans really give a fuck about rock music.

Yeah they were, it was awesome!

[mostlymad]

Yeah, I'm usually not like that. And I get it, you're on the floor of a rock show and you know what you're getting yourself in to. But I thought I was far enough back to be out of the thick of it. Plus, these were not my mics, I borrowed them from a taper friend who was generous enough to allow me to use these again after using them in 2014. The whole mic rig is almost $5k when they were done with it. I was guarding it with my life. Plus the guy was trying to use my shoulder as a drum pretty much. Thankfully, he wasn't hitting the mics. But I lost it, cause he was a potential threat. Lmao




Yeah, I thought I was far enough back too. I have a couple bruises from some of the people attacking from behind to get closer, then the guy who was moshing by himself did a number to my arm.

The crowd really was energetic. The crowd down this way never moves for love nor money, so that was cool. It was just a few people kind of making it more like 1994 in Louisville. Luckily it wasn't that insane.

[Swykk]

It was one of the best NIN shows, it was one of the worst NIN shows (not because of NIN).

Tons of drunk douchebros pushing, elbowing and rushing perpetually. I was nearly crushed against the right side of the railing (where the VIP section was) multiple times. I turned around and threatened one drunken fuckhead because he kept elbowing me in the back and he was apologetic and stopped (only to slip past me while I recorded "I Can't Give Everything Away"). I don't understand the rudeness of these motherfuckers. You weren't here as early as I was so you are where you are and I am where I am. Fuck off. I'm not letting you past me easily.

The band sounded awesome and the setlist was long and lovely. No "The Idea Of You" or "Not Anymore" but I joyfully lost my mind when "The Background World " began, which led to me making friends with two women near me. Later, one of them was hit in the head with fruity booze and I got some of it in my face and hair so thanks again, douchebros! Ugh. I'm very very sore today (thanks, neuropathy and shitheads!) and clearly a bit grouchy as well but I'm glad I went. It was an excellent show overall despite many rude dickbags.

It's also a bummer that I couldn't locate the NIN merch stand in time and didn't get the Riot Fest one.

[Ash512]

Moved in as Ministry were wrapping up and found a great empty spot on the rail in front of the soundboard. It was just perfect view, perfect sound.

Until these douchebags came along, high and drunk out of their minds. Some douchy blonde asshole was overprotecting his 5 foot tall girlfriend cause she had a bad back. Doesn't give you the right to push everybody around off the soundboard rail halfway through New Order. He almost picked fights with everybody around him, except me, cause I'm this quiet, polite nerd. Thankfully his girlfriend just left without warning about a third into NIN's set... He'd been acting douchy the whole time to protect her but it took him like two full songs to realize she just left. Good riddance.

I love seeing NIN live, but festivals are just the worst settings. That being said, it was the best setlist I've seen this year, just enough surprises to make me really happy and glad I came over. I did the sweaty pit experience at both Panorama and Webster Hall, I'm glad I stood back this time and was able to really pay attention... They sounded absolutely great. Trent's voice is at its very best. Playing a few one off shows instead of touring non stop makes a big difference... His voice didn't crack, even towards the end of the show, where it usually begins to strain. He hit falsetto notes I can't remember him attempting for a long time. The mix was absolutely killer, very powerful and loud but crystal clear. Sound will vary a lot depending on where you're standing of course, but last night I had the perfect spot.

So all in all, great show, can't wait for Aftershock (hopefully that'll be my last festival in a long while though).

[Bachy]

There were WAY too many crowd surfers. I just can't stand them. One guy finished surfing and got down and I overheard him say "That was great, but I kicked some girl in the face, so I feel kinda bad." Um, yeah, that's what happens, jackass. Don't do it.

[SM Rollinger]

Show was sick, the whole festival was. Especially Ministry and Action Bronson. Ill do a full write up when i get home. I taped Saul Williams, Action Bronson, MINISTRY, half of New Order and NIN of coure.

Edit: dude in the t rex costume in the pit FTW!!

[InvitingmeAway]

Where I was it was ok. I was kinda the only one jumping around but that my fault for not getting up front. Was too excited for DFA and new order that I ended up on the wing side.

