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Rage Against The Machine music biography continued...

Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991, the band's lineup, unchanged since formation, consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk. The group performed locally and made a demo tape, which drew almost instant record company attention, and ultimately led them to sign with Epic. Their debut album, 1993's Rage Against the Machine, reached triple platinum status, driven by heavy radio play of the song "Killing in the Name," a heavy, driving track featuring only six lines of lyrics and notable for numerous variations on the word "fuck." After touring with Lollapalooza and declaring their support of several different liberal activist groups, RATM spent a reportedly tumultuous four years working on their follow-up; despite rumors of a breakup, they returned in 1996 with Evil Empire, which entered the U.S. album charts at number one and scored a hit single with "Bulls on Parade." The members of Rage continued to rage on behalf of a variety of causes that continued to get them into hot water, but nevertheless the album The Battle of Los Angeles came out in1999, also debuting at number one and going double platinum by the following summer.



The year 2000 saw further upheavals for RATM A free concert outside the Democratic National Convention in L.A. protesting the two-party political system went off without a hitch - until a handful of protesters began a small riot with police, following the band's set. Less than a month later, Commerford was arrested and charged with assault and resisting arrest after he scaled a stage prop during the MTV Video Music Awards (both charges were dropped when he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct). Then, right have the release of Renegades, which peaked at #14, de la Rocha signaled his attentions to leave the band for a solo career. Band members went their own way until 2007, when RATM reunited to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, much to the joy of Rage fans everywhere.