[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whVtrLrTWwE[/youtube]
Today, Nine Inch Nails is considered as one of the most influential industrial rock groups, while many view mastermind Trent Reznor as a musical hero. But there was a time when even NIN had to hit the promotion rounds hard; hence Reznor and co.’s late 80’s performance on the cable TV dance program Dance Party USA.
And for some reason, video of Nine Inch Nails performing “Down In It” (the first single off of Pretty Hate Machine) on Dance Party USA has just recently surfaced online. In fact, fans’ responses have led to Reznor himself commenting on the TV show performance. Here’s what he had to recall via a series of tweets last night (March 28):
“Many years ago, a young and naive Nine Inch Nails were asked what TV shows they’d be interested in appearing on. As a joke (and likely drunk), they thought of the most absurd choice they could come up with at the time.
They were then informed their bluff had been called and were actually booked on said show (thanks again Sioux Z). They hopped in their Honda Civic touring vehicle (hatchback) and travelled many miles to (I think) NJ for the big show.
They had a laugh making fun of the people, their fashion choices and hairstyles. Life was good. Years later, the internet is discovered… There’s a moral in there somewhere.”
Reznor then went on to tweet “Come to think of it, Skrillex may indeed owe me some publishing on that hairdo…” It should be noted, though, that Dance Party USA was actually shot live-to-tape in the Philadelphia, PA/ New Jersey area, and aired on the USA Network from 1986 to 1992.
You can watch video of Nine Inch Nails performing “Down In It” on Dance Party USA (which is an interesting contrast to the song’s music video) above. It’s cool that Reznor can look back and laugh at the (somewhat embarrassing) TV appearance. Then again, this still isn’t Reznor’s most embarrassing performance caught on film.
[via The PRP]
