Rage Against the Machine has unplugged the amps for good

    1 of 2 2 of 2

      Goodbye Rage Against the Machine. Again.

      Drummer Brad Wilk has told The Pulse of the Radio that the highly idealistic, platinum-selling rap-rockers have in all likelihood played their final show. Or, more accurately, that Rage’s final performance actually took place a few years ago, namely in 2011 at the LA Rising Festival.

      “Well, as far as I know, we played our last show in 2011 at the Coliseum, and if that was our last show, that’s a good way to go out,” Wilk said. “I sort of had to put it in my head that that band is over in order for me to just move on with my life, to be honest with you, so that’s kind of where that lies. The Coliseum—awesome way to go out.”

      As you might recall, the highly politicized—and stupidly brilliant—rap-rockers first called it a day back in 2000. At that time, singer Zack de la Rocha stated: “I feel that it is now necessary to leave Rage because our decision-making process has completely failed. It is no longer meeting the aspirations of all four of us collectively as a band, and from my perspective, has undermined our artistic and political ideal.”

      In hindsight, the breakup came at an awful time; three years later America was at war in Iraq and one of few bands that might have been able to galvanize the youth of America against the Republican Right was AWOL.

      Rage Against the Machine reunited in 2007 for Coachella. Since then the band has only done sporadic live shows, turning down requests from promoters to do full-blown tours.

      Looking on the bright side of all this, rap-rock fans can take solace in the fact that Limp Bizkit is not only back in action, but hard at work recording Stampede of the Disco Elephants.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      Bad mike,

      May 2, 2014 at 7:25am

      You forget that the music industry gave limp biscuit the best artist award when it should have been Rage. they tripped out as it was a fix, the ol. u.s. doesn't like people/artists that make you think.

      Tommy

      May 2, 2014 at 10:59am

      You gotta be kidding me - Limp Biscuit in the same article as RATM? aside from rapping over rock music - Even though I don't really listen to RATM, I do know RATM is on a completely higher conscious plane as far as their content & body of work is concerned. Lyrically they fit the same bill as Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, The Clash, U2 & Public Enemy. Limp Biscuit fits those along with Miley Cyrus & Beiber meaning very empty & straight in the trash state of mind!

      David Burnett

      May 2, 2014 at 11:17am

      NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need these guys to fight the power! They are so needed to speak out for FREEDOM! COME BACK!!!!!!!

      B. Brodie

      May 2, 2014 at 4:24pm

      If RATM is done why is LA Rising 2014 happenin and why is the rage logo (and tools wrench logo) in the center of the concert poster. Seems like the band is spreading misinformation so there fans are that much more excited when they formally announce the line up. "Hungry people don't stay hungry for long"

      germs

      May 2, 2014 at 8:12pm

      I too was surprised to see Limp Bizkit compared to Rage. Yes, both bands had talent but Limp Bizkit wrote rock fluff like Rollin and Break Stuff while Rage aimed to educate their listeners while rocking the fukk out.

      Spinner

      May 2, 2014 at 8:41pm

      Come on ratm rap rock n on!!

      crusty clowne

      May 4, 2014 at 1:52pm

      Limp Bizkit? Hah! When compared to the Rage, their name fits the bill, eh?

      Daniel

      May 7, 2014 at 3:05am

      Stampede Of The Disco Elephants will be the best metal album this year, no doubt about that.