Yes I know how ridiculous the headline sounds..er…reads, whatever. But apparently there is a new group of people out there that have either been in the dark or oblivious for the last 28 years.
When Rage Against the Machine debuted in 1992 the were a shock to many. Both for the all out assault on your senses but a very VERY clear stance on politics.
Sonically, you heard guitar tones no one ever thought was possible and a vocalist who was obviously pissed off. And lyrics that made you think you should have paid better attention in history class because they weren’t teaching you everything. Guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, drummer Brad Wilk and frontman Zach de la Rocha most definitely had things to say.
From the self titled debut that was graced with the famous photo of a monk that set himself on fire in Vietnam, to 1996’s “Evil Empire”, 1999’s “Battle of Los Angeles” and 2000’s “Renegades“, RATR has not kept their ideals secret nor their voices quiet. They stood up for what they believed in; stood up against injustices and they’ve never sat down.
This was a band that was kicked off of Saturday Night Live for having inverted American flags draped on their amps: a signal of a country in distress. And that was 1996!
https://vimeo.com/122210686
The band that literally went guerilla to film their video for “Sleep now in the Fire” on Wall Street.
RATR became the voice for many Gen Xer’s who were pissed off at the world. They spoke on topics that were uncomfortable, like oppression and corruption. And it seems with the current state of the world, we need them now more than ever. I mean, let’s go back to the lyrics of “Killing in the Name”
“Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses…
…those who died are justified. By wearing a badge, they’re the chosen whites….”
Sound familiar?
So pardon me while I laugh at the fact that a couple days ago someone who I can only hope is a millennial and thus the ignorance, took to Twitter to light the band, particularly Tom Morello, up.
Some young man by the name of “Scott” took to the platform with this:
“I used to be a fan until your political opinions came out,” the guy wrote. “Music is my sanctuary and the last thing I want to hear is political BS when I’m listening to music…keep running your mouth and ruining your fan base.”
The question I have is Bro! WHEN were you a fan if you are just now, as in yesterday 6/9/20, finding out that Tom and RATM are political???? Seriously!
Mr. Morello respsonded:
Scott!! What music of mine were you a fan of that DIDN’T contain “political BS”? I need to know so I can delete it from the catalog. https://t.co/AMpmjx6540
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) June 9, 2020
Needless to say, the Twitterverse exploded with some fantastic comebacks including:
Congrats to everyone who just found out Rage Against the Machine is a political band. Next you should check out my favorite puppy calendar, Animal Farm.
— Troy Johnson (@_troyjohnson) June 10, 2020
Racist white dudes suddenly realizing what Rage Against the Machine lyrics are about after decades of listening is the funniest thing since they discovered that Star Wars is anti-Nazi after watching it for 40 years.
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) June 10, 2020
There were others that said things like “what machine did you think he was raging against? The dishwasher?”
The ridicule apparently got so bad that the not only did “Scott” delete the tweet, but rumor has it his entire Twitter account. I’m sure he’ll be back, but hopefully after he educates himself a bit before opening his mouth
This isn’t the first time Morello has faced back-lash from the uneducated. This was in 2017:
Like shooting fish in a barrel: pic.twitter.com/hxvZ6GgoH5
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) June 6, 2020
It’s time to wake up, youngin’s. Learn from your elders when the music meant something. When they weren’t afraid to take a stance and most definitely exercise their First Amendment rights. Do yourselves a favor: Listen to ALL of those four albums I mentioned above. Then listen to Prophets of Rage, where Morello teamed up with B-Real of Cypress Hill and Chuck D of Public Enemy. Spoiler Alert: those two dudes…. have loud political views too! Then crack open a history book or two and read up on what those lyrics are saying. Maybe then, just maybe, you’ll be able to redirect your rage…. towards the proper machine. And if you can do that, then you can proudly chant “F**k you I won’t do what you tell me!!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7wpSw9ub1w
