Rage Against the Machine, formed in 1991 in Los Angeles, was a renowned American rock band known for their unique blend of heavy metal, rap, punk rock, and funk influences. The band, comprising Zack de la Rocha (vocalist), Tim Commerford (bassist and backing vocalist), Tom Morello (guitarist), and Brad Wilk (drummer), was famous for their revolutionary left-wing political views expressed through their music. With over 16 million records sold globally, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
1963: Thích Quảng Đức Self-Immolation
Thích Quảng Đức, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, commits self-immolation in Saigon in protest of the murder of Buddhists by the U.S.-backed Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm's regime. A photograph of this event would later be used as the cover of Rage Against the Machine's debut album.
1989: Kent McClard Coins "Rage Against the Machine"
Kent McClard, an associate of Zack de la Rocha's former band Inside Out, coins the phrase "rage against the machine" in his zine "No Answers." This phrase would later become the name of de la Rocha's future band.
1991: Tom Morello Forms Rage Against the Machine
Following the break-up of his former band, Lock Up, Tom Morello begins jamming with Tim Commerford and Zack de la Rocha in 1991. They are later joined by Brad Wilk, and name themselves Rage Against the Machine, after a song De la Rocha had written for his former band Inside Out.
1991: Rage Against the Machine Forms
The band Rage Against the Machine was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991.
November 1992: Rage Against the Machine Release Debut Album
Rage Against the Machine releases their debut album in November 1992.
1992: Rage Against the Machine Releases Debut Album
Rage Against the Machine released their self-titled debut album in 1992.
February 21, 1993: BBC Radio 1 Accidentally Plays Explicit Version of "Killing in the Name"
The "Fuck You" version of Rage Against the Machine's song "Killing in the Name", which contains 17 instances of the word "fuck," was accidentally played on the BBC Radio 1 Top 40 singles show on February 21, 1993.
August 1993: Rage Against the Machine Completes First Lollapalooza Performance Run
By August 1993, Rage Against the Machine had finished their first run of performances at the Lollapalooza music festival.
1993: Rage Against the Machine Performs at Lollapalooza
Rage Against the Machine's performances at the 1993 Lollapalooza music festival contributed to their commercial success.
November 1994: Rage Against the Machine Takes Hiatus, Begins Recording "Evil Empire"
Rage Against the Machine takes a break from touring and begins recording their album "Evil Empire" in November 1994.
June 1995: Rage Against the Machine Performs at KROQ Weenie Roast
Rage Against the Machine regroups to perform at the KROQ Weenie Roast in June 1995.
December 1995: Rage Against the Machine Finishes Recording "Evil Empire"
Rage Against the Machine finishes recording their album "Evil Empire" in December 1995.
April 1996: Rage Against the Machine Protests on "Saturday Night Live"
Rage Against the Machine's planned two-song performance on "Saturday Night Live" is cut to one after the band attempts to hang inverted American flags from their amplifiers in protest of Republican presidental candidate Steve Forbes's appearance on the program.
April 1996: "Rage Against the Machine" Certified Platinum
Rage Against the Machine's debut album sells over one million copies in the United States and three million copies worldwide by April 1996.
April 16, 1996: Rage Against the Machine Releases "Evil Empire"
Rage Against the Machine releases "Evil Empire" on April 16, 1996.
1996: Rage Against the Machine Releases "Evil Empire"
Rage Against the Machine released their second album, "Evil Empire," in 1996.
1997: Rage Against the Machine Tours with U2, Releases "Live & Rare"
Rage Against the Machine opens for U2 on the band's PopMart Tour. Rage Against the Machine also releases a compilation album titled "Live & Rare" while on tour in Japan.
1998: "No Shelter" Appears on "Godzilla" Soundtrack
Rage Against the Machine's song "No Shelter" appears on the soundtrack for the 1998 film "Godzilla."
