Bowie and Reznor. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor grew up idolizing David Bowie, and then was given the chance to tour alongside him in the late ‘90s, as well as star in Bowie’s “I’m Afraid of Americans” video. In Rolling Stone’s new David Bowie tribute issue, Reznor reflects on the experience of working with the iconic musician, calling it “validating and surreal.” Around that same time, Reznor began abusing drugs and alcohol to deal with his newfound fame. In the issue, Reznor recalls Bowie telling him, “You know, there is a better way here, and it doesn’t have to end in despair or in death, in the bottom.” Once Reznor got sober, he had another encounter with Bowie. He writes: