Rap metal outfit Rage Against The Machine has been quite literally raging against the machine since 1991, and their recent disbandment following a reunion tour has been pretty heartbreaking for fans. However, we still have a whole discography to enjoy in their absence. Let’s take a look at the legacy of Rage Against the Machine through three essential songs!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Bulls On Parade” – SNL, 1996
Not only is this one of Rage Against The Machine’s most legendary songs, but they played it during one of the most legendary sets of their career. It also happens to be one of their most controversial performances, too.
Back in 1996, RATM was slated to perform on Saturday Night Live. The episode was set to be hosted by Republication presidential candidate (and super rich guy) Steve Forbes. If it sounds like an odd combination, you’d be correct. According to the band themselves, they wanted to “stand in sharp juxtaposition” to the ultra-wealthy conservation politician by hanging inverted American flags on stage and delivering some of their most intense songs. The band was promptly banned from SNL, but that performance has since gone down in punk history.
2. “Testify” – Coachella, 2007
“Testify” was one of three songs that Rage Against The Machine played during their Coachella set in 2007. The energy at that show was insane; but what was more insane was what followed Zack de la Rocha’s comments during the set.
The frontman compared the Bush Administration to Nazi Germany, and a few major conservative news stations took it as a declaration that George W. Bush should be shot. There was a lot of uproar over the comment, made more intense by the fact that riot police were on standby during their set in case a riot broke out.
3. “Killing In The Name” – Republican National Convention, 2008
“Killing In The Name” is a big part of Rage Against The Machine’s legacy, and it’s probably their most well-known song. One notable (acapella) performance of the song took place at the 2008 Republican National Convention. Originally, the band was slated to play a free set outside of the State Capital in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Police prevented them from hitting the stage upon their arrival. They performed anyway, with no instruments other than their voices and the voices of the protesters who had gathered there.
Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images
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