While the millions tune in yearly to watch award ceremonies like the Grammys and the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductions, the shows are basically just an advertisers wet dream and a way to boost ratings for corporations. But hey – people like 'em so we have to report on 'em.
Nine Inch Nails was one of the potential inductees for the hall of fame a few years back, and while they didn't get in, Trent Reznor says he "couldn't give less of a shit" about making it or not in an interview with Stereogum. Reznor cites that he's already been awarded a Grammy and it does absolutely nothing for him in terms of feeling accomplished about his career.
“I saw somebody write something online or comment on Twitter like, “What could be less rock and roll than the fuckin’ Hall Of Fame.” And that is authentically how I feel about it. I’ll say this: It’s nice to be appreciated. It’s nicer when it feels like that’s coming from a place that you care about. Like, a Grammy doesn’t mean a fuckin’ thing. It means a few assholes in a room that are trying to make a TV show have good ratings deciding, “Let’s give it to this guy.” It doesn’t feel like it has any meaning behind it.
The Oscar was completely unexpected. When you see what goes on behind the scenes there and the different guilds and how many people are involved and how seriously they take it, I’m still pretty blown away by that. I’m not saying there isn’t politics and bullshit involved too but it feels like it’s coming from a much more significant place and from the community that’s honoring you than a couple dudes trying to get ratings for a TV show like the Grammys.
Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, who knows what that is. I don’t give a shit. It’s irritating every year that suddenly my inbox lights up with, “Oh man, sorry about …” I don’t give a fuck! [Laughs] You know what I mean? I don’t … the worst would be if we did [get inducted] and then what? We’d have to fuckin’ show up and jam? I can’t even imagine what that would be.
I’m not saying this as sour grapes. I honestly couldn’t give less of a shit. I’m not gonna sleep any better. Included or not. With that being said, it’s always nice to feel you’ve been appreciated to some degree but it’s not on my list of things I have to achieve before I die.”
I guess it's nice to be told you're doing a good job by other people, but like Trent says – the awards don't really mean a ton and they're not going to help you sleep better at night.