1999: Woodstock '99 Performance and Album Release
Rage Against the Machine performed at the Woodstock '99 concert in 1999. The band also released their album "The Battle of Los Angeles," which debuted at number one and went double-platinum that year.
1999: Rage Against the Machine Releases "The Battle of Los Angeles"
Rage Against the Machine released their third album, "The Battle of Los Angeles," in 1999.
January 26, 2000: New York Stock Exchange Incident
On January 26, 2000, Rage Against the Machine filmed the music video for "Sleep Now in the Fire" with director Michael Moore. The shoot, which attracted hundreds of people, led to an altercation that caused the New York Stock Exchange to close. The band members' attempt to enter the exchange, despite not having the required permits for filming, resulted in their removal from the site.
May 2000: "Rage Against the Machine" Certified Triple Platinum
The Recording Industry Association of America certified Rage Against the Machine's debut album triple platinum in May 2000.
September 7, 2000: MTV Video Music Awards Incident
On September 7, 2000, Rage Against the Machine attended the MTV Video Music Awards, where they performed "Testify." After Limp Bizkit won Best Rock Video, bassist Tim Commerford climbed the set's scaffolding, leading to his arrest and a night in jail.
October 18, 2000: Zack de la Rocha's Departure
On October 18, 2000, vocalist Zack de la Rocha announced his departure from Rage Against the Machine. He cited a breakdown in the band's decision-making process and its impact on their artistic and political vision as reasons for his exit.
2000: Renegades released
In 2000, Rage Against the Machine released their album "Renegades," which later became a point of reference for a potential follow-up album after their reunion.
2000: Last Album Before Hiatus
In 2000, Rage Against the Machine released their album 'Renegades,' which would be their last album before a long hiatus.
2000: Planned Beastie Boys Tour Cancellation
Rage Against the Machine planned to support the Beastie Boys on their "Rhyme and Reason" tour in 2000. Unfortunately, the tour was canceled due to Beastie Boys drummer Mike D's injury.
2000: Final Concerts
Rage Against the Machine played their last concerts before disbanding at the Grand Olympic Auditorium on September 12 and 13, 2000.
2000: Rage Against the Machine Releases "Renegades" and Disbands
Rage Against the Machine released the cover album "Renegades" and disbanded in 2000 following Zack de la Rocha's departure from the band.
2001: Clear Channel Memorandum Controversy
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the 2001 Clear Channel memorandum listed all of Rage Against the Machine's songs as "lyrically questionable" for radio airplay, sparking controversy.
November 2002: Audioslave Formation and Debut Single
Following Rage Against the Machine's split, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk formed Audioslave with Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell. They released their debut single, "Cochise," in November 2002.
2003: Rolling Stone Accolade
In 2003, "The Battle of Los Angeles" was ranked number 426 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
2003: Live Album and DVD Release
In 2003, Rage Against the Machine released a live album, "Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium," featuring recordings from their final concerts in September 2000. An accompanying DVD included footage from their last show and an unreleased video for "Bombtrack."
2003: Rage Against the Machine's Debut Album Ranked on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked Rage Against the Machine's debut album number 368 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
2003: The Nightwatchman Emerges
Tom Morello began his solo career in 2003 under the alias the Nightwatchman, performing political folk music.
2003: "March of Death" Protest Song
Zack de la Rocha and DJ Shadow released "March of Death" online for free in 2003 as a protest against the impending invasion of Iraq.
2004: Collaboration on "Fahrenheit 9/11" Soundtrack
De la Rocha's collaboration with Trent Reznor, "We Want It All," was included in the 2004 soundtrack "Songs and Artists that Inspired Fahrenheit 9/11."
2004: Steve Brookstein wins X Factor
Steve Brookstein's win on The X Factor in 2004 marked the beginning of the show's dominance over the UK Christmas number one spot in subsequent years.
