Nine Inch Noize Brings Industrial Rave to Coachella

Trent Reznor and Boys Noize team up for a ghoulish, high-energy performance at the Sahara Tent

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:09am

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to conceptually represent the industrial-meets-rave aesthetic of the Nine Inch Noize performance at Coachella.The gritty, high-energy collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize brought an industrial rave vibe to Coachella's Sahara Tent.Coachella Today

In a surprise collaboration, industrial rock veterans Nine Inch Nails and German producer Boys Noize joined forces as 'Nine Inch Noize' for a thrilling Coachella set. Performing on an elevated ramp in the Sahara Tent, Reznor, Ross, and Boys Noize rebuilt NIN classics like 'Closer' and 'Copy of A' into a pulsing, strobe-lit rave experience, accompanied by a troupe of writhing, muck-covered dancers. The performance showcased the versatility of the Nine Inch Nails brand and hinted at a forthcoming collaborative album between the two acts.

Why it matters

This unexpected pairing of industrial rock and techno represents an evolution in Nine Inch Nails' sound, blending Reznor's signature gritty aesthetic with Boys Noize's club-ready production. The high-energy, immersive performance in the Sahara Tent, a space typically reserved for EDM and hip-hop, signals Nine Inch Nails' ability to adapt to new musical landscapes and engage with younger festival audiences.

The details

Nine Inch Noize's Coachella set featured a stripped-down, techno-influenced take on NIN classics, with Reznor and Ross joined by German producer Boys Noize. Performing on an elevated ramp in the center of the Sahara Tent, the trio hovered over a dense array of synths and samplers, rebuilding songs like 'Closer,' 'Heresy,' and 'Copy of A' into pulsing, club-ready anthems. The performance was accompanied by a troupe of dancers, who writhed and clawed at the band members, creating a chaotic, almost demonic atmosphere. Reznor's wife, Mariqueen Maandig Reznor, also joined the group for vocal harmonies, adding to the familial, collaborative spirit of the performance.

  • Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize recently toured together, with the two acts collaborating on the middle third of Nails' 'Peel It Back' tour.
  • The Nine Inch Noize performance took place on Saturday at Coachella 2026.

The players

Trent Reznor

The founder and frontman of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, known for his dark, gritty aesthetic and innovative musical approach.

Atticus Ross

A longtime collaborator of Reznor's, Ross is a musician and composer who has worked extensively with Nine Inch Nails.

Boys Noize

The stage name of German electronic music producer and DJ Alexander Ridha, who has collaborated with Nine Inch Nails on their recent 'Peel It Back' tour.

Mariqueen Maandig Reznor

Trent Reznor's wife, who is also a musician and has performed with his band How to Destroy Angels.

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What they’re saying

“Who knows if Nine Inch Nails will stay on tour for much longer, given the duo's robust film-score career. Part of me wants this Nine Inch Noize set to enter Coachella lore and be a one-and-done occasion.”

— August Brown, Music Writer

What’s next

Nine Inch Noize has announced that they have a full collaborative album in the works, set to be released later this year. Fans will be eager to see if the group takes the Nine Inch Noize project on tour or if this Coachella performance remains a one-time event.

The takeaway

The Nine Inch Noize collaboration at Coachella showcases Nine Inch Nails' ability to evolve their sound and engage with new musical trends, blending their industrial rock roots with contemporary electronic and dance music. The high-energy, immersive performance in the Sahara Tent highlights the band's versatility and their willingness to take creative risks, cementing their status as one of the most innovative and influential acts in modern rock music.