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Rage Against the Machine to Crash Republican Convention
5-Aug-2008
Written by: Ray Padgett
Following their near-riot performance at Lollapalooza, the incendiary political band will take their protesting to Minneapolis.
“Guerilla rock” band Rage Against the Machine incited thousands of fans to a near riot in Chicago this past weekend, their aggressive rock riling up the masses so much that dozens of fans were hospitalized. Not ready to back down yet, they’re going somewhere with even more potential for tension: the Republican National Convention.
One of popular music’s most politically charged groups, fans of their music know the group’s probably not making the trek to Minneapolis-St. Paul to show their support for John McCain. Instead, during their performance on Sept. 3, day three of the Convention, they will presumably be protesting at least the Republican party, more likely the whole electoral system. Known to court controversy with their revolutionary ideals, the band’s live performances have featured burnings of the American flag, something not likely to go over well with the GOP loyalists.
Rage aren’t strangers to the Convention scene however. In 2000, they made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention to protest the two party system. Though accounts of exactly what sparked the riot differ, the show ended early with the power being cut as the crowd’s hurled rocks and broken bottles were met with tear gas and rubber bullets from police. Though in their announcement of this year’s concert, the band made no mention of the Republican Convention, they probably hope this show will have similar news-making effects.
Guitarist Tom Morello will also be playing a union rally in the Twin Cities with country singer-songwriter Steve Earle on Sept. 1, a show that can be expected to be just as political, but hopefully more peaceful.
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