RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE drummer Brad Wilk says that the band will not tour or play any more shows
Earlier today (Wednesday, January 3), Wilk posted the following message to his Instagram: “I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all the canceled RATM shows. I don’t want to string people or myself along any further.
“I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all the canceled RATM shows. I don’t want to string people or myself along any further.
“So while there has been some communication that this may be happening in the future… I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will not be touring or playing live again.
“I’m sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this to happen. I really wish it was…”
In November of last year, guitarist Tom Morello stood as the lone representative from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE during the band’s induction ceremony at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Ice-T, the pioneering rapper and frontman of BODY COUNT, had the honor of inducting Morello, along with singer Zack De La Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk into the Rock Hall.
In his acceptance speech, Morello said: “I am deeply grateful for the musical chemistry I’ve had the good fortune to share with Brad Wilk, Tim Commerford and Zach De La Rocha. Like most bands, we have differing perspectives on a lot of things, including about being inducted into the Rock Hall.
“The reason we are here and the best way to celebrate this music is for you to carry on that mission and that message. The lesson I’ve learned from RAGE fans is that music can change the world daily.”
Morello continued: “The job we set out to do is not over. Now you’re the ones that must testify. If you’ve got a boss, join a union. If you’re a student, start an underground paper. If you’re an anarchist, throw a brick. If you’re a soldier or a cop, follow your conscience not your orders. If you’re bummed out that you didn’t get to see RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, then form your own band, and let’s hear what you have to say.
“When protest music is done right,” Morello added, “you can hear a new world emerging in the songs.”
The induction into the Rock Hall was a culmination for RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, following their appearance on six separate ballots.
Unfortunately, in October 2022, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE had to cancel their North American tour. The cancellation came three months after De La Rocha suffered a left Achilles tendon injury, leaving only eight inches of the tendon intact.
The highly anticipated comeback tour for RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, initially announced in 2019 and repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic, marked the first time the reunited rap-metal quartet hit the road together since 2011.
Towards the end of 2022, Tim Commerford disclosed that he has been grappling with prostate cancer, adding another layer of challenges for the band.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, formed in Los Angeles in 1991, were a pioneering force in the realm of rap-metal and alternative rock.
Fueled by a fervent commitment to social and political activism, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1992. The record’s potent mix of De La Rocha‘s incendiary lyrics addressing systemic injustices, Morello‘s innovative guitar riffs, and the rhythm section’s thunderous energy created a unique sound that resonated with a diverse audience. Songs like “Killing in the Name” and “Bullet in the Head” showcased their unapologetic approach, earning them widespread acclaim.
Known for their confrontational and rebellious spirit, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE continued to challenge societal norms and corporate influence with subsequent albums like “Evil Empire” (1996) and “The Battle of Los Angeles” (1999). Their thought-provoking lyrics and fusion of rap, punk, and metal elements set them apart in the music landscape. Despite a hiatus in the early 2000s, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE reunited in 2007 and has since played sporadic shows, leaving an enduring impact on the world of alternative music and activism.
Unfortunately, it seems that we may have seen the last of the iconic band in a live setting, making their last run of dates all that more poignant.
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