**Rage Against the Machine** (**RATM**) é uma banda de rock norte-americana formada em [Los Angeles](los-angeles), Califórnia, em 1991. A banda é composta pelo vocalista [Zack de la Rocha](zack-de-la-rocha), o guitarrista [Tom Morello](tom-morello), o baixista [Tim Commerford](tim-commerford) e o baterista [Brad Wilk](brad-wilk). São conhecidos pela fusão de elementos de [hip-hop](hip-hop), [heavy metal](heavy-metal), [funk](funk) e [punk rock](punk-rock) em um som singular, e por letras politicamente engajadas que abordam temas como anticapitalismo, [violência policial](police-brutality), imperialismo e corrupção institucional.[@fitzpatrick2019roots] A banda lançou quatro álbuns de estúdio entre 1992 e 2000, alcançando tanto sucesso comercial quanto impacto cultural significativo. Após se dissolver em outubro de 2000, três dos quatro integrantes formaram o [Audioslave](audioslave) com o vocalista [Chris Cornell](chris-cornell). O RATM se reuniu pela primeira vez em 2007, e três integrantes — sem de la Rocha — posteriormente formaram o supergrupo [Prophets of Rage](prophets-of-rage) em 2016.[@young2016prophets] A banda completa voltou em 2022 para uma extensa turnê, antes de o baterista Brad Wilk anunciar em janeiro de 2024 que o grupo não se apresentaria mais.[@greene2024breakup] A banda foi introduzida no [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame](rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame) em novembro de 2023.[@blabbermouth2023rockhall] ## Formação O Rage Against the Machine emergiu das cenas de rock alternativo e hardcore punk de Los Angeles no início dos anos 1990. O guitarrista Tom Morello, formado pela Universidade Harvard e ex-líder da banda de metal Lock Up, encontrou o vocalista Zack de la Rocha — ex-integrante da banda de hardcore punk [Inside Out](inside-out-band) — improvisando raps em uma boate de Los Angeles.[@fitzpatrick2019roots] Reconhecendo o potencial da combinação de suas formações musicais distintas, os dois decidiram formar uma banda juntos. Morello recrutou o baterista Brad Wilk, que havia estudado na mesma escola que o rapper [Ice Cube](ice-cube) e tocado em um grupo chamado Greta, anterior ao [Pearl Jam](pearl-jam). De la Rocha trouxe o baixista Tim Commerford, amigo de infância.[@fitzpatrick2019roots] O quarteto estreou em Los Angeles em 1991 e rapidamente conquistou um público fiel por meio de apresentações ao vivo. O próprio de la Rocha descreveu o som da banda como produto de duas sensibilidades musicais opostas — sua orientação pelo hip-hop e o background metal de Morello —, observando que a fusão das duas "cria algo único".[@fitzpatrick2019roots] ## Estilo musical O Rage Against the Machine é caracterizado por uma abordagem sonora que combina vocais no estilo [rap](rap) com guitarra elétrica distorcida, linhas de baixo agressivas e uma bateria contundente. Uma marca registrada da identidade da banda é a regra contra o uso de samples, teclados ou sintetizadores — todos os sons são produzidos por guitarra, baixo, bateria e voz.[@fitzpatrick2019roots] Morello desenvolveu um estilo de guitarra altamente distintivo, incorporando técnicas normalmente associadas ao [turntablism](turntablism) e à música eletrônica, como o uso de [whammy pedal](whammy-pedal), kill switch e manipulações que imitam o scratching de DJs. Sua forma de tocar é amplamente reconhecida como um elemento definidor do som da banda.[@greene2022reunion] A entrega vocal de de la Rocha bebe profundamente nas tradições do [rap](rap), com letras politicamente carregadas e ritmicamente complexas sobre os pesados arranjos instrumentais da banda. Essa combinação de elementos posicionou o RATM na interseção do [alternative metal](alternative-metal) e do [rap metal](rap-metal), influenciando o desenvolvimento do [nu-metal](nu-metal) no final dos anos 1990. ## Discografia O Rage Against the Machine lançou quatro álbuns de estúdio: | Ano | Título | Gravadora | |-----|--------|-----------| | 1992 | *Rage Against the Machine* | Epic Records | | 1996 | *Evil Empire* | Epic Records | | 1999 | *The Battle of Los Angeles* | Epic Records | | 2000 | *Renegades* | Epic Records | O álbum homônimo de 1992 gerou a faixa mais emblemática da banda, "Killing in the Name", que se tornou uma das canções de protesto mais reconhecidas da década. *The Battle of Los Angeles* (1999) estreou na primeira posição da [Billboard 200](billboard-200). ## Ativismo político O engajamento político é central para a identidade do Rage Against the Machine desde o início. A banda se posicionou publicamente contra a violência policial, a violência de Estado, o capitalismo e o imperialismo. Expressaram apoio a movimentos pelos [direitos indígenas](indigenous-rights) e ao levante [Zapatista](zapatista) em [Chiapas](chiapas), México. Em 2010, após a aprovação da controversa lei de fiscalização de imigração SB 1070 no Arizona, o RATM se juntou a outros músicos em um boicote ao estado, recusando-se a se apresentar lá em protesto. Durante a turnê de reunião de 2022, a banda doou parte da renda dos ingressos para organizações de defesa do direito ao aborto, após a decisão da Suprema Corte dos EUA no caso *[Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization](dobbs-v-jackson)*, que derrubou a decisão *[Roe v. Wade](roe-v-wade)*.