Highlights
- Rage Against The Machine’s internal tensions and creative differences led to their dissolution in 2000. Squabbling over everything, even T-shirt designs, caused major problems within the band.
- Despite reunions and successful performances, the band has experienced more splits and setbacks, including an Achilles injury to Zack de la Rocha that prematurely ended a major tour.
- The band has now split once again, with drummer Brad Wilk stating that they will not be touring or playing live again. Tensions within the band seem to be the cause of their final separation.
Being in a long-lasting band is hard to do. Sure, some acts, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have managed to stick around for decades, but the majority of bands fracture long before obtaining that type of longevity.
Rage Against The Machine, a band known for their controversial and thought-provoking songs, changed music forever during their peak. Behind the scenes, however, the band was barely hanging on, and before anyone knew it, they disbanded.
Let’s take a look at the band, what drove them apart, and how their reunions have ended in similar fashion.
Rage Against The Machine Broken Up After Infighting Left Them Fractured
In the annals of musical history, few bands have left an indelible mark quite like Rage Against The Machine. Comprised of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk, the group was one of the biggest acts on the planet at their peak, but once problems arose, the band of brothers was doomed.
Internal tensions led to RATM’s dissolution in 2000. Creative differences and the desire to explore individual projects prompted the band members to part ways.
As Tom Morello once revealed, “There was so much squabbling over everything. And I mean everything. We would even have fist fights over whether our T-shirts should be mauve or camouflaged! It was ridiculous. We were patently political, internally combustible. It was ugly for a long time.”
It’s also been noted that aside from all the fighting, bassist Tim Commerford’s actions at the VMAs caused major problems with Zack de la Rocha.
“It’s not unique among rock bands to find the occasional dissension. But compared to music we make and the causes we pursue, it’s not so interesting,” the singer said, according to Far Out.
Just like that one of the biggest and most important bands were done. Fans were stunned to see things fall apart so quickly for the group, who were set to release a set of cover tunes, some of which would become among their most popular releases.
Interestingly, de la Rocha was already planning on a hiatus from the group.
“One thing that might not be clearly understood is that we were in a period where he was planning to take 18 months to two years off. He wasn’t planning on writing another Rage song or playing another Rage show until 2003. So, as far as it did come as a surprise, in our daily schedule it didn’t have a huge impact on the rest of us. I was disappointed that, come 2003, we wouldn’t be booking a world tour, but Tim, Brad and I were planning to continue to work together and make new music. Those plans will continue,” Morello revealed.
Despite being on the outs for years, and even forming other groups like Audioslave and One Day As A Lion, the boys got back together.
How Much Did Zack De La Rocha’s Leg Injury Cost The Rage Against The Machine Tour?
Zack de la Rocha suffered a brutal leg injury that meant canceling the rest of the Rage Against The Machine 2022 tour, and it cost the band a lot.
Their Reunions Have Been Wildly Successful, But Have Led To More Splits
At Coachella 2007, Rage Against The Machine made dreams come true when they reunited for a masterful performance. Yes, this is back when rock bands headlined Coachella, and when it was held during a single weekend.
Once the ball was rolling on their reunion, fans were optimistic that new music would be on the way, but sadly, the band would not enter the studio to unleash a new album for a new generation of fans.
Once back together, the boys would play shows for the next several years before disbanding once again.
After getting back together again, the boys were derailed when de la Rocha sustained a nasty achilles injury, which prematurely ended their major tour.
Sadly, things are not looking good for the band once again.
Rage Against The Machine Got Caught By Fans Stopping Mid-Song To Protect A Female Audience Member
Rage Against the Machine always did things their own way, and that includes their treatment of fans.
They Have Separated Once Again, Possibly For The Final Time
According to Variety, the band has split once again.
“I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all the canceled RATM shows. I don’t want to string people or myself along any further. So while there has been some communication that this may be happening in the future… I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will not be touring or playing live again. I’m sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this to happen,” Brad Wilk wrote.
Zack De La Rocha’s Life Completely Changed After Leaving Rage Against The Machine
What happened to Zack de la Rocha when he decided that he could no longer be part of Rage Against The Machine?
It’s alleged the tensions have once again fractured the iconic band. Can’t we all just get along?
Source: NewsFinale
