Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize unite for Coachella debut

The two electronic acts perform their first full set as Nine Inch Noize at the music festival.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass fragments from a disco ball, reflecting colorful, high-contrast lighting to create a conceptual, abstract representation of the fusion of industrial and electronic music styles.The debut Coachella performance of Nine Inch Noize, a new collaborative project blending industrial rock and electronic dance music, signals an exciting creative partnership.Coachella Today

In a highly anticipated collaboration, the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails and electronic producer Boys Noize took the stage together for the first time as the new project Nine Inch Noize at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11. The 45-minute performance marked a major step up for the joint venture, which had previously only played shorter sets.

Why it matters

The fusion of Nine Inch Nails' dark, gritty sound with Boys Noize's pulsing electronic beats has been a long-rumored dream collaboration for fans of both acts. Their Coachella debut signals that the new Nine Inch Noize project is moving beyond one-off appearances and becoming a more serious creative partnership.

The details

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and Boys Noize (real name Alex Ridha) have been teasing the Nine Inch Noize collaboration for years, playing a few surprise joint sets at festivals. But their Coachella performance represented the first time they played a full, dedicated set under the Nine Inch Noize moniker, blending their signature styles into a high-energy, genre-bending live show.

  • Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize first hinted at the Nine Inch Noize project in 2023.
  • The duo played their first surprise joint set at Lollapalooza in 2024.
  • Nine Inch Noize made their Coachella debut on April 11, 2026.

The players

Nine Inch Nails

An influential American industrial rock band formed in 1988 and led by Trent Reznor.

Boys Noize

The stage name of German electronic music producer and DJ Alex Ridha.

Trent Reznor

The founder, lead singer, and principal creative force behind Nine Inch Nails.

Alex Ridha

Also known by his stage name Boys Noize, a prominent German electronic music producer who has collaborated with Nine Inch Nails.

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What they’re saying

“Blending our sounds into a new project has been an exciting creative challenge. We can't wait for fans to experience Nine Inch Noize live.”

— Trent Reznor, Founder and Lead Singer of Nine Inch Nails

“This Coachella set is just the beginning - we have so many more ideas to explore with Nine Inch Noize.”

— Alex Ridha, Producer, also known as Boys Noize

What’s next

Nine Inch Noize is expected to announce a full tour in support of their Coachella debut, with dates across North America and Europe later in 2026.

The takeaway

The fusion of Nine Inch Nails' industrial rock sound and Boys Noize's pulsing electronic beats has resulted in an exciting new project that blends two distinctive musical styles, signaling a bold creative partnership that is sure to captivate fans of both acts.