September 15, 2005: Rage Against the Machine members reunite at a protest
Despite rumors of tension and having turned down lucrative reunion offers, members of Rage Against the Machine came together on September 15, 2005, for a protest in support of the South Central Farm. While Commerford and De la Rocha maintained a friendship, Morello and De la Rocha communicated by phone and reunited for this event.
2005: Audioslave's "Out of Exile" Tops Charts
Audioslave's second album, "Out of Exile," debuted at number one on the Billboard charts in 2005.
2005: X Factor dominates UK Christmas charts
From 2005 onwards, winners of the popular TV show The X Factor consistently claimed the Christmas number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, prompting a movement to challenge their dominance.
2005: VH1 Recognition and Son Jarocho Exploration
Rage Against the Machine was ranked 33rd on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" list in 2005. That same year, Zack de la Rocha was seen performing Son Jarocho music with the band Son de Madera.
September 4, 2006: Audioslave's "Revelations" Release
Audioslave, the band formed by former Rage Against the Machine members and Chris Cornell, released their third album, "Revelations," on September 4, 2006.
January 2007: Rage Against the Machine reunites at Coachella
After much speculation, Rage Against the Machine confirmed their reunion on January 2007, announcing their headlining slot at Coachella 2007. This reunion was driven by the band's desire to voice their opposition to the political climate under the George W. Bush administration.
February 2007: Solo Album Announcement
Tom Morello announced his debut solo album as the Nightwatchman, "One Man Revolution," in February 2007.
February 15, 2007: Audioslave Disbands
Audioslave disbanded on February 15, 2007, after Chris Cornell's announcement of his departure due to personal and creative differences.
April 14, 2007: Morello and De la Rocha perform acoustic set at rally
Prior to their Coachella reunion, Morello and De la Rocha reunited on stage for a brief acoustic set at a Coalition of Immokalee Workers rally in Chicago on April 14, 2007. This performance served as a precursor to their highly anticipated Coachella show.
April 2007: "One Man Revolution" Release
Tom Morello released his debut solo album as the Nightwatchman, "One Man Revolution," in April 2007.
May 2007: Questions arise about new Rage Against the Machine album
In May 2007, questions arose about the possibility of new music from Rage Against the Machine. Morello's response was vague, leaving fans to speculate.
2007: Rage Against the Machine Reunites at Coachella
After pursuing other projects for several years, Rage Against the Machine reunited to perform at Coachella in 2007.
April 2008: Morello remains tight-lipped about new album
In an interview with MTV News in April 2008, Morello declined to comment on the possibility of a new Rage Against the Machine album, further fueling speculation among fans.
August 2, 2008: Rage Against the Machine headlines Lollapalooza
Rage Against the Machine continued their tour with a headlining performance at the 2008 Lollapalooza Music Festival in Chicago on August 2, 2008. They shared the stage with other notable acts like Radiohead, Kanye West, and Nine Inch Nails.
August 2008: Rage Against the Machine headlines Tent State Music Festival
During the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August 2008, Rage Against the Machine headlined the Tent State Music Festival to End the War. The event featured artists like Flobots, State Radio, Jello Biafra, and Wayne Kramer. After their performance, the band, along with Iraq Veterans Against the War, led a march to the Denver Coliseum, advocating for peace.
August 2008: De la Rocha addresses possibility of new material
In August 2008, De la Rocha finally addressed the rumors surrounding new Rage Against the Machine material, providing insights into his perspective on the matter.
September 2008: Rage Against the Machine performs at Target Center during RNC
In September 2008, Rage Against the Machine performed at the Target Center in Minneapolis during the Republican National Convention. They were also scheduled to play a surprise set at an anti-RNC concert but were prevented by the police. This didn't stop De la Rocha and Morello, who used a megaphone to perform for the crowd.
September 30, 2008: "The Fabled City" Release
Tom Morello released his second solo album as the Nightwatchman, titled "The Fabled City," on September 30, 2008.