[@greene2022reunion] Em 2009, uma campanha popular no Reino Unido conseguiu levar a gravação de 1992 de "Killing in the Name" ao primeiro lugar nas paradas de Natal britânicas, derrotando o single do vencedor do [X Factor](x-factor-uk) em um ato de protesto público contra a dominância de concorrentes de reality shows nas paradas. A música foi posteriormente eleita a favorita de todos os tempos do público britânico para o primeiro lugar no Natal.[@officialcharts-killing-xmas1] ## Primeiro término e Audioslave (2000–2007) Em outubro de 2000, o Rage Against the Machine anunciou sua dissolução. A separação foi atribuída, em parte, a tensões criativas e pessoais dentro da banda, especialmente entre de la Rocha e os outros três integrantes. Morello, Commerford e Wilk formaram em seguida o [Audioslave](audioslave) com o vocalista do [Soundgarden](soundgarden), Chris Cornell, lançando três álbuns de estúdio entre 2002 e 2006, antes de esse grupo também se dissolver. Os três mais tarde se uniram ao rapper do Public Enemy [Chuck D](chuck-d) e a [B-Real](b-real) do Cypress Hill para formar os [Prophets of Rage](prophets-of-rage) em 2016, executando material dos catálogos das três bandas; de la Rocha não participou do projeto.[@young2016prophets] ## Reuniões ### Primeira reunião (2007–2011) O Rage Against the Machine se reuniu em 2007 para uma apresentação de destaque no [Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival](coachella). O show de 29 de abril de 2007 — descrito pela NME como tendo encerrado o festival "de forma deslumbrante" — foi o primeiro concerto da banda em quase sete anos.[@nme2007coachella] O setlist percorreu toda a discografia da banda e terminou com uma performance de "Killing in the Name". A reunião levou a mais shows ao longo de 2008 e a uma apresentação nos protestos da Convenção Nacional Democrata de 2008 em Denver. A banda entrou em um segundo longo hiato por volta de 2011. ### Segunda reunião e término definitivo (2019–2024) Em novembro de 2019, o Rage Against the Machine anunciou uma segunda reunião — batizada de turnê Public Service Announcement — com apresentações previstas no [Coachella 2020](coachella-2020) e datas pela América do Norte e Europa.[@hartmann2019reunion] A turnê foi adiada diversas vezes em razão da [pandemia de COVID-19](covid-19-pandemic). A turnê finalmente começou em 9 de julho de 2022 no Alpine Valley Music Theater em East Troy, Wisconsin, o primeiro concerto do grupo em onze anos.[@greene2022reunion] A noite de abertura atraiu cerca de 37.000 pessoas. Durante o segundo show da turnê, no United Center de Chicago, de la Rocha rompeu o tendão de Aquiles.[@schaffner2022achilles] Ele completou o restante da primeira etapa da turnê se apresentando sentado, incluindo uma sequência de cinco noites no Madison Square Garden, mas a banda cancelou em seguida suas datas europeias, pois a orientação médica indicava que viajar para o exterior comprometeria a recuperação completa de de la Rocha.[@schaffner2022achilles] Em 3 de janeiro de 2024, o baterista Brad Wilk anunciou nas redes sociais que a banda não faria mais turnês nem se apresentaria. Foi a terceira dissolução do grupo, após as separações de 2000 e 2011.[@greene2024breakup] ## Legado O Rage Against the Machine é amplamente considerado um dos grupos de rock mais significativos e influentes surgidos nos anos 1990. A fusão de rap e música pesada ajudou a consolidar o [rap metal](rap-metal) como um gênero viável comercial e criticamente, influenciando muitos artistas posteriores do [nu-metal](nu-metal) e do [alternative metal](alternative-metal). A banda apareceu pela primeira vez na lista de indicados ao Rock and Roll Hall of Fame em 2018, ao lado de artistas como Def Leppard e Radiohead, e constou em seis listas de indicados antes de ser introduzida.[@ives2018rockhall-nom][@blabbermouth2023rockhall] A cerimônia de introdução ocorreu em 3 de novembro de 2023, no Barclays Center em Brooklyn, Nova York. Ice-T, que relembrou o RATM abrindo seus shows nos primeiros anos da banda, fez o discurso de introdução. Tom Morello foi o único integrante presente; de la Rocha, Commerford e Wilk não compareceram.[@blabbermouth2023rockhall] Em seu discurso de aceitação, Morello disse ao público: "O trabalho que nos propusemos a fazer não acabou. Agora vocês são os que devem dar testemunho."[@blabbermouth2023rockhall] "Killing in the Name" tem tido uma presença cultural especialmente duradoura. Após a campanha pelo primeiro lugar no Natal britânico em 2009, o RATM anunciou um show gratuito de "celebração da vitória" no Finsbury Park em Londres, em 6 de junho de 2010; todos os ingressos foram esgotados em horas.[@fullerton2010freegig] A música foi posteriormente eleita a favorita de todos os tempos do público britânico para o primeiro lugar de Natal, em uma votação popular com mais de 41.000 votos.[@officialcharts-killing-xmas1]

