With Rage Against The Machine once again laid to rest, Tom Morello (or at least someone in the band) should name a successor in today's political climate. And now Morello has.
In a recent interview with The Strombo Show, Morello was asked whether any young artists today strike the same chord with him that Rage Against The Machine once did for fans. Morello pointed to a more unexpected, eclectic mix of names – topping the list with Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, whose name you almost certainly know by now.
"[They're at] at the top of the list, at the top of the list. I mean, they're clearly the Rage Against The Machine of now, like there's them, and there's a gap to the next one." He also mentioned other acts who have caught his attention: The Neighborhood Kids, a San Diego hip-hop duo who "rap lived experience"; and UK genre-benders Nova Twins, a young band he's expressed admiration for.
When host George Stroumboulopoulos brought up Kneecap's recent controversies — including a terror-related charge in the UK tied to a live performance involving a Hezbollah flag — Morello didn't hesitate to defend the group and redirect the conversation.
"What they're doing in their art is what people could probably stand to do more in their lives: to really speak truth to power. And, you know, Kneecap are not terrorists. What is terroristic is, you know, 20,000 dead Palestinian children. That's the story. Not, I mean, some Irish rappers who don't like that that's happening. [That] should not be the story."
The band's outspoken criticism of Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza has sparked international backlash. During their controversial Coachella set in April 2025, Kneecap displayed messages accusing Israel of genocide – comments that contributed to their U.S. booking agent dropping them.
Still, Morello's admiration for the group is rooted in their unflinching willingness to challenge power, regardless of the personal or professional cost. It's a stance that mirrors Rage Against The Machine's legacy—and one that continues to polarize audiences.
In 2021, Kneecap made headlines when BBC Radio refused to play one of their songs, citing concerns about political content and offensive language. The group claimed the move amounted to political censorship, sparking widespread debate in Ireland and the UK about the limits of artistic freedom. Kneecap statements condemning the British media's hypocrisy and lack of understanding of Irish cultural expression.
Things escalated dramatically in November 2024 when Kneecap frontman Mo Chara was charged in the UK with a terror-related offense after allegedly brandishing a Hezbollah flag during a live performance. UK authorities claimed the act fell under anti-terror laws prohibiting support for proscribed organizations. Kneecap denied any endorsement of Hezbollah and said the move was part of a broader pro-Palestinian solidarity protest.
The group called the charges "a political hit job", insisting the real crime was pointing out atrocities in Gaza. At the time, the band had been outspoken critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, frequently using performances and interviews to accuse the state of genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Kneecap's activism hit a new level of international exposure when they performed at Coachella in April 2025. During their set, the band displayed slogans accusing Israel of genocide and criticizing Western complicity in the ongoing war in Gaza. The backlash was swift and intense.
Their U.S. booking agency, Independent Artist Group, dropped them within days of the performance, citing "unacceptable conduct." Multiple scheduled U.S. tour dates were either cancelled or placed under review. Media outlets and public figures clashed over whether Kneecap were raising awareness or fueling division, with the band stuck in the crossfire.
