LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 23: Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails performs onstage on day 3 of FYF Fest 2017 at Exposition Park on July 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
On a recent episode of Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown, former Nine Inch Nails drummer Chris Vrenna told the story of the song “Closer” and how it ended up with its vulgar lyrics.
How The Nine Inch Nails Song “Closer”‘s Lyrics Were Written
Chris spoke to how famed producer “Flood” was working on the album with the band. “So, we had Flood, and he was staying with us at the Tate house for, you know, for a month or two, working on production on Downward Spiral with us, and we, you know, the music was already there pretty much, and Trent comes in he’s like, “I got the lyrics, man.” And so we go in, you know, we have our coffee, and he’s like, okay. And then he hits play, and he’s singing. He’s singing, you know, he sings “Closer,” and we start to like, and Flood and I start laughing and… I was like, you know, this is probably the most pop song that we have. And if you think about it, musically, it is the most like the most pop-sounding and structured song on the record. And I said, but you now ruined it. We’ll never have a hit single because you say (The F Word).
Trent Wrote Those Lyrics On Purpose
Chris went on about the lyrics to the song “I want to F you like an animal, and Trent said, “I know, I did it on purpose to make sure it can’t be the pop single.” And I was like, I mean, how do you argue that? Okay, so he did it completely on purpose to mess with it because he also thought it was too pop, and that was his way. But he loved the song, and we just bleeped that word out, and it didn’t seem to affect the radio airplay at all.”
“Closer” In Strip Clubs
Of course, I had to ask him how often he’d heard that song in “gentlemen’s clubs.” “I can’t tell you how many times we’d be on tour, and, you know, it’d be like, one of those gentlemen’s clubs, and they are what they are. But they’d find out that we’re walking in and the DJ (makes a record scratching sound) Like, I mean, thanks, but, you know, we don’t wanna try not to draw attention to ourselves here.
Chris Vrenna on Nine Inch Nails' 2022 Reunion: 'I've Never Heard 30,000 People That Loud in My Life'
In a recent interview I did with Chris Vrenna, former drummer and founding member of Nine Inch Nails, he talked about the band’s 2022 reunion concert. The band reunited for a special performance at the Blossom Music Center, marking a significant moment for both the band and their fans.
Nine Inch Nails Held Secret Rehearsals
“We had secret rehearsals out in LA, and we did a 30-minute set of songs only from Pretty Hate Machine and Broken, focusing on our early material,” Vrenna said. “During the show, the lights went down after their main set, and as Trent played something on the piano, our equipment was quietly brought on stage. When we started playing, the reaction from the crowd was incredible. I’ve never heard 30,000 people that loud in my life.”
All The Original Nine Inch Nails Members Reunited
Vrenna said what was great about the concert was that it brought together the original members, including Richard Patrick, Danny Lohner, and Charlie Clouser, along with the current lineup. He said the experience was surreal and emotionally charged, showing how the deep connection to the music with the fans.
For anyone who missed the event, the performance is below, capturing this historic night’s raw energy and excitement. This reunion not only celebrated the band’s past but also showcased their lasting impact on the music world.
nine inch nails full concert from Blossom music theater in Ohio
another angle of nine inch nails full concert from Blossom music theater
nine inch nails - wish live in Cleveland
nine inch nails rock hall interview
chris vrenna's talkin' rock with meltdown interview
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
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