I got the same vibe in the back. My girlfriend and I were really getting into each song but I felt like the people around me were not getting to into it. Especially when Burning Bright came on. We quickly pushed forward at that moment so we could be in an area where people were enjoying it a little more. Btw, I think their performance of Burning Bright was my personal favorite highlight of the show.

[Bachy]

Pretty much what it felt like being up front:

http://i.imgur.com/aXLoNNH.gif

[mostlymad]

Pretty much what it felt like being up front:

http://i.imgur.com/aXLoNNH.gif

Not quite up front, but very, very much like this where I was, too.

[biblo]

Rad as hell.

A little further back than the sound desk. Yeah would've been cool to be closer but whatever. Not a whole lot of douchebaggery where we were at. Usual cutting going on but I've seen worse.

I lost my fucking mind when he broke the Hand that Feeds, Head Like a Hole, Hurt tradition. And for it to be Somewhat Damaged too, a song I've been dying to see live for years. Amazing.

Also very cool to have seen the live debut of The Background World, I'll always have that. I'll be honest, slightly bummed they didn't do anything with the ending loop. Obviously I didn't expect the full 7 minute decay-out but a bit of a jam would've been cool. But whatever, it was still fantastic.

[xfocalinx]

Got at the venue around 10:30. Once the gates opened I made my way to the center stage and stayed there all day. Had a blast. Still feeling it physically.. I thought wrestling matches were brutal. Goddamn I'm sore!

[kargath]

Kinda surprised no one is mentioning the flashes of the add violence panel, trump and the presence during the great destroyer breakdown. Was I the only one peeking at the screens?

[Bachy]

Kinda surprised no one is mentioning the flashes of the add violence panel, trump and the presence during the great destroyer breakdown. Was I the only one peeking at the screens?

I was still catching my breath and also recording the stage at the time. I didn't realize what they were doing with the screens till like the last 30 seconds.

[sonic_discord]

Pretty much what it felt like being up front:

http://i.imgur.com/aXLoNNH.gif

I literally thought of this exact scene when I was in there too (I felt like I was only breathing hot air with no oxygen in it). My wife and I were about 8 people from the rail and she bailed during March of the Pigs. After she left, I managed to make it about 3 people from the rail by myself, but I started to feel a little light-headed, so I moved a ways back during Copy of A (about halfway through the show) so I could actually watch from a comfortable space where I didn't have to struggle to breathe and not fall down. I feel like I sound like a pussy, but this was my 7th NIN show (was on the floor for 6 of them) and that was by FAR the most brutal pit I've ever been in. I definitely have some bruises today, but it was well worth it. That setlist was amazing. I got to hear most of the songs I wanted to and there were a few very unexpected surprises thrown in, too. Once I heard THTF start, I assumed (like many) that HLAH and Hurt would follow and the show would be over, so I was fucking PUMPED when Trent said "Fuck it, we're playing some more" and Somewhat Damaged started. TDTWWA was awesome as well. Also: the live debut of The Background World was amazing. It sounded fantastic live. This might be my 2nd favorite NIN show, right behind Lights in the Sky 2008. The energy at this show (from the crowd AND the band) was off the charts.

[sonic_discord]

I don't suppose anyone got an extra guitar pick they'd be willing to part with? I've always wanted to get one and haven't had any luck so far.

[implanted_microchip]

I waited until I was home and able to gather my thoughts to write a bit about this experience but for starters: what a fucking show. Just, seriously. What a show.

Panorama had a special edge with it being my first time on the rail for NIN and being surrounded by other diehards and ETSers the whole time, but as far as the actual performance goes, this band just keeps getting better and better. They're in their absolute prime right now. Trent is practically on fire, and his voice sounds better than it maybe ever has live -- able to bounce between dynamics regularly and without sounding like it takes too much strain. I was on the rail immediately in front of Atticus after spending the whole day in the sun and it was beyond worth it -- people complained about his stage presence in the past, but being right there, if there were ever any problems, I think he's gotten past them -- he was into it, moving along and looking totally engrossed in his work. To get a perfect view of he and Ilan after having one of Robin and Ally in New York felt like a nice balance.

