Nine Inch Nails Introduce Stu Brooks as Touring Bassist in New Orleans
Nine Inch Nails launched their 2026 run with a notable lineup update on stage in New Orleans, revealing that bassist Stu Brooks has joined the band’s touring crew. The move was unveiled at the opening night of the group’s “Peel It Back Tour” at the Smoothie King Arena, as fans saw Brooks step in to cover the low-end duties.
Brooks’ first appearance was not widely announced in advance, but Bass Magazine reported that he has been rehearsing with Nine Inch Nails for months and that the reveal came during the tour’s first show in New Orleans. Before taking the stage, Brooks told the publication, “I’m feeling excited! It’s such a huge honor to play with these musicians and have this opportunity.”
The Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based musician is known for work across multiple projects, including Dub Trio, and has credits with artists such as Danny Elfman and Dominic Fike, among others. The Bass Magazine report also described Brooks as a two-time Grammy-nominated bassist, producer and songwriter, while noting he will be playing bass, guitar and keyboards as part of the touring lineup.
The addition comes as Nine Inch Nails continue to maintain a high profile around Trent Reznor’s projects, including a recent Alternative Nation report in which a Nine Inch Nails cameo in Tron: Ares was revealed amid the band’s broader activity.
With the tour now underway, the question for fans will be how Brooks’ playing shapes the live sound across the North American dates scheduled through March. The New Orleans debut suggests Nine Inch Nails are treating the new lineup as a key part of the next chapter of their live show.
