Nine Inch Nails Thrill Fans with Depeche Mode’s ‘Stripped’ Snippet and First ‘Non-Entity’ Performance in 17 Years

Nine Inch Nails surprised fans by blending Depeche Mode’s classic into their set and reviving ‘Non-Entity’ after nearly two decades.

A Night to Remember: Nine Inch Nails Opens with a Depeche Mode Twist

If you were lucky enough to catch Nine Inch Nails’ recent show in New Orleans on February 5, 2026, you know it was a night packed with unexpected musical gems. The band kicked off with a special rendition of ‘Something I Can Never Have,’ but with a twist—a snippet of Depeche Mode’s iconic track ‘Stripped’ woven seamlessly into the mix. This wasn’t just a cool nod; it marked the tour debut of this unique fusion, instantly setting the tone for a thrilling night.

Adding to the excitement, Nine Inch Nails dusted off ‘Non-Entity,’ a song they hadn’t performed live since 2009. Both of these songs, alongside a version of ‘Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now),’ were delivered from the B-stage, giving fans an intimate and raw experience of the band’s range.

Trent Reznor commanding the stage during the New Orleans show.

Peel It Back Tour: A New Chapter with Familiar Faces

This performance was part of the second North American leg of Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Peel It Back’ world tour—their first in the US since 2022. Notably, this was the first show with bassist Stu Brooks taking over from Alessandro Cortini, adding a fresh dynamic to the band’s live sound. The lineup included Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Robin Finck, and the new addition, Stu Brooks, blending decades of experience with new energy.

Watching the band from their B-stage felt like a secret session—intimate yet electrifying. Fans took to social media, expressing their disbelief and joy at hearing that Depeche Mode classic live from Trent Reznor himself:

“I CAN’T BELIEVE TRENT REZNOR FUCKING SANG A SNIPPET OF ‘STRIPPED’ BY DEPECHE MODE. I’M LITERALLY LOSING MY MIND OVER THIS. HOW IS THIS REAL? OH MY GOD.” — kath ☆ saw depeche mode !!! (@p0licyoftruth_)

The excitement was palpable, and rightly so. Moments like these remind us why live music continues to be an irreplaceable experience.

Catch the Magic: Watch the Opening Songs from New Orleans

For those who couldn’t make it to the show, here’s a glimpse of the magic yourself. The footage captures the band’s opening songs, showcasing the blend of classic Nine Inch Nails with a touch of Depeche Mode flair, all performed in the intimate setting of the B-stage at the Smoothie King Arena.

Peel It Back Tour’s Journey: From Europe to North America

Before lighting up New Orleans, Nine Inch Nails had rocked the UK and Europe during the summer of 2025. Their Mad Cool Festival performance in Madrid was a perfect showcase of their impeccable live prowess. Critics praised the band’s ability to balance their legendary legacy with fresh energy:

“From the exquisite visuals (which, even in their calmest moments, still blow some of the biggest names out of the water) to their effortless on-stage rapport and the sheer quality of their live sound, this sensational outing is vintage Nails. Welcome back, guys. We’ve missed you.”

That sentiment rang true across all their shows. With mesmerizing stage production and setlists that dive deep into their catalog, Nine Inch Nails reminded everyone why they remain one of industrial rock’s defining acts.

New Music on the Horizon

Amid all the touring excitement, there’s good news brewing for fans hungry for fresh tunes. Late last year, rumors surfaced that Nine Inch Nails are prioritizing new music. Vocalist Trent Reznor shared in a recent interview:

“We are working on new stuff and we’re excited to work on it, and we are prioritising working on Nine Inch Nails over just taking on every single thing that comes up in the other category.”

This focus suggests the band is gearing up for another creative chapter, which is thrilling given their last album, the surprise double LP ‘Ghosts V-VI’, dropped in 2020 as a free download during the pandemic. Since then, Reznor and collaborator Atticus Ross have been busy scoring films like Challengers, Empire of Light, and TRON: Ares—their knack for atmospheric soundscapes remains unmatched.

A Night Etched in Fans’ Memories

The New Orleans show wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of Nine Inch Nails’ enduring influence and their ability to connect with fans old and new. The blend of nostalgic tracks like ‘Non-Entity’ with unexpected treats like the ‘Stripped’ snippet made this a night that fans will talk about for years. The energy, the surprises, and the craftsmanship all came together in a way that only Nine Inch Nails can deliver.

FAQ

• How long had it been since ‘Non-Entity’ was last performed live?
  ‘Non-Entity’ was performed live for the first time in 17 years, last played in 2009.
• What made the New Orleans show unique for Nine Inch Nails?
  It was the first show with bassist Stu Brooks and featured rare tracks including a Depeche Mode snippet.
• Which Depeche Mode song did Nine Inch Nails incorporate?
  They incorporated a snippet of ‘Stripped’ into their performance of ‘Something I Can Never Have.’
• Are Nine Inch Nails working on new music?
  Yes, Trent Reznor confirmed the band is prioritizing new music creation.
• What other projects have Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross been involved in recently?
  They have been composing scores for films such as Challengers, Empire of Light, and TRON: Ares.

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