Not long after, lights were dimmed and Reznor took to the stage to open with ‘Somewhat Damaged’, a perfect choice that converted the crowd into a headbanging mass, with a mosh pit forming at stage centre. Tonight’s gig was all about what an industrial rock show should be about, mesmerising light shows and hard-hitting ear-splitting music. Not only that but it was great to see Robin Finck back on guitar and joining the rest of the band.

Given the full back catalogue of music NIN have to offer, albums The Downward Spiral and The Fragile represented much of tonight’s offerings and definitely paid tribute to those fans who have stuck by Reznor and his band over the past 20 years. Highlights of the evening included the back-to-back double whammy of ‘March of the Pigs’ and ‘Piggy’, with Reznor joining the crowd during the former and losing his mic to one very happy and thankfully tuneful fan!! Covers ‘Metal’ and ‘I’m Afraid of Americans’ paid homage to two of Reznor’s inspirations and helped this to become my most memorable and favourite of the year so far. With the likes of ‘La Mer’ and hits ‘Wish’, ‘Suck’ and ‘The Hand That Feeds’, no one was leaving the arena disappointed. All that was left was Reznor’s signature sign-off, a heart breaking encore of ‘Hurt’, which 15 years after its first release still bears the truth and agony of addiction that has marked his psyche.

Despite rocky beginnings, this show turned out what I expected it to be and more, I just hope this doesn’t spell the end for NIN as so many have speculated. But it is with this that I wholly look forward to their performance at Sonisphere and implore each and every one of you to see what is a true master at work. Reznor is the best at what he does and some might say he has nailed it, nine inch nailed it!!

Set Lists:

NIN: Somewhat Damaged / Terrible Lie/ Heresy / March Of The Pigs / Piggy / Metal (G. Numan cover) / The Becoming / I’m Afraid Of Americans (D. Bowie Cover) / Burn / Gave Up / The Fragile / Gone, Still / The Way Out Is Through / Wish / Survivalism / Suck / The Day The Whole World Went Away / The Hand That Feeds / Head Like A Hole / Hurt

Ratings:

NIN: 4.7/5.0

Review by Gavin Regan

The stage show was magnificent throughout, with the highlight being the spectacular dance act for ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero’. As usual, Turner’s band were 100% reliable, with accomplished musicians putting in their workman like shift. There was a 45 minute break in the middle of the show, which did dampen the atmosphere a little, but if it means that TINA TURNER can still perform the high energy show that she does, then so be it.

The obligatory mega-hit ‘The Best’ was lapped up by the crowd, even if on a personal note, the song is associated with one CHRIS EUBANK coming into the boxing arena. A scintillating rendtion of ‘Golden Eye’ would have had James Bond fans in their element, and ‘Nutbush City Limits’ was a more than welcome nod to Turner’s early days, as she celebrated 50 years of musical performances.

Tonight’s show thrilled all in attendance, and nobody would have left without a smile on their face. TINA TURNER still has the voice, the charisma and extraordinary talent that has made her the superstar she is, and always will be. Long live the queen!

TINA TURNER Setlist: Steamy Windows / Typical Male / River Deep, Mountain High / What You Get Is What You See / Better Be Good To Me / Acid Queen / What’s Love Got To Do With It / Private Dancer / We Don’t Need Another Hero / Help / Let’s Stay Together / Undercover Agent For The Blues / I Can’t Stand The Rain / Jumpin’ Jack Flash / It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll / Golden Eye / Addicted to Love / The Best / Proud Mary / Nutbush City Limits / Be Tender With Me Baby

James Allman