The 'NINJA' tour kicked it in Denver

Nine Inch Nails and Janes Addiction rock out Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre

May 26, 2009

In a surprisingly different order of appearance than expected, Nine Inch Nails opened up the night for Jane's Addiction. It’s unclear why, when it is after all, Nine Inch Nails' last tour, ever. Either way, a stellar performance by Jane's Addiction justified giving them the closing spot.

At this point, a paramount display of musicianship and stage presence is only expected from NIN lead vocalist Trent Reznor, and his band. However, the unlikely opener exceeded their usual and notoriously energetic reputation. 

For both bands, it all seemed to just come together. The weather held up, and the sold out Fiddler's Green didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded.

Perhaps it was the good vibe set by the opener for both bands, Street Sweeper Social Club, that got things going so nicely.  Street Sweeper is the band of Rage Against the Machine’s guitarist Tom Morello.

While Reznor said his thank you’s and goodbye’s to Denver, Jane's Addiction lead, Perry Farrell, talked a little friendly trash.  Given that Jane's Addiction is from Los Angeles, and The L.A. Lakers are in a tied up Western Conference Championship series against the Denver Nuggets, it was only appropriate.

“You won’t be mad when we beat you, right?” a smirking Farrell shouted out into a riled up crowd. “It’s okay, music is above sport, right?!”

We shall see, Farrell, we shall see.