Trent Reznor paid tribute to the late David Bowie, citing him both as a musical inspiration and as a friend and mentor.
Speaking to the Consequence of Sound website before participating in the A Bowie celebration: just for one day live tribute concert, Reznor is effusive in his praise for the visionary English musician, who was born on this day (January 8) in 1947.
“In terms of chronology, it was the Scary monsters album I [first] took notice of Bowie’s music, ”says Reznor. “None of my friends were a big Bowie fan. But there was something about Scary monsters … really resonated. So I started to go back and forth in your catalog at that time. And then, in the coming years, I had the pleasure of spending Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust and Station to Station. He really started to become the best archetype for someone who has a fantastic voice and was kind of an actor pretending to be a rock star, in a way, that seemed to give him the ability to reinvent himself in ways that seemed like he would need to a lot of courage to succeed in something and then throw it away and try something new ”.
As Nine Inch Nails began to receive global attention with the Pretty Hate Machine Reznor says he considered Bowie as a touchstone for the idea of staying true as an artist: “There was that kind of influence at a distance, at the fan level, in addition to the music connecting emotionally with me,” he explains.
In the future, Nine Inch Nails supported Bowie in his ’95 / ’96 Outside tour, with the two men often sharing the stage to perform together and become friends. At a time when Reznor was looking into the abyss, suffering from depression and nurturing a heroin addiction, Bowie’s concern and guidance were a source of strength.
“What really impressed me the most was that I was addicted to drugs and kind of going into the bathroom,” says Reznor. “And he was on the other side for coming out of it. And there were the few moments of an older brother / father when he would call me aside and kind of pick on me: You need to compose yourself. It doesn’t have to end there. He didn’t say that, but look where he was. He was happy. He was still taking a chance. “
The lead singer of Nine Inch Nails says he still thinks of Bowie “all the time” and still regularly listens to the singer’s music.
“I am grateful that our lives have crossed, and I am grateful – whether he knew it or not – how much he helped me in those dark times before I decided to pull myself together,” he acknowledges. “And I can hear your voice. It penetrated through the layers of bullshit that I built around me. I am grateful for that. “
Reznor will participate in the concert to honor his friend and mentor in the evening.
Hosted by Mike Garson, the oldest member of David Bowie’s band, the A Bowie Celebration … event will feature a number of rock stars, including Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Ian Astbury (The Cult), Mott The Hoople’s Ian Hunter and Ground Control, a new band with Corey Taylor alongside Dave Navarro and Taylor Hawkins.
They will join former students of Bowie bands, from their self-titled 1969 album to their latest album, Blackstar, including childhood friend of singer Peter Frampton and Rick Wakeman. Bowie’s music producer Tony Visconti will also participate.
Starting at 6 pm PT / 2 am GMT, the three-hour show will be available to ticket holders for 24 hours after its initial broadcast. Event organizers must donate $ 2 per ticket to Save the Children.