The band known as Nine Inch Nails was formed in 1988 by Trent Reznor. After their first record Pretty Hate Machine was released in 1991, a successful slot on that year's Lollapalooza tour gained the band sudden fame among college-aged fans. A follow-up EP in 1992 garnered the band its first Grammy nommination and subsequent win.

In 1994, NIN became a household name with the critical and commercial success of The Downward Spiral. Along with a blistering mud-caked performace at the 1994 Woodstock Music Festival, NIN found itself criss-crossing the globe on world tours, playing sold-out shows in stadiums and gaining a massive fanbase.

Only to disappear until the release of The Fragile in 1999. While the album was critically acclaimed, the two-disc album sprawled into soundscapes and mental misery. Nearly five more years would pass before NIN burst back onto the music scene with the release of [With_Teeth], a return to more rock-driven songs.

Within a year NIN would release its latest album Year Zero, a concept record set in a "alternative reality game".

After nearly 20 years in the music business, in October 2007, NIN became free of their contract with Interscope, allowing for new and inventive ways to release their music.

On March 2nd, 2008, Trent Reznor did just that by releasing Halo 26: Ghosts I-IV, a double instrumental album, via the internet. For just $5 fans can download the 36-track album in digital formats.

Hot on the heels of Ghosts I-IV, Reznor and NIN released The Slip on May 5th, 2008. The 10-track album was a first in the history of a music release: Utterly free. Trent invited fans to download the album on him, with a physical release planned for July 2008.

Once again NIN changed the way music is made, recorded, and released to the listener.

During tours to support albums, NIN becomes a live band and requires musicians to tour along side Trent Reznor. Over the years, NIN has developed a 'revolving door' policy involving live musicians. Some have stayed for several 'tours of duty', while others have disappeared after a short stint.

Several of these musicians have played with other major bands, both before and after NIN. Others have gone on to have successful careers post-NIN in the music industry scoring television and films.

Touring Musicians
Alex Carapetis - drummer, 2005
Charlie Clouser - keyboards/synthesizer, 1995-2000
Alessandro Cortini - keyboards/synthesizer, 2005-present
Jerome Dillon - drummer, 1999-2005
Josh Freese - drummer, 2005-present
Robin Finck - guitarist, 1994-2000 & 2008-present
Danny Lohner - bassist/keyboards/guitar, 1994-2000
Justin Meldal-Johnson - bassist, 2008-present
Aaron North - guitarist, 2005-2007
Richard Patrick - guitarist, 1989-1993
Jeff Ward - drummer, 1991
Jeordie White - bassist/guitarist, 2005-2007
James Woolley - keyboards/synthesizer, 1991-1995
Chris Vrenna - drummer/programmer, 1987-1990 & 1992-1996