December 2008: Morello hints at more shows but new album unlikely
In December 2008, Tom Morello hinted at the possibility of more Rage Against the Machine shows in 2009, but downplayed the likelihood of a new studio album due to time constraints.
2008: Induction into Kerrang! Hall of Fame
In 2008, Rage Against the Machine's impact on rock music was recognized with their induction into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame, a testament to their influence and legacy within the genre.
June 2009: Street Sweeper Social Club Debut
The rap rock group Street Sweeper Social Club, formed by Tom Morello and Boots Riley, released their self-titled debut album in June 2009.
December 2009: Campaign launched to secure Christmas number one
In December 2009, a fan-driven campaign spearheaded by Jon and Tracy Morter gained momentum, aiming to propel Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" to the top of the UK Singles Chart for Christmas.
2009: Morello occupied with other projects
Tom Morello's statement in December 2008 suggested his musical time was heavily booked, making a new Rage Against the Machine album in 2009 improbable.
June 6, 2010: De la Rocha suggests possibility of new album
Following the "Rage Factor" show in London on June 6, 2010, after the success of "Killing in the Name" reaching Christmas number one, Zack de la Rocha suggested the possibility of new Rage Against the Machine music. The momentum from the campaign fueled the idea of creating a follow-up to their 2000 album "Renegades."
June 2010: European Festival Tour
In June 2010, Rage Against the Machine headlined several European festivals, including the Download Festival in England, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park in Germany, and Rock in Rio Madrid in Spain. They also performed in Ireland on June 8 and the Netherlands on June 9.
July 23, 2010: First U.S. Show in Two Years
On July 23, 2010, Rage Against the Machine returned to Los Angeles for their first U.S. show in two years, which was also their first hometown performance in a decade. The concert raised $300,000 for Arizona organizations fighting the SB1070 immigration law.
October 2010: New Album Announcement
In October 2010, during an interview with the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, Zack de la Rocha confirmed that Rage Against the Machine was working on a new album, potentially slated for a 2011 release.
2010: Rage Against the Machine Achieves 16 Million Records Sold
By 2010, Rage Against the Machine had sold over 16 million records worldwide.
2010: 20th Anniversary Box Set
In 2010, Rage Against the Machine announced a special 20th anniversary box set to commemorate their debut album. The set included never-before-released concert material and a digitally-remastered version of the album.
2010: NME Heroes of the Year Award
In 2010, Rage Against the Machine was honored with the prestigious NME Heroes of the Year Award, recognizing their significant contributions to music and their unwavering commitment to social and political activism.
May 2011: No New Album
In May 2011, guitarist Tom Morello stated that Rage Against the Machine was not working on a new album at the time but did not rule out future studio work.
July 30, 2011: L.A. Rising Performance
On July 30, 2011, Rage Against the Machine performed at the L.A. Rising festival, which they created. The lineup included El Gran Silencio, Immortal Technique, Lauryn Hill, Rise Against, and Muse.
2011: Rage Against the Machine Goes on Hiatus
Rage Against the Machine went on hiatus in 2011.
2011: L.A. Rising Performance
In 2011, Rage Against the Machine performed at the L.A. Rising festival, which they created. It was their only appearance that year.
October 2012: New Album Speculation
In an October 2012 interview with TMZ, bassist Tim Commerford hinted that Rage Against the Machine might be working on a new album, responding with a vague 'maybe.'
November 2012: New Album Denial
In November 2012, Tom Morello denied that Rage Against the Machine was working on new material, stating that the band had 'no plans beyond' the reissue of their self-titled debut album.
April 2014: Final Show Indication
In an April 2014 interview with The Pulse of Radio, drummer Brad Wilk indicated that Rage Against the Machine's 2011 performance at L.A. Rising was their final show.
February 2015: Future Speculation
In February 2015, Tim Commerford commented on the uncertainty surrounding the band's future, speculating that a reunion could happen 'tomorrow' or 'in 10 years.'
