Trent Reznor surprised fans during a recent Nine Inch Nails concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by suggesting that the band’s current “Peel It Back” tour might be their final run. The industrial metal legends were performing at the BOK Center on Friday, February 27, when the frontman took a moment to reflect on their long history in the city.
Looking back at their early days, Reznor shared a heartfelt memory about playing a much smaller Tulsa venue decades ago.
“I think one of the first times we played here, I think maybe it was Cain’s Ballroom, like 80 years ago…. I think we were opening for Peter Murphy… and we were playing ‘Head Like A Hole,’ and I could see someone in the back screaming the f**kin’ lyrics back at me, and I thought, ‘This is all I ever wanted in life, is to connect with somebody like that dude in the back [of the venue]. Anyway, that’s what I think of when I roll into Tulsa.”
He then casually dropped a massive piece of news regarding the band’s future on the road, leaving the audience stunned.
“I don’t know if we’re gonna be touring anymore after this, but I’m proud of the show that we’re doing right now. And I’m f**kin’ grateful that you’ve chosen to spend your evening with us tonight. Thank you very much.”
While an official retirement from touring hasn’t been heavily promoted, scaling back wouldn’t be entirely unexpected. Reznor, now in his 60s, dedicates a massive amount of his time to award-winning film and television composing alongside Nine Inch Nails bandmate Atticus Ross. The band previously stepped away from the road following their 2009 “Wave Goodbye” tour before eventually returning to the stage in 2013.
Even if the live shows come to an end, the studio output appears to be alive and well. Late last year, Reznor assured fans that new music was still a major focus for the group.
“We are working on new stuff and we’re excited to work on it, and we are prioritizing working on Nine Inch Nails over just taking on every single thing that comes up in the other category. The fuse has been lit and the desire is there.”
The current trek, featuring support from Boys Noize, runs through mid-March before concluding with two special Coachella performances under the collaborative moniker Nine Inch Noize.
Remaining 2026 Tour Dates:
- 03/03 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
- 03/06 – Glendale, AZ @ Desert Diamond Arena
- 03/07 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
- 03/09 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
- 03/10 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
- 03/13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center
- 03/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
- 03/16 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
- 04/10 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival (performing as Nine Inch Noize)
- 04/17 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Music Festival (performing as Nine Inch Noize)
