Buzzworthy: How about a Valentine's date with Nine Inch Nails?

By Steven Hyden for Appleton Post-Crescent on February 9, 2006

Nothing says romance like "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails. Unfortunately, that kind of romance isn't quotable in a family newspaper. (If you don't know the song, find somebody between the ages of 13 and 30 and watch them blush.)

Attention lovers: You can look longingly into each others' eyes as Trent Reznor croons sweet nothings about animals live Tuesday, Valentine's Day, at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.

A Nine Inch Nails concert on the most romantic day of the year? Seriously? The announcement seemed like a joke when it came down a few months ago. A pivotal band in the 1990s doom and gloom industrial rock movement, NIN is about as sweet as a candy box filled with sulfuric acid. That could explain why the show has sold about 3,300 tickets, less than half the venue's capacity.

Arena officials think decent walk-up business could push attendance past 4,000, still far below blockbuster numbers but respectable in this market for an aging but still-edgy alt-rock band.

Maybe Trent Reznor is the perfect antidote for singles suffering through another lonely love day.

So, is booking Nine Inch Nails on Valentine's Day an advantage or disadvantage for the Resch Center? Terry Charles, spokesman for arena manager PMI, isn't sure.

"That's a good question. I don't know," he said. "The average couple going out for a romantic evening, I don't think they're going to Nine Inch Nails. But that's just how the cards fell for the show."

If you are headed to the concert, expect a pat down from security at the door. Any large chains, spiked bracelets or chain wallets will be excluded. And, no, a similar warning wasn't issued before the Larry the Cable Guy concert.

Tickets are .50, plus fees, and available through Oneida Casino Ticket Star at 800-895-0071, www.ticketstaronline.com and Cub Foods in Appleton.

View the NIN Hotline article index