Trent Reznor says he's still Nine Inch Nails

Trent's no clown. Not like some people
Trent's no clown. Not like some people (Image credit: BOGDAN BOROWIAK/epa/Corbis)

Last week we reported on Nine Inch Nails' last ever US tour dates. But that doesn't mean you've seen the last of Trent Reznor. Or Nine Inch Nails for that matter.

In an interview with the Phillipines' Daily Enquirer, Reznor explains that his decision to get off the road is based on a myriad of reasons, but mostly so he can focus more on the band, outside production work and possibly some non-musical projects.

"What I specifically said or meant to convey is that NIN as a touring live band or live band that's on the road all the time is stopping. I've just reached the point...where it has invaded every other aspect of my life," says Reznor.

Live shows equal paychecks (well, not always)

"I'd never want to be Gene Simmons, an old man who puts on makeup to entertain kids, like a clown going to work" Trent Reznor, listing one reason for quitting touring

Reznor says that he has numerous projects he's been toying with, but because of record industry math he's had to keep them on hold. "The only way to get a paycheck is to play live," he says. (Well, not exactly: the now label-free Reznor made a small fortune releasing Nine Inch Nails' Ghosts I-V on his own last year.)

No love for Gene Simmons

In the interview, Reznor also admits that his reasons for leaving the road have as much for what he doesn't want to be, namely a certain long-tongued member of KISS.

"I'd never want to be Gene Simmons, an old man who puts on makeup to entertain kids, like a clown going to work. In my paranoia, I fear that if I don't stop this, it could become that

Sounds as if part of that paranoia has something to do with Reznor's feelings about clowns. Last month he called his one protege Marilyn Manson a "dopey clown." Maybe he needs to take some time off and hit the big top.

(Source: Rolling Stone)

Joe Bosso

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar WorldGuitar PlayerMusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.