Nine Inch Nails Kicks Off 'Peel it Back' Tour in New Orleans

Frontman Trent Reznor returns to the city where he got sober and started a recording studio

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Nine Inch Nails kicked off the 2026 leg of their 'Peel it Back' Tour in New Orleans, where frontman Trent Reznor previously lived and the band performed for the first time. The show featured a mix of deep cuts, classics, and a cover of David Bowie's 'I'm Afraid of Americans' that Reznor helped create. Reznor addressed the New Orleans crowd, saying 'It's good to be home,' reflecting on the city's importance in his life and career.

Why it matters

New Orleans holds deep personal significance for Trent Reznor, as it's where he became sober and started a recording studio after years of addiction. The city's influence on Reznor and Nine Inch Nails' music is evident in the setlist and Reznor's emotional connection to performing there.

The details

The show opened with an ominous pre-show atmosphere and a set by electronic artist Boys Noize. When Nine Inch Nails took the stage, they began with a deconstructed version of 'Something I Can Never Have' on a smaller stage in the center of the venue before moving to the main stage. The performance featured aggressive lighting, screens projecting the band, and Reznor's powerful vocals. The setlist highlighted deep cuts and classics the band hasn't played live in years, reflecting Reznor's personal connection to New Orleans.

  • Nine Inch Nails kicked off the 2026 leg of their 'Peel it Back' Tour in New Orleans.

The players

Trent Reznor

The frontman of Nine Inch Nails, who previously lived in New Orleans and started a recording studio there after becoming sober.

Boys Noize

The electronic DJ and producer who opened the show, playing remixes of early Nine Inch Nails works.

David Bowie

The rock legend whose song 'I'm Afraid of Americans' was covered by Nine Inch Nails during the show, a song Reznor helped create during their friendship.

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What they’re saying

“It's good to be home.”

— Trent Reznor (ulmhawkeyeonline.com)

What’s next

The band is expected to continue the 'Peel it Back' Tour, with upcoming stops in other cities that hold personal significance for Reznor and the band.

The takeaway

Nine Inch Nails' emotional return to New Orleans for the 'Peel it Back' Tour showcases the deep personal and creative connections Trent Reznor has to the city, where he found sobriety and started a recording studio. The setlist and Reznor's comments highlight how the city has shaped the band's music and legacy.