Genres: Alternative/Indie,Soundtracks,RockRage Against the Machine were one America’s most politically active rock band. The bands music comes from the aggressive hurried freestyle rapping of Zack De La Rocha and the guitar chords which is a mix of hard rock and hip hop from virtuoso Tom Morello.
Rage Against The Machine – Political Rap Rock Rebels
“A couple of months ago, those fascist m****f*** at the Fox News Network attempted to pin this band into a corner by suggesting that we said that the president should be assassinated. Nah, what we said was that he should be brought to trial as a war criminal and hung and shot” - Zack De La Rocha
The Rage and the Power
Rage Against the Machine were one America’s most politically active rock band. The bands music comes from the aggressive hurried freestyle rapping of Zack De La Rocha and the guitar chords which is a mix of hard rock and hip hop from virtuoso Tom Morello. The bands albums have sold over 10 million copies in the US. At their best they have taken on both the Republican and Democratic Party conventions with their rabble rousing rock concerts and impromptu protest marches.
The Movement Starts
In 1991 Tom Morello connected with Zack De La Rocha after watching him perform at a club, he then recruited drummer Brad Wilk. Zack brought in his friend Tim Commerford, this completed the line up. The band name was taken from one of Zack De La Rocha’s songs. Their performance gained them cult following and they signed with Epic Records.
The Rage Empire
The self titled debut album was released in 1992. The album peaked at No. 45 and hailed by the critics as one of the most original bands around with a great future. the cover art drew massive attention at featured a Vietnamese monk who burnt himself to death in protest. The album eventually sold 3 million copies in the US. It was certified Gold in the UK.
After heavy touring and constant rumors of a break up, the band released with a masterpiece. “Evil Empire” debut straight to No.1 on the US charts. The song “Bulls for Parade” was one of their signature tunes. The album has sold 3 million copies in the US.
The Battle within
After a live album, they released “The Battle for Los Angeles” their second masterpiece which also debut No. 1 on the US charts. In Oct 2000, De La Rocha announced he was leaving the band due to differences with the rest of the members. The released a platinum certified album of cover versions called “Renegades”
The rest of the band roped in Chris Cornell of the iconic Soundgarden to start a hugely successful band called Audioslave. The band disbanded in 2007. By 2008 rumors started floating the Rage Against the Machine were getting back together. The band reunited for a sold out reunion tour starting at the Coachella Arts and Music Festival
Did You Know: Rage Against the Machine opened for the legendary U2’s iconic PopMart tour
Did You Know: On Sept 3 2008, the band played a concert at the Target center in St. Paul in protest to the Republican National Convention. A 102 people were arrested and the riot police had to end the show.
Did You Know: The Black flag with the red star has become a symbol for the band art, used as a background for their stage shows. The flag is the symbol for the revolutionary party of