It was quite possibly the hottest pit I've ever been in. There was't even space to jump around to songs because the weight of everybody behind you was too intense, too crushing and too limiting for space. Hands were constantly trying to pry mine off of the rail and feet were regularly on top of mine. It felt odd to not be bouncing to March of the Pigs and yet only added to the sense of immediate craziness. I had to selectively measure out which songs I'd scream along to and which I'd lay it back to get some air, and for the first time in my life I really considered getting further back to be able to breathe a bit -- when it seemed like we were getting the same set as NYC, I told myself I'd wait until after Burning Bright and Reptile and back away, and then I told myself I'd wait until after the encore started to see if we were getting anything like She's Gone Away, and then The Background World started and I suddenly did not care about my body having regular access to breathable air at all.

And dear fucking god, The Background World. It's my favorite Add Violence song and it blew my mind to see it debuted. It's the first time I've ever seen them bust a song out for a debut and it was an amazing one to get to see -- it sounded absolutely fantastic, and the progressive build up was so powerful. I wasn't around as many people singing along as I was at Panorama but there were a cluster of totally hardcore fans behind me and all of them sang the "We will not get away" and "Are you sure, this is what you want?" parts. It was just gorgeous. In the most densely packed, no room to breathe pit of my life I had chills and tears in my eyes. The Bowie cover is a perfect thing of poignant beauty, I finally enjoyed 1,000,000 live and get the hype (what a difference not being in a plastic seat makes) and Burning Bright continues to be a new strong contender for my favorite song live. Both shows I have thrown my voice out from screaming it and both shows I've been happy to have that damage.

This was the first time where I didn't know the set 100 percent in advance and it really added to the feeling for me -- Background World and 1,000,000 added in made me feel like anything could happen, and even things like THTF had a fun sense of urgency and strength. When the encore happened I knew I'd made the right choice to not breathe for an hour and a half -- Somewhat Damaged could be in every setlist and I would never complain. I knew it was in the realm of possibility, but to have it go right into TDTWWA and follow the album tracklisting, dear god -- what a moment. I cried while smiling throughout the entire "na na NAAA" ending. There was just something about it -- the happiness of being right there, seeing my favorite band in the world, of knowing the trip I'd made for it was worth it, of hearing that song, of feeling Ilan's drums kicking into my chest, the beauty of the music, the personal and heartwrenching feel of it -- it all blended together into one of the most emotionally overwhelming moments of any concert for me.

Panorama had the best Hurt performance of my life and this crowd was far less willing to give it some reverence and space to breathe and wooed at every quiet moment, but I didn't even care in the afterglow of that encore. Going from the deep-seated catharsis of Somewhat Damaged right after the manic defiant high of HLAH into the raw and wonderful fragility and passion of TDTWWA is something more shows ought to have.

Such a fantastic time, one of the heaviest crowds and shows I've ever seen them do, probably my favorite setlist I've gotten (and if I'm saying that despite Reptile not being present then it really says something, because I am one of the most ardent Reptile live fans around) and that show after the whole day of legendary performances and the record store experience the day before made it into one of the best concert times of my life. I even enjoyed Ministry, a band I've never been big on at all. To see New Order right before NIN felt like I wasn't really awake at all and had fallen into some sort of death dream fantasy camp. Thank you eversonpoe for inviting me out to Chicago and making me feel at home. The warmth and affection among this fandom is incredible and I always find it so beautiful that a band so mired in the worst in the human experience has led to all of the best of mine.

[zeegrizzle]

Kinda surprised no one is mentioning the flashes of the add violence panel, trump and the presence during the great destroyer breakdown. Was I the only one peeking at the screens?

Did you (or anybody else) notice that super tiny typed out message over some glitch for a split second? I was maybe about a good 30 yards back from the stage so I had a good view of the screen for that TGD breakdown. It kinda reminded me of something like the blue screen of death but this was different. The message was very small white text and laid over some black glitchy background and I'm pretty sure it was a question because there was definitely a question mark at the end of it. I remember it was pretty early on in the breakdown too because after I saw it I decided to take my phone out and record the screen for the rest of the breakdown incase no one else noticed that message but I didn't see anymore messages appearing. Is there anybody out there that can actually vouch this for me? Is there any videos on youtube of just the screens for that part? I haven't looked for it yet, but I'm guessing nobody else noticed this since no one is talking abut it...

[SM Rollinger]

Im being sent to Sioux City for work for 2 weeks, so my review of the festival and recordings i made will have to wait.

I still have to post on my experience with Raw and Smackdown from the previous week.

During the first part of saul williams, there was a dude by the soundboard with me who had a linear PCM recorder on him, is that person on here and does he have a 4th source for the NIN set? We tapers notice these sorts of things ;)

[Bachy]

I feel a little bad some of you hung out on the rail for so long. Not really necessary. I didn't camp out till about the end of Ministry, and then the crowd just naturally pushed me to the front.

[Bachy]

A few things I saw at the show that made me go: What the fuck are you thinking?

I saw a girl in flip flops and a shirtless guy with nipple rings. Seems like a terribly painful accident waiting to happen, unless you're not planning on being near the stage.

[bobbie solo]

Festivals are amateur hour. For every music nerd like us, there are ten people that this is the only show they will attend this year, and perhaps next.

[Swykk]

True enough. I don't know why I expected any better from people there. That's probably good advice for me in general, to stop expecting better from people.

[joel]

Heading home now. My flight is delayed 3 hours and I'm alone in an airport on my birthday. I'll upload my pictures and video when I get home.

FYI: if you had a ticket and didn't go see jawbreaker last night you are a not so good person.

Anyone sitting in ohare wanna play a round of drink the beer?

[eversonpoe]

Heading home now. My flight is delayed 3 hours and I'm alone in an airport on my birthday. I'll upload my pictures and video when I get home.

FYI: if you had a ticket and didn't go see jawbreaker last night you are a not so good person.

Anyone sitting in ohare wanna play a round of drink the beer?

i didn't go yesterday after going friday & saturday, so i didn't see jawbreaker. BUT i gave my wristband to my friend alex (so he could get free water) and gave my paper ticket to (his girlfriend) my friend tiff so she could see jawbreaker after having to work all weekend, so i feel pretty good about my decision, because it made both of them SO HAPPY.

[implanted_microchip]

gave my paper ticket to (his girlfriend) my friend tiff so she could see jawbreaker after having to work all weekend, so i feel pretty good about my decision, because it made both of them SO HAPPY.

I feel like this more than makes up for Tiff giving us a ride home.

Also Swykk I saw you post about being there and tried to keep an eye out for someone in what you described but being at the rail I couldn't spot you. Hope we get to meet up at another show someday!

[kargath]

Forgot to show you the best nin merch I spotted. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170918/d5d076f0ea9c32db2d69a572bd59f7c3.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170918/9d0e5edf4881b8164840eed4612d9d45.jpg

[eversonpoe]

kargath i cracked up when i saw that, too. the best part is it's that same awful image that says "tension tour 2014" when it's clearly not the right lineup.

they also had a black denim jacket with the NIN & soundgarden logos (along with a russell mills piece) but i don't like soundgarden enough to have justified the purchase.

[lejarmap138]

I thought this set was great. Burning Bright (Field on Fire) was great live. Other highlights were The Great Destroyer, loved the long pause, and the encore with Somewhat Damaged and TDTWWA.

[implanted_microchip]

Day the World Went Away really was a wonderful shock. I don't think it's been on any setlist so far this year, and it was so good to see more stuff from The Fragile get such a boost in the set.

[kargath]

All joking aside. I'm seriously bummed that I didn't spot the NIN merch booth and missed the Riot Fest shirt. If anyone gets a line on a Large or maybe an XL, please let me know. I did pick up a sweet ass GWAR poster at least.. and that GPK style Riot Fest 2017 poster is pretty awesome too.

[nmitchell86]

This was a great show. Figured I should post that I was their.