October 16, 2015: Live at Finsbury Park Release
On October 16, 2015, Rage Against the Machine released their 2010 Finsbury Park performance as a DVD and Blu-ray titled 'Live at Finsbury Park.'
May 2016: Prophets of Rage Countdown
In May 2016, Rage Against the Machine launched a countdown website, prophetsofrage.com, leading to speculation about their return. It was later confirmed that Prophets of Rage, a new supergroup, was formed by members of Rage Against the Machine along with Chuck D of Public Enemy and B-Real of Cypress Hill.
May 2016: Band Status Clarification
In May 2016, Tim Commerford confirmed that Rage Against the Machine had not split up, despite the commitments of some members to the new supergroup Prophets of Rage.
2017: First Nomination for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In 2017, Rage Against the Machine received their first nomination for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking their eligibility for the prestigious honor.
May 2018: Reunion Desire
In May 2018, drummer Brad Wilk expressed his desire for a Rage Against the Machine reunion, stating that 'nothing would make him happier' but emphasized the need for all members to be on the same page.
2018: First Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
Rage Against the Machine received their first nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to their lasting influence on the music industry and their cultural impact.
2018: Second Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
Rage Against the Machine received their second nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, further solidifying their place in music history.
November 1, 2019: Reunion Announcement
On November 1, 2019, it was reported that Rage Against the Machine would reunite for their first shows in nine years in the spring of 2020, including appearances at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
November 2019: Prophets of Rage Disband
In November 2019, Chuck D and B-Real confirmed that the supergroup Prophets of Rage had disbanded.
November 25, 2019: Fake Tour Poster
On November 25, 2019, a fake tour poster indicating a 2020 world tour for Rage Against the Machine was debunked as a prank by the Australian publication Wall of Sound.
2019: Second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
In 2019, the band was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time, solidifying their position as one of the most influential and important rock acts of their generation.
2019: Rage Against the Machine Announces World Tour
Rage Against the Machine announced a world tour in 2019.
2019: Third Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
In 2019, the band earned their third consecutive nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, highlighting their enduring legacy and influence.
February 10, 2020: Rage Against the Machine Announces Reunion Tour
On February 10, 2020, Rage Against the Machine excited fans by announcing their Public Service Announcement Tour, marking their first full-length world tour in 20 years.
March 12, 2020: Tour Postponement Due to COVID-19
On March 12, 2020, the band made the difficult decision to postpone the first leg of their highly anticipated reunion tour due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
May 1, 2020: Rescheduled Tour Dates
On May 1, 2020, in hopes of salvaging the tour, the band announced rescheduled dates for their reunion tour, pushing it to 2021.
May 12, 2020: Reading and Leeds Festivals Cancellation
Adding to the string of cancellations, the Reading and Leeds Festivals, which Rage Against the Machine were set to headline, were canceled on May 12, 2020.
June 11, 2020: Resurgence of Rage Against the Machine's Music Amidst Black Lives Matter Protests
On June 11, 2020, all of Rage Against the Machine's albums surged in popularity, entering the top 30 of Apple Music's Rock Albums chart. Their self-titled debut album even re-entered the Billboard Top 200. This renewed interest was attributed to the global Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd.
September 2020: Tom Morello Addresses New Music Rumors
In a September 2020 interview, guitarist Tom Morello playfully addressed rumors of new Rage Against the Machine music, assuring fans that any such news would come directly from their representatives.
October 2020: Coachella Performance Canceled
Despite rescheduling other tour dates, Rage Against the Machine's appearance at Coachella, initially postponed from April to October 2020, was officially canceled in June.
2020: Charitable Donations from Reunion Tour
Demonstrating their commitment to social justice, Rage Against the Machine announced that all profits from the first three shows of their 2020 reunion tour would be donated to immigrant rights organizations in the United States. For all subsequent shows, they pledged to donate 10% of the base ticket price and 100% of proceeds beyond fees and the base ticket price to local charities in each city they performed in.
