Zack de la Rocha Rejoins Rage Against the Machine for a Cause

[Earth_First]

The band plays its first concert in its hometown of Los Angeles in a decade, to support organizations opposed to Arizona's immigration law.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the rap metal band Rage Against the Machine is getting back together on North American soil for one night only at the Hollywood Palladium. The group, known for such songs as "Bulls on Parade" and "Killing in the Name," originally broke up in September of 2000, when lead singer Zack de la Rocha left the band, citing the often-used reason of "creative differences." But de la Rocha rejoined the band earlier this summer, touring with them in Europe, and now they're coming to Los Angeles in order to help support organizations against the highly controversial SB1070 immigration law in Arizona.

Part of a week of actions across the country courtesy of Alto Arizona, the concert is being organized by Sound Strike, an organization that wants artists to boycott the state of Arizona, and will also feature Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band. Sound Strike has support from other artists and musicians as well, with a coalition that includes Cypress Hill, Ozomatli and Kanye West. Regarding the controversial law, de la Rocha said at a press conference, as quoted in LA Weekly, "This is not a Latino or immigration issue. This is a battle for basic human dignity."

LA Weekly notes that "projected proceeds from the concert along with donations raised by The Sound Strike are expected to exceed over $300,000." You can learn more about Sound Strike at the website. And whatever you may think about the law, if you're a fan of the group, the fact that they're back together on US soil is certainly something to celebrate.

http://www.tonic.com/article/zack-de-la-rocha-rage-against-the-machine-reunite-arizona-immigration-law/

[Lithos]

1. K&R

If this were FB, I would say I like this...

Glad to see this!!! Was not aware he had rejoined earlier in Europe.

[asdjrocky]

2. Man I wish I could be there.

I'd love to see Rage one more time.

[Earth_First]

3. I had the opportunity to catch Beastie Boys and Rage double bill...

the night before Mike D broke his ankle and the thusly cancelled the performance the next night.

Never had the opportunity to see RATM...

[flvegan]

5. Collarbone.

He broke his collarbone. Mountain biking. I have borderline jealousy/hatred issues that you got to see them and my show was cancelled because of it. My first RATM show and my 10th or so Beasties.

[Earth_First]

8. No, I HAD the opportunity...

the show that was cancelled would have been my first.

[flvegan]

9. Ah shit.

Sorry. My mind read it that you saw them the night before the incident. See how jealousy and rage can skew the ole noggin?

[asdjrocky]

6. I caught that tour.

Amazing. Here's what's really weird, this song has been going through my head all day, and I had no idea about the American reunion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpfigvFhKdQ

[HughMoran]

4. Why not tour the USA?

I want to see Rage!!

[flvegan]

7. Love RATM.

True "money where your mouth is" band.

Shutting down Wall Street (with help from Michael Moore)...Sleep Now In the Fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu67yo-3jfw

[Bluenorthwest]

10. What a night that is going to be

A great band, a great venue. I love both RATM and the Palladium very much. It will be beyond the best...

[frylock]

11. these people ain't seen a brown skin man since they grandparents bought one

[me b zola]

12. Who hasn't seen a brown skin man?

RATM band members like Tom Morello?

[dana_b]

13. LOL

sorry - those are the lyrics to "Down Rodeo" - a RATM song.

[costahawk1987]

14. Great news! Rage lyrics accurately describe our times

as Woody's did an earlier era. I realize comparing Rage to Woody will sound insane to some, but I challenge the world to find a song by eiher which contains neither truth nor power.

[dana_b]

16. this is for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FFl_oPUWw4

[costahawk1987]

19. Tight... Thank you!

I bookmarked it and will play it for my friends and family. We need our Rage!

[dana_b]

15. I almost went but couldn't make it because

of work. :( However I cannot complain.

Here's a video I took when I saw them at Vegoose in Oct 2007. It's a bit shaky and goes out of focus a wee bit BUT the stage was shaky! lol Those guitars in front of us were Tom's.

part of "War Within a Breath"

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b357/danabt/Vegoose%20baby/?action=view¤t=Vegoosebaby219-1.flv


They sure put their money where their mouths are and I love them for it.

[dana_b]

17. Article on the show:

http://www.spin.com/articles/rage-against-machine-protest-racist-arizona-law

"One of the gig's highlights took place during the performance of 1992's "Wake Up," near the end of the show. " is not only a racist law but its a divisive law," an urgent-sounding De La Rocha yelled as the band played. "It's an insult. We need to wake up and defend our brothers and sisters!" The crowd roared back in approval.

De La Rocha's and the band's conviction was so authentic, so impassioned, and the audience's response so vocal, it gave hope to those who believe music can make a difference in politics.

By the time the show closed with "Killing In The Name," directed at Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio (whom the New York Times called "America's worst sheriff"), it was evident to all in attendance that at that moment RATM was the best, and most important, band in the country, if not the world"

[lies and propaganda]

18. I LOVE THIS CITY!!!!

Looks like i will be scalping some tickets.. HTF did i not know about this?!