Rage Against the Machine concert at RNC canceled for riot fears; band grabs megaphone and performs a capella
Yesterday's free Rage Against the Machine concert at the RNC in St. Paul, MN was shut down by local police, who claimed that the band couldn't play because it was going to take the stage too close to the show's 7 p.m. curfew.
The band arrived close to the 7pm curfew time, apparently without a proper permit to perform. When it became clear they would not get to play, the crowd began chanting 'The Star Spangled Banner' and the band's signature chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me."
Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello then walked to the front of the crowd behind the barriers and sang acapella versions of hits 'Bulls On Parade' and 'Killing In The Name'. They then led the swelling crowd on a march towards the nearby Xcel Energy Centre, leading to further protests downtown.
It is claimed that the band did not arrive on time to make the show's curfew. However, event organisers have questioned police tactics. Caitlin Burns, a stage and logistics manager claimed: "A state patrolman held the band and wouldn't let them enter backstage until it was too late." Hopefully this doesn't make it on the bands next live album.
My Vile Existence - 2008-09-06 03:48:31
It was a free concert Abomination. There was no booking agent, Rage set this up to voice disgust in Our political arena. The State police held Them until they could not play anymore. Try reading the article next time.
Abomination666 - 2008-09-04 00:10:31
It sounded to me like "Tom Morello" was goning to suck the police off, after the sing along. What ever happened to bands that said "fuck me, no FUCK YOU"! Ha! Cerfew?! "Land of the free, home of the brave" Right? Either way the bands booking agent did a piss poor job of looking into the details, or this is all a bunch of propaganda, to get more fans on board for the reunion. You decide... Either way tickets to this show ranged from $69 to $118. If these guys cared for the people/fans as much as they say they do. They should be on time. Minimum wage is $5.15 in the state I'm in the adverage fan of RATM is usually the minimum wage man. Then there is gas to the show, and the day off with no pay that is typical with the minimum wage job. What does this all add up to over half of a weeks pay for nothing. WTG RATM!
Steel - 2008-09-03 15:14:17
Congrats to the band!
It seems that they don't give a damn if there are any drums or any other shit.They came for a reason? That's right!
To perform! I believe that this "concert" was much more important and specific than any other concert there is. It's in RATM's style.
vomitgod - 2008-09-03 13:35:01
what are they afraid of.
Yesterday's free Rage Against the Machine concert at the RNC in St. Paul, MN was shut down by local police, who claimed that the band couldn't play because it was going to take the stage too close to the show's 7 p.m. curfew. 
