Nine Inch Nails officially announced new bassist Stu “Bassie” Brooks during their recent performance, marking a significant addition to the iconic industrial rock band. The announcement was made through a post shared on Instagram.
The band revealed the new lineup during their “Peel It Back 2026” tour, specifically during Night One in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“Peel It Back 2026, Night One, New Orleans, LA. ‘Non-Entity.’ Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Robin Finck, and introducing Stu Brooks,” Nine Inch Nails wrote in the caption of their post.
Brooks expressed his enthusiasm about joining the legendary band and working alongside its established members.
“I’m feeling excited! It’s such a huge honor to play with these musicians and have this opportunity,” Stu Brooks said about his new role.
This announcement comes as Nine Inch Nails continues their 2026 tour with their newly expanded lineup.
Brooks brings extensive experience to Nine Inch Nails. He has established himself as a versatile musician across multiple genres and high-profile collaborations.
Guitar World reported that Brooks is a Grammy-nominated bassist who co-founded Dub Trio and has collaborated with major artists including Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, and 50 Cent. His musical versatility extends beyond bass performance, as he also appeared on Danny Elfman’s 2021 album “Big Mess” and has sat in with the Saturday Night Live house band.
The New Orleans performance featured a comprehensive 21-track setlist that showcased both classic Nine Inch Nails material and rare selections. Guitar World noted that the show opened with “Something I Can Never Have” on the B-stage and included “Non-Entity” for the first time since 2009. The setlist also featured fan favorites like “Wish,” “March of the Pigs,” and “Reptile.”
Brooks’ distinctive sound is characterized by his thick, dub-influenced bass tone. He achieves this through heavy strings and specialized equipment. Guitar World detailed that his setup includes pedals like the EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander, which helps shape his unique sonic signature that complements Nine Inch Nails’ industrial sound.
The addition of Brooks represents a significant moment for Nine Inch Nails as they continue to evolve their lineup while maintaining their core creative vision under the leadership of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
