Trent Reznor thinks Kanye West and The Weeknd ‘ripped off’ Nine Inch Nails’ live shows

The frontman claims they both know that they've 'ripped off' the band

Trent Reznor has hit out at Kanye West and The Weeknd after claiming that the artists have ‘ripped off’ Nine Inch Nails‘ live shows.

The frontman says both West and The Weeknd have taken elements from his band’s production during their previous tours.

Reznor speaks of “screens and experimental production techniques,” adding, “I remember us watching a string of bands on Coachella from the comfort of our couch. And every band has a video playing behind them. And every band is synced up with a convenient, polite lighting package, you know?”

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Speaking with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6 Music, he continued: “And I saw Kanye West blatantly rip off–and the Weeknd rip off– our tours production-wise, which I’ll say without any hesitation. And they know.”

Reznor also spoke of the band’s plans for their current tour and how they adapted production on their live shows. “When I think back to the Cure, when I saw them for the first time in the mid-’80s, or Jesus and Mary Chain when we opened for them, and all I remember of that was smoke, maybe a color, a little bit of someone’s hair, and real, real loud guitars.

“That’s exciting and I don’t see that happening much. So we went the opposite of the arms race we had been in of immersive, technological-based production… It’s music being played somewhat sloppily with an element of danger and uncertainty and unpredictability. That became the template for what we’re doing now.” You can see a clip of the interview below. The full chat will air tomorrow (June 27) at 12pm UK time on BBC Radio 6 Music.

Last week (June 24), Reznor praised Donald Glover, saying he is “significantly blown away” by his “thing”.

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I mean, I think Atlanta‘s fucking genius. That’s won me over, this guy’s smart. I’m watching Community. I listened to a couple Childish Gambino things and it wasn’t what I was expecting,” he said. “I’m impressed.”

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