In pictures: A unique look back at Nine Inch Nails’ Downward Spiral era and Self-Destruct Tour

As part of the continued marking of the 30th anniversary of Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral, photography exhibitors Behind The Gallery have announced Jonathan Rach: Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral Exhibition, a special display dedicated to the band to take place in London from October 16 – 20.

Bringing together classic and unseen images by photographer Jonathan Rach taken on the band’s Self-Destruct Tour that followed the record’s release, as well as later shots, it promises a unique look back at NIN’s breakthrough era through the lens of someone close to and involved with the band.

“To be able to show this collection of photography after some 25 years and see how fans connected to them has been such a rewarding and unexpected gift,” says Jonathan. “I am looking forward to meeting everyone and showing some of the new images I’ve recently found and talking about these captured moments in music history as part of the celebration in London.”

Ahead of the gallery, Jonathan has kindly offered to walk Kerrang! through some of the exhibition’s key images and tell the stories behind them.

“I was trying to get a good shot of Trent during the performance of Hurt, which is somewhat dominated by the front of house projectors. I decided to go onstage behind him to see if I could get anything. It was turning out to be a disadvantaged location because of the glaring lights from the projectors. Eventually, I positioned myself just behind Trent and for a brief moment he blocked the lights, and I was able to take the shot. To my surprise, when I got the film back, I had captured him right at the moment the image of the boy was on the screen. To me this image represents a more sombre side of the performances, and it just felt powerful.”

“We walked into the theatre to do the soundcheck, and while waiting for the set-up Trent sat out in the theatre to get some well-deserved rest. His bodyguard at the time had gone over to check on him. To me, it was a moment Trent just wanted to be left alone.”

“Onstage, Enigma came across as a frightening freak. He ate glass, swallowed swords, and would breathe fire. Backstage, when I finally got a chance to talk to him, he was actually a soft-spoken, gentle soul. While talking to him, I got the impression this was his way of dealing with some of his issues, perhaps being so soft-spoken.”

“This shot was taken right before they went back onstage for an encore. The area was completely dark, and I put the flash on to see if I could get anything. They were all sitting in complete darkness – couldn’t even see each other. I took the picture not being able to see the subject. When I got the image back their postures spoke to me as they waited to go back onstage.”

“In this image, I liked the way the colours bleed and it just made for interesting eyes on Trent. The overall feel of the shot, with all its imperfections; blurry and bleeding colours, just spoke to me. This moment was captured during the song Reptile.”

“I wanted to capture Trent at the keyboards and include the design of the stand. The result was a sort of larger-than-life moment. It just has a great feel to it, and I was pleased to see Stephen and Behind The Gallery make a poster out of it for the Melbourne event.”

“Trent took a break in between lyrics and looked back. The lighting lined up and I was able to capture a sort of portrait shot.”

“This image is from the Hollywood Palladium shows in 2018. I love how it captures all the electronic gear – a machinery shop of wires and cables. Coupled with the well-crafted songs, this emphasises Trent’s ability to create emotionally connectable pieces.”

“This shot was taken in 2018 using digital photography. Because of that, it would normally have been a lost image. After pushing the light, the image seemed to capture a feel that was fit for that tour. This was later used as the poster on the European dates.”

Jonathan Rach: Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral Exhibition will go on show for the first time in the UK at 2 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6NU from October 16 – 20.

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