"Don't open your eyes you won't like what you see

The blind have been blessed with security

Don't open your eyes, take it from me

I have found

You can find

Happiness in slavery"  (Nine Inch Nails)

This July, I will be 30, and to celebrate I am going to see Nine Inch Nails at the O2 in London. Over the past two or three years I’ve seen NIN a few times in this country, as well as abroad. I am pretty passionate about this band for a number of reasons, not least because of Trent Reznor’s talent, honesty, attitude towards intellectual property and artistic freedom, smart use of digital media, and the collaborative relationship he cultivates with his fans. Yes, I’m also a sucker for a man with intelligence and integrity.

Wikipedia describes NIN’s music as “industrial rock/industrial metal/alternative rock”, so you can imagine it won’t be to everyone’s taste. But, probably in part due to our listening to it since before she was born, the Jenklett absolutely loves NIN. She is living proof that people do not have to learn to dance: there is some kind of inbuilt switch that trips when the right music is played.

So, as with most things, NIN is something of a family affair for us, which is why the Jenklett – who will be approaching 2 at the time - also has a ticket for July’s gig. Shock! Horror! Parental neglect! Child sacrifice to the music of the devil! Call the authorities!

Well, I just don’t see what the fuss is about. There are always sensible places to sit (along with the other people who take their children to NIN – and there are lots of them), she has ear protectors, and most importantly I know that she is going to go WILD with excitement when the show begins. If she wasn't going to enjoy it, we wouldn't take her.

And so, to all of those people who are falling over themselves and their copies of the Daily Mail to tell me that I can’t do that, because that’s not what toddlers do, I am telling you – yes I can, and yes, some of them really do.

(Debs blogged about similar the other day here).