Seven Years in the Waiting
Yesterday marked Rage Against the Machine's first performance in nearly seven years. The band played at the Coachella festival in California and were the headlining act for the three day gig. In typical live Rage fashion the show was not filled with political ramblings from any of the members, the music is their tool of communication. Zach De La Rocha did however save a moment during "Wake Up" to berate the Bush administration claiming such bold statements as "Our current administration needs to be tried, hung and shot" and also that "We need to treat them like the war criminals they are." These remarks were spit out with anger and venom and these bold statements could only come from a band as bold as Rage. Whether or not one agrees with their political views, nobody can deny their power and ability to persuade the younger generation. For those interested in a set list here is what they played:01. Testify
02. Bulls On Parade
03. People Of The Sun
04. Bombtrack
05. Bullet In The Head
06. Down Rodeo
07. Guerrilla Radio
08. Renegades Of Funk
09. Calm Like A Bomb
10. Sleep Now In The Fire
11. Wake Up
12. Freedom
13. Killing In The Name
posted by Jeff at 11:20 PM
7 Comments:
I'm actually largely sympthetic to their political views, but for some reason I just don't buy it from them. It comes across as schtick to me, like poltics is their gimmick. Face it, they've become fat and rich and haven't really changed anything. The music is pretty exceptional, particularly on Evil Empire and BAttle of Los Angeles, but I don't think they have the political cred of say the Subhumans (UK or Canadian) or Billy Bragg. Seriously, even Sheryl Crow hates Bush.
Bob - I wouldn't say that the Subhumans have more political cred than Rage solely because Rage has become successful. I know that Tom Morello is incredibly knowledgeable politically and Zach De La Rocha is also quite knowledgeable, probably not as much as Tom but still he knows what he is talking about. I don't know exactly what they have done with the money they have earned but I do know they are very active in protests, especially those revolving around US foreign policy. I think the fact is that we live in a capitalistic society and they have to play the game in order for their voices to be heard. That's just my opinion, but I certainly can see your point. Maybe I am naive to think they are true to their word, I hope not though.
I think RATM's political voice poses an interesting question: is it corrupt to use a corrupt machine to convey a message of revolution? Is it corrupt to use the gains from the machine for personal satisfaction? (E.g., using royalties from a record deal with Sony to buy a mansion, instead of living modestly and re-investing the cost of the mansion in revolutionary causes.)
I guess I see Tom Morello as more of a protest scenster versus someone like Bono who really is involved and actually is a bit of an authority on issues like third world debt. Don't get me wrong, if RATM has made even a few people think than that's a lot more than most rock bands do and I'm glad for it. I'm just not sure I trust that their heart is truly in the right place.
taotechuck - I agree fully, it's a very tricky question. I think most people would believe Noam Chomsky believes what he preaches, and he uses the capitalistic market to sell his books.
Bob - I can't disagree with you too much about them being protesters opposed to someone like Bono, however I think a lot of the things they stand for require things like protest and having their voices heard instead of action. For example with NAFTA, there is not much action that can be taken on the topic besides protesting and hoping to have your voice heard. I think most of the issues which they are against are issues which require large movements and public outcry.
Jeff - Damn, no ashes in the fall? I read about the show the other day in the news. I wish I could have seen it. I bet the hair on the back of my neck and arms would have stood up! Damn!
Peace,
- Neo
That's a good point about NAFTA. It's policy and requires awareness to change when we vote. NAFTA's a disaster, hurting the poor and middle class on both sides of the border. I could be wrong about RATM, because I don't know them personally, so its hard to judge their commitment. I do know that I found them increasingly difficult to listen to despite the music being so good.
Regarding Chomsky, I think there's a big difference between selling stuff and getting filthy rich. Ralph Nader is a good example, because he's sold books and all and made a lot of money, yet he lives very modestly.
This has been a good topic.
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