FROM AGPEDIA — AGENCY THROUGH KNOWLEDGE

Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine (RATM) is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991. The band comprises vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk. They are known for fusing elements of hip-hop, heavy metal, funk, and punk rock into a distinctive sound, and for politically charged lyrics addressing themes of anti-capitalism, police brutality, imperialism, and institutional corruption.^[1]

The band released four studio albums between 1992 and 2000, achieving both commercial success and significant cultural impact. After disbanding in October 2000, three of the four members formed Audioslave with vocalist Chris Cornell. RATM reunited for a first time in 2007, and three members — without de la Rocha — subsequently formed the supergroup Prophets of Rage in 2016.^[2] The full band reunited again in 2022 for an extensive tour, before drummer Brad Wilk announced in January 2024 that the band would not perform again.^[3] The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023.^[4]

Formation

Rage Against the Machine emerged from the Los Angeles alternative rock and hardcore punk scenes of the early 1990s. Guitarist Tom Morello, a Harvard University graduate who had previously led the metal band Lock Up, encountered vocalist Zack de la Rocha — formerly of the hardcore punk band Inside Out — freestyling at an LA club.^[1] Recognizing the potential in combining their divergent musical backgrounds, the two decided to form a band together.

Morello brought in drummer Brad Wilk, who had attended the same school as rapper Ice Cube and had previously played in a pre-Pearl Jam group called Greta. De la Rocha contributed bassist Tim Commerford, a childhood friend.^[1] The four-piece debuted in Los Angeles in 1991 and rapidly built a following through live performances.