2020: Reunion Tour
In 2020, Rage Against the Machine was set to reunite for a series of performances, including appearances at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
April 8, 2021: Public Service Announcement Tour Rescheduled Again
On April 8, 2021, as the pandemic continued, the band announced the Public Service Announcement Tour would be shifted once again to the spring and summer of 2022.
May 2021: Support for Boycott of Performances in Israel
In May 2021, Rage Against the Machine joined over 600 musicians in signing an open letter advocating for a boycott of performances in Israel until the occupation of Palestinian territories ends, aligning with their longstanding support for Palestinian rights.
2021: Third Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
Rage Against the Machine continued to receive recognition for their musical legacy with their third nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
2021: "Killing in the Name" Crowned UK's Favourite Christmas Number 1
In a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance, Rage Against the Machine's anthem "Killing in the Name" was voted the 'UK's Favourite Christmas Number 1 of All Time' in a 2021 poll conducted by the UK Official Charts Company. This accolade coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Official Christmas Number 1 race.
2021: Fourth Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
Continuing their streak, Rage Against the Machine received their fourth nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, inching closer to the prestigious recognition.
June 24, 2022: Donation to Reproductive Rights Groups
In a powerful statement following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Rage Against the Machine announced a $475,000 donation to reproductive rights organizations in Wisconsin and Illinois. During their July 9 concert in Wisconsin, they continued to express their opposition to the ruling, displaying messages like "Abort the Supreme Court" and highlighting the racial disparities in maternal mortality rates. Their actions demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and reproductive rights.
July 9, 2022: First Concert in 11 Years
On July 9, 2022, Rage Against the Machine ended their long hiatus with a triumphant return to the stage at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin, marking their first concert in 11 years.
July 11, 2022: Zack de la Rocha's Onstage Injury
During a concert in Chicago, IL, on July 11, 2022, vocalist Zack de la Rocha suffered a significant leg injury, later revealed to be an Achilles tendon rupture, which would have a significant impact on the band's touring plans.
August 11, 2022: UK and European Tour Leg Canceled Due to Injury
On August 11, 2022, the band announced with deep regret that they had to cancel the UK and European leg of their tour due to a serious leg injury sustained by vocalist Zack de la Rocha during a performance in Chicago on July 11, 2022.
October 4, 2022: Remaining North American Tour Dates Canceled
On October 4, 2022, due to the severity of de la Rocha's injury, the band announced the cancellation of their remaining 2023 North American tour dates, disappointing fans but prioritizing their frontman's recovery.
2022: Public Service Announcement Tour Kicks Off
After multiple postponements, the Public Service Announcement Tour finally commenced in 2022, marking the band's return to the stage.
2022: Rage Against the Machine World Tour Cut Short
Rage Against the Machine's world tour, delayed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was cut short after Zack de la Rocha injured his leg.
November 3, 2023: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
On November 3, 2023, Rage Against the Machine's influence and impact on music were officially recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The honor was bestowed upon them by rapper and actor Ice-T at a ceremony held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Notably, only guitarist Tom Morello was present at the event.
2023: Support for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas War
Amidst the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, vocalist Zack de la Rocha and guitarist Tom Morello publicly voiced their support for a ceasefire, reflecting the band's commitment to peace and their stance against violence and oppression.
2023: Cancellation of 2023 North American Tour Dates
In 2023, the band was forced to cancel the remaining North American leg of their highly anticipated tour due to the severity of de la Rocha's injury, leaving fans disappointed but understanding.
2023: Rage Against the Machine Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rage Against the Machine was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
January 3, 2024: Third Breakup of Rage Against the Machine
On January 3, 2024, drummer Brad Wilk confirmed the third and likely final breakup of Rage Against the Machine. He revealed that while there had been some communication between band members, they would not be touring or performing together again.
January 2024: Rage Against the Machine Disbands
Brad Wilk confirms that Rage Against the Machine disbanded for the third time in January 2024.