2023
ICE-T
Rage Against the Machine broke in the early ‘90s, unleashing a potent, confrontational blend of experimental metal, hard funk rhythms and biting, politically charged rap. With warrior energy, they railed against corporate control, political corruption, and systemic injustice. Tom Morello’s novel guitar sonics, plus Zach de la Rocha’s uncompromising lyrics, and the wallop and groove of Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk reshaped rock activism for the new millennium.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Politically Charged Rap Rock
With their ’92 debut, Rage Against the Machine delivered raw, rap-metal fury, applying prog rock chops, funk grooves and sonic experimentation to blistering indictments of injustice, poetic protest designed for both mosh pit and street. For their global fanbase in the ‘00s, they embraced more layered production, focusing on increasingly enraged messages.
This fiery leadoff single from their debut decried police brutality, particularly the Rodney King beating. A hip-hop/hardcore fusion was born. A U.K. No. 1.
From the Museum
Morello’s “Be Prepared”Shirt
Guitarist Tom Morello wore this Boy Scout shirt onstage in 1999 and in the music video for Rage Against the Machine’s “Guerilla Radio.”
The song won a Grammy award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
From the Museum
Morello’s “Be Prepared”Shirt
Guitarist Tom Morello wore this Boy Scout shirt onstage in 1999 and in the music video for Rage Against the Machine’s “Guerilla Radio.”
The song won a Grammy award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
To go down in history, you got to either make something, or break something. Rage broke every rule they could just to let you know they in the building.
Ice-T
2023 Hall of Fame Essay
"Upon its release in late 1992, Rage Against the Machine’s debut album changed the very rules by which rock & roll could be made."
– Rob Bowman
Influence
Rage Against the Machine
System of a Down
Papa Roach
Olivia Rodrigo
Korn
P.O.D.
Run the Jewels
Twenty-one Pilots
Incubus
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
More from
the Hall
