On November 3, 2023 Rage Against the Machine were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The legendary politically charged band who were at the forefront of the rap-metal explosion of the 90s were an obvious choice for the Hall of Fame. Throughout their career, they played sold-out shows all over the world and raised money and awareness for world causes. They also put out four legendary albums beginning in 1991 with their self-titled debut, followed by 1996’s Evil Empire, then in 1999 it was The Battle of Los Angeles, and finally followed by a collection of cover songs in 2000 called Renegades. Their music as much as their causes and out spoken mentality are the reasons for their induction into the Hall.
During the ceremony, Ice-T inducted Rage Against the Machine and told how they ended up opening up for Body Count and joked that when he saw Zach de le Roacha jumping five feet in the air he said, “That ain’t no opening band!” Tom Morello accepted on behalf of the band and said they had different perspectives on being inducted into the Rock Hall. He said that he approved of it since he was able to celebrate it with their fifth member – Rage’s fans. His speech seemed to suggest the band’s time might be done, as he said, “If you’re bummed you didn’t get to see Rage Against the Machine, go out and start your own band.”
The full broadcast was streamed live on Disney+ and can now be watched on demand via Disney+ or Hulu.
