Ongoing History of New Music Daily: The dangers of being in Nine Inch Nails

Back in the early days of Nine Inch Nails, it was a risky thing just to be in the band. Drummer Chris Vrenna took a microphone in the face during a show in San Francisco. Trent Reznor was into one of his destructive rages and Chris didn’t have time to duck.

Keyboardist Danny Lohner had his wrist broken when Trent smashed his keyboard with a mic stand in Las Vegas. Guitarist Robin Finck got body-checked by Trent no fewer than 6 times a set. He spent tours badly bruised and lost several guitars in the process. And keyboardist James Wooley was smashed over the head with his own synthesizers.

And who did the smashing? Trent, of course. And you thought your boss was tough.

Check out yesterday’s post on how Elvis Costello ended up using Huey Lewis and the News on his debut album. And don’t forget to check out my podcast The Ongoing History of New Music where you listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, Stitcher, or wherever you get your on-demand audio.