Wed 6/1 @ 7PM
In the last few decades, it’s been hard to find rock bands and artists who are overt in their social and political commentary and make that the focus of what they do while attracting mainstream attention. One of the few was Rage Against the Machine who broke out of Los Angeles and rose to prominence in the 1990s. The rap metal and became known for its left-wing activism and its anti-capitalist stance.
The group reunited for a short period from 2007 to 2011, and during that time they became involved in a successful Facebook campaign to push their track “Killing in the Name,” which rails against racism and police brutality, to the top of the UK singles chart for Christmas in place of the usual poppier fare.
Not only did the group donate the sales proceeds to charity, but they played a free concert in London’s Finsbury Park the following June to celebrate this accomplishment. It was captured on film, and that concert film is screening at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s Foster Theater this week. It dovetails nicely with the Rock Hall’s new exhibit, Louder Than Words, which explores political rock music. The film is free for members, $5.50 for non-members.
rockhall.com/film-series-rage/
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44114