De la Rocha himself described the band's sound as the product of two opposing musical sensibilities: his hip-hop orientation and Morello's metal background, noting that the fusion of the two "makes something unique."^[1]

Musical style

Rage Against the Machine are characterized by a sonic approach that blends rap vocals with distorted electric guitar, aggressive bass lines, and driving drums. A defining feature of the band's identity is their rule against using samples, keyboards, or synthesizers — all sounds are produced by guitar, bass, drums, and voice.^[1]

Morello developed a highly distinctive guitar style that he has described as "being the DJ in the band," producing sounds evoking turntable scratching, sirens, helicopters, and mechanical noise without samples or synthesizers.^[5] His techniques include a whammy pedal, a kill switch built into his guitar, and rapid toggle switching between pickups.^[6] He has cited Run-DMC and Public Enemy's production team the Bomb Squad as more formative influences on his playing than conventional rock guitarists.^[5]

De la Rocha's vocal delivery draws heavily from rap traditions, delivering politically charged, rhythmically complex lyrics over the band's heavy instrumental arrangements. The combination of these elements positioned RATM at the intersection of alternative metal and rap metal, influencing the development of nu-metal in the late 1990s. Morello appears on Rolling Stone's list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (2023).^[7]

Discography

Rage Against the Machine released four studio albums on Epic Records, selling over 16 million records worldwide.^[8]

Year	Title
1992	Rage Against the Machine
1996	Evil Empire
1999	The Battle of Los Angeles
2000	Renegades

The 1992 self-titled debut produced the band's signature track "Killing in the Name," which became one of the most recognized protest songs of the decade. The Battle of Los Angeles (1999) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

Political activism

Political engagement has been central to Rage Against the Machine's identity from the outset. The band has publicly opposed police brutality, state violence, capitalism, and imperialism. They have expressed support for indigenous rights movements and for the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, Mexico.

In 2010, following the passage of Arizona's controversial immigration enforcement law SB 1070, RATM joined a number of other musicians in boycotting the state, refusing to perform there in protest.

During their 2022 reunion tour, the band donated a portion of ticket revenue to abortion rights organizations following the US Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.^[9]

In 2009, a grassroots campaign in the United Kingdom succeeded in pushing the 1992 recording of "Killing in the Name" to the UK Christmas number one position, defeating the X Factor winner's single in an act of public protest against the dominance of talent show contestants over the chart. The track was later voted the UK's all-time favourite Christmas number one in a public poll.^[10]

First breakup and Audioslave (2000–2007)

In October 2000, Rage Against the Machine announced their dissolution. The split was attributed in part to creative and personal tensions within the band, particularly between de la Rocha and the other three members.

Morello, Commerford, and Wilk subsequently formed Audioslave with Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell, releasing three Top Ten albums between 2002 and 2006 before that group also dissolved.^[7] The three later joined with Public Enemy rapper Chuck D and Cypress Hill's B-Real to form Prophets of Rage in 2016, performing material from all three bands' catalogues and releasing a self-titled album in 2017 before disbanding in 2019; de la Rocha was not involved.^[2]^[7]

Reunions

First reunion (2007–2011)

Rage Against the Machine reunited in 2007 for a headline appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Their April 29, 2007 performance — described by NME as bringing the festival "to a stunning close" — was their first concert in almost seven years.^[11] The set drew heavily from across the band's catalogue and ended with a performance of "Killing in the Name."

The reunion led to further touring through 2008 and a performance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention protests in Denver. The band entered a second extended hiatus around 2011.

Second reunion and final breakup (2019–2024)

In November 2019, Rage Against the Machine announced a second reunion — dubbed the Public Service Announcement tour — with headline appearances planned at Coachella 2020 and dates across North America and Europe.^[12] The tour was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tour eventually launched on July 9, 2022 at Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, Wisconsin, their first concert in eleven years.^[9] The opening night drew approximately 37,000 people. During the second show of the tour at Chicago's United Center, de la Rocha ruptured his Achilles tendon.^[13] He completed the remainder of the first leg of the tour performing from a seated position, including a five-night run at Madison Square Garden, but the band subsequently cancelled its European dates as medical guidance indicated that overseas travel risked de la Rocha's full recovery.^[13]

On January 3, 2024, drummer Brad Wilk announced on social media that the band would not tour or perform again. This was the band's third dissolution following splits in 2000 and 2011.^[3]

