Rage Against The Machine was inducted into the Roll And Roll Hall Of Fame last night, November 3, during a ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Rage Against The Machine's lineup for the induction was (predictably) guitarist Tom Morello, vocalist Zack De La Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk… though only Morello showed up.
After a speech by Body Count vocalist and legendary rapper Ice-T, Morello took the stage to deliver his own words to the crowd. Morello addressed the fact that he was the only member of Rage Against The Machine show up, mentioning that he and his bandmates have different perspectives on a lot of things.
"I am deeply grateful for the musical chemistry I've had the good fortune to share with Brad Wilk, Tim Commerford and Zach De La Rocha," said Morello as transcribed by Blabbermouth. "Like most bands, we have differing perspectives on a lot of things, including about being inducted into the Rock Hall.
"The reason we are here and the best way to celebrate this music is for you to carry on that mission and that message. The lesson I've learned from Rage fans is that music can change the world daily."
"The job we set out to do is not over. Now you're the ones that must testify. If you've got a boss, join a union. If you're a student, start underground paper. If you're an anarchist, throw a brick. If you're a soldier or a cop, follow your conscience not your orders. If you're bummed out that you didn't get to see Rage Against The Machine, then form your own band, and let's hear what you have to say.
"When protest music is done right, you can hear a new world emerging in the songs."
Rage Against The Machine was nominated for the Rock Hall in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and finally made it this year. Rage Against The Machine has always been Commerford, de la Rocha, Morello, and Wilk, so the above lineup is hardly shocking.
