Rage Against the Machine have been known to spark the occasional frenzy, but on August 14, 2000 it hit a new level when the group incited a riot outside of the Democratic National Convention.
The annual political event was taking place at the Staples Center in Rage Against the Machine’s hometown, Los Angeles. The politically charged group decided to play a free show, making sure their voices – and the voices of their fans – were heard.
A crowd of over 8,000 fans showed up for the set, creating a human powder keg that was ready to expand. “Our democracy has been hijacked,” singer Zach de la Rocha screamed from the stage. “Our electoral freedoms in this country are over so long as it’s controlled by corporations. We are not going to allow these streets to be taken over by the Democrats or the Republicans!”
For an incendiary 40 minutes, Rage Against the Machine did exactly what their band name implies. The group tore through many of their most powerful hits, including “Bulls on Parade,” “Testify,” “Guerilla Radio” and “Killing in the Name.” On the latter track, de la Rocha changed the chorus’ famous lyrics, instead declaring: “Some of those that burn crosses, are the same that hold office.”
As the set was coming to a close, the band’s fans began to riot, throwing bottles and rocks at the police who were already on-site in riot gear. In response, authorities used tear gas and rubber bullets to force the crowd to disperse. The incident garnered national news attention. Eight years later, a similar scene erupted when Rage played at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.
Rage Against the Machine’s infamous DNC set has twice been released on limited edition vinyl as part of Record Store Day – first in 2018, then again in 2024.
See Footage of Rage Against the Machine’s Riot at the 2000 Democratic National Convention