Nine Inch Nails, the iconic industrial rock band headlined by frontman and multi-instrumentalist Trent Reznor and frequent collaborator Atticus Ross (who, as a duo, have contributed to some of the greatest scores in film history), returned to Houston on Sept. 12, delivering a career-spanning performance at the Toyota Center. During the show, Reznor paid tribute to one of Houston’s most famous clubs, Numbers, reminiscing on the band’s days performing at the iconic location in Montrose.
After highlighting how good drummer Josh Freese is (jokingly pointing out he missed a cymbal just a couple of minutes beforehand), and shouting out the rest of the band, Reznor addressed the older folks in the Toyota Center crowd, for some reminiscing on the good ol’ days.
“While we are reminiscing, anyone of the older people in the audience, have you ever seen us at Numbers?” Reznor asked, while the crowd erupted as soon as the iconic club was mentioned.
“We toured around the country about 500 times in a van, we played Numbers I don’t know, 10, five, many times. It was always one of the best crowds and the coolest city. Thanks to many of you who have survived. Thanks for coming out tonight,” Reznor continued before introducing the next song.
The shout-out was completely warranted, as evidenced by the warm reception from the crowd. The comments are filled with people who experienced Nine Inch Nails shows at the Montrose venue, and those who just wanted to sing the praises of the iconic club and walk down memory lane.
“Numbers is Houston’s saving grace,” one fan wrote.
“I was at the show in 1990 at Numbers. The plumbing broke. Amazing,” another commenter reminisced.
The love for Numbers runs deep, for Nine Inch Nails, Houstonians and the countless people who drove hours to catch a show in Montrose. Numbers Nightclub, which opened in 1978, is one of the oldest dance and music venues in the U.S. It has been a hub of Houston’s alternative and counterculture scene, providing a safe space for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Along with NIN, Numbers has showcased acts such as REM, Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Grace Jones, Soundgarden, The Cure and many, many more.
Numbers has been recognized as one of the most influential and iconic venues not only in Houston but also throughout the entire country. It was named one of the 50 best small venues in the United States in 2016.
Numbers has love for Reznor as well. Reznor’s face is aptly painted on the outside wall of Numbers itself, a nod to the countless acts that have performed there and been inspired by the industrial sounds of NIN.
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