Nine Inch Nails played an insanely raucous yet beautiful show at The Forum in Inglewood, CA to close out the first leg of their Lights in the Sky Over North America Tour. I am very pleased to inform that I was invited to photograph the show by the man himself, none other than Trent Reznor. Without going into too many manic details, I received an email from TR earlier this week asking if I would like to come out to see the show. My intense skepticism wouldn’t let me believe that it was really him … but after a short volley of emails with Trent and his assistant, I managed to secure a photo pass to take pics of the show last night. Here are are some of my pics:

I cannot tell you how awesome it was to be up close to the action like I was last night. It was truly an amazing experience, one that I won’t soon forget. The show itself was just … beautiful. I cannot think of a word that so adequately expresses what I saw last night. Sonically, the show was as hard-hitting as ever but visually … I was stunned into silence. The Ghosts portion of the show was riveting … and seeing Nine Inch Nails put down most of their electronic instruments in lieu of more traditional instruments (a stand-up bass, xylophone, etc.) was just remarkable. I will never fully be able to comprehend the level of talent that Trent Reznor and his band bring to the stage night after night, month after month, year after year. Folks, TR has been doing this stuff for about 20 years now … and he hasn’t lost a damn thing. In fact, having seen many NIN shows thruout the ’90s, I contend that he has only gotten better. Truly, this show is amazing. I have to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to both Trent and his assistant Brett for taking such amazing care of me last night. A million times, thank you!!

In the crowd I got to meet Pink readers Nathan and Stacy, who I got to take a photo with:

As well as some lovely ladies who yelled out to me from the stands. It was really great meeting all of you :)

People, I must urge you to try and see this show when NIN comes back to the US for the second leg of the tour in November, December. It is an experience you don’t want to miss. I know for sure that I will be seeing it at least one more time, maybe two. Click HERE to find out if the boys will be coming your way in the coming months.

This afternoon, I will be at the Paramount Studios Lot for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. I’m not sure what to expect when I get there but I know that MTV is going to turn that mother out as they do year after year. Will Britney Spears surprise us all by performing? I guess we’ll find out in just a few short hours …