ENCORE OF THE MONTH
JANUARY, 2019
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine placed political activism and social justice at the core of their musical existence. This is a band where it is impossible to separate the message from the music. Not that they would want you to. They sought not only to raise awareness of the issues close to their hearts, but were desperate to use their music as a vehicle for social change. If that meant signing with Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony, to spread the message to the widest possible audience - so be it.
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Their music videos were used as another weapon in their political arsenal. 'Sleep Now in the Fire' is a prime example. This band has always been ahead of the curve. It is no surprise that Michael Moore was selected to direct the video. His advice to the band was no matter what happens when shooting the video, keep playing. The fact that this song was grabbed by the Occupy Wall Street movement is no surprise. Just over a minute into the video pay attention. Did you spot the Trump for President placard? They called it before Lisa Simpson did when she became President and complained that she had to clean up after Trump.
Rage Against the Machine headlined major festivals around the world including performing naked at Lollapalooza in Philadelphia.This is a band that screamed for your attention. They were a powerhouse live and we demand one final encore.
Rage Against the Machine have twice been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Frame without success. I am not sure the band would embrace the recognition.
Regardless of any acknowledgement, the band's true legacy was its social justice agenda which is just as relevant today as it was then.
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