Legacy

Rage Against the Machine are widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential rock acts to emerge from the 1990s. Their fusion of rap and heavy music helped establish rap metal as a commercially and critically viable genre and influenced many subsequent acts in nu-metal and alternative metal. The band first appeared on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot in 2018, alongside artists including Def Leppard and Radiohead, and appeared on six ballots before being inducted.^[14]^[4]

The band was inducted at a ceremony on November 3, 2023, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Ice-T, who recalled RATM opening for him in the band's earliest days, delivered the induction speech. Tom Morello was the only member present; de la Rocha, Commerford, and Wilk did not attend.^[4] In his acceptance speech, Morello told fans: "The job we set out to do is not over. Now you're the ones that must testify."^[4]

"Killing in the Name" has had a particularly durable cultural presence. Following the 2009 UK Christmas number one campaign, RATM announced a free "victory gig" at Finsbury Park in London on June 6, 2010; all tickets were allocated within hours of becoming available.^[15] The track was later voted the UK's favourite Christmas number one of all time in a public poll with over 41,000 votes cast.^[10]

^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Fitzpatrick, Rob (2019-11-05). The Roots Of… Rage Against The Machine. NME. https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-roots-of-rage-against-the-machine-767351.
^a ^b Young, Alex (2016-05-18). Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill members form new supergroup. Consequence. https://consequence.net/2016/05/rage-against-the-machine-public-enemy-and-cypress-hill-members-form-new-supergroup/.
^a ^b Greene, Andy (2024-01-03). Rage Against the Machine Break Up…Again. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rage-against-the-machine-break-up-again-2024-1234939808/.
^a ^b ^c ^d Blabbermouth (2023-11-04). Tom Morello Was Only Member of Rage Against the Machine Present at Band’s Rock Hall Induction. Blabbermouth. https://blabbermouth.net/news/tom-morello-was-only-member-of-rage-against-the-machine-present-at-bands-rock-hall-induction.
^a ^b Harvilla, Rob (2019-05-30). Tom Morello, the Last Rap-Rock God Standing. The Ringer. https://www.theringer.com/music/2019/5/30/18645086/tom-morello-rage-against-machine-audioslave.
^ Leonard, Michael (2021-01-26). Guitar Legends: Tom Morello – why Rage’s main man is the master of riffs. Guitar.com. https://guitar.com/guides/essential-guide/guitar-legends-tom-morello-why-rages-main-man-is-the-master-of-riffs/.
^a ^b ^c Prato, Greg. Tom Morello Biography. AllMusic. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tom-morello-mn0000617336/biography.
^ O’Connor, Roisin (2021-10-12). Tom Morello: “I never struggled with my identity. Other people did.” The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/tom-morello-interview-rage-against-b1936854.html.
^a ^b Greene, Andy (2022-07-10). Rage Against The Machine Roar Back to Life at Explosive Reunion Tour Launch. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/rage-against-the-machine-reunion-tour-launch-review-1380433/.
^a ^b Official Charts Company. Rage Against The Machine’s Killing In The Name has been crowned the UK’s Favourite Christmas Number 1 of all time. Official Charts. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/rage-against-the-machines-killing-in-the-name-has-been-crowned-the-uks-favourite-christmas-number-1-of-all-time__34725/.
^ NME (2007-04-30). Rage Against The Machine reunite at Coachella. NME. https://www.nme.com/news/coachella/28013.
^ Hartmann, Graham (2019-11-01). Rage Against the Machine Announce 2020 Reunion. Loudwire. https://loudwire.com/rage-against-the-machine-2020-reunion-rumors/.
^a ^b Schaffner, Lauryn (2022-08-15). Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha Reportedly Suffering From Torn Achilles. Loudwire. https://loudwire.com/rage-against-the-machine-zack-de-la-rocha-tore-achilles-report/.
^ Ives, Brian (2018-10-09). Rage Against the Machine, Def Leppard, More Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Loudwire. https://loudwire.com/rage-against-the-machine-def-leppard-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-2019/.
^ Fullerton, Jamie (2010-02-17). Rage Against The Machine’s free London gig: all tickets allocated. NME. https://www.nme.com/news/rage-against-the-machine/49797.

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