“My first show was tampa, florida In September 2025. I have been listening to NIN since February 2023, when I first listened to the hand that feeds on a road trip. I've been obsessed since. The day after Christmas 2025, my dad was intubated in the hospital for 6 days with pneumonia, and spent another week in the ICU before he had to be intubated again. He spent over a month in the hospital and NIN was and still is the only thing that got me through those days of sitting in the ICU not knowing if he was going to pull through. In Jacksonville, I had pit tickets and got to stand less than 2 feet from atticus as he waited to go on stage, and both him and trent as they walked from stage to stage. Taking home the experience of hanging out with my heroes for the night is something I'll never forget.”

“I had been a casual NIN fan for a little over 4 years, but some traumatic events in my life about 2 years ago led me back to them and now I consider them my favorite band of all time. It started with Head Like A Hole, but I heard Ruiner for the first time during a very low time in my life and I just sobbed while playing it on repeat. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, and everyone I loved in my life had abandoned me. I felt like the Ruiner had taken me too. I listened to The Downward Spiral on repeat, and Trent became like a friend to me through that. I listen to NIN when I need something comforting, when I’m angry, sad, happy, high, whatever it may be. I traveled twice to see NIN because his music has genuinely impacted my life and mental health in ways I can’t explain. I met new friends at the first show, who I would later tag along with to see the second show as well. I got to meet so many cool individuals, got photographed by the creative director of NIN, ended up meeting lots of older fans that I looked up to, all sorts of cool stuff. When Trent played Ruiner in 2025, it felt like a true full circle moment. Like, 'Wow, I’m alive and I’m here'. I have been on the barricade for both shows and can confidently say that making eye contact with Trent has altered my brain chemistry somehow. Trent has also re-ignited my interest in writing music, as I am an aspiring artist myself. His artistic choices just resonate with me so well. If NIN continues to tour, trust and believe I will be at every show possible. This band means the world to me.”

"I got a guitar pic from Fiona, Josh’s drum tech. i saw her at a restaurant in Jacksonville Beach, the night before the show in the city. i recognized her instantly but didn’t know why. I decided to approach her and ask her if she was going to the show tomorrow. She said she was crew but i knew she wasn’t setting up and breaking down the cube. I told her I’m a fan of over 30 years. I pressed and she admitted to being Josh’s drum tech. I’m sure my reaction was over the top. Big eyes and wild arms at the mention of his name. That’s why i recognized her. He announced to instagram when joined the tour. I will never forget her coolness or her kindness in that interaction."

“This was my first time seeing NIN. I’ve been in love with their music, and inspired by Trent since I was very young. Though I was too young to see many of the 'glory days' nothing can change how much the songs mean. This year I finally got to see them live with the love of my life, another NIN fan. We had just gotten engaged a few months prior, so this felt very special for both of us.”

“This was the first concert i’ve ever attended, and I dont think anything will beat it. I traveled 2 hours to see them. I’ve grown up listening to NIN and when I was a teenager I thought i’d give them a try of my own. I feel like there’s no other artist that’s doing it like them. the power, the rush, the deep connection towards some of these songs. When I saw them live I was blown away. I’ve read online they’re one of the best to see live, but I wasn’t prepared for the beautiful setlist, lights, and trent reznor putting on an amazing and emotional performance. My favorite song they played live was 'You made it feel like home', that being it was quite an emotional song for me. And I’d say 'Head like a hole' had a twist on it that I really loved. The 'closer' remix was absolutely insane and amazing as well. I ended up buying a shirt at the merch stand, which had lyrics from 'copy of a' and now I live in it. I want to see other bars live but i’m afraid nothing will beat what show they put on.”

"This was my first live concert experience with Nine Inch Nails, and I traveled around 2.5 to 3 hours from my city to Jacksonville just to be there! The atmosphere was incredible—making new friends at the arena, everyone so kind, young and old alike. The first song I heard was 'Closer,' a track that instantly captured my heart back in 2000 when a friend gave me the CD for Christmas, which I listened to during school lunch. My favorite song? 'Reptile.' I even themed my eye makeup for the show around it! Dancing and losing myself in the emotions, music, and lyrics of that song was unforgettable. Nine Inch Nails remains one of my top bands; I listen to their music every day. Sadly, our budget was tight since we have three kids, so my wife grabbed a shirt she spotted in line immediately. Still, I was just thrilled to experience the live show. What struck me most? Music truly has a unifying power. As a Latino, queer-presenting individual, I felt so connected—singing and dancing alongside everyone around us. We became like family. Music’s universality shines through when it’s filled with genuine feeling and emotion, exactly what I witnessed and lived that night. And I can't forget—Noise Boyz was phenomenal! I’m a huge fan of his work too."

"This was my first NIN show ever. I've listened to them casually all my life (who's never heard Closer??), but never as an active artist I'd go for. I got to go because my roommate works for a local AV company that sometimes opens their personal viewing box at the arena--essentially we got in for free! I had no idea what to expect. I'm relatively young (25), I wasn't around when NIN was first getting popular. But, loving the stuff I've heard and really respecting Trent Reznor as an artist, I was stoked to go. It was more than I could've ever dreamed. Harsh, jagged guitar chords mixing with deep, thrumming electronic beats, it was magical truly. As someone who frequents the local goth clubs, it was just... one big goth club. I felt at home, I felt comfortable, and all the while I was so thrilled. Getting to hear both the 'classics' and songs I've never heard before. Just all around a treat. Thank you to NIN and thank you for this survey <3"