What was the reaction of the very first person to experience the groundbreaking sound of Rage Against the Machine?

If you were immersed in the rock music scene during the ’90s, you would likely agree that Rage Against the Machine’s music hit hard and left a lasting impression from the very first listen. The unique combination of heavy guitar riffs, infectious grooves, and powerful, politically charged lyrics set them apart from everything else that was dominating the airwaves at the time. Imagine being the first person to experience what Rage Against the Machine was creating; the sheer excitement and novelty must have been incredible.

Tom Morello Shares Insights on the First Listener of Rage Against the Machine

During an engaging episode of Billy Corgan’s podcast, The Magnificent Others, guitarist Tom Morello reminisced about his formative years in Los Angeles, which ultimately led to the formation of Rage Against the Machine. He vividly recounted the moment when the band’s music was first unveiled to an audience. ?The first time anyone ever heard the music, no one had ever heard the music and we were playing an industrial park in the Valley. There was this dude, a worker guy, and he said, ?What are you doing?? And I said, ?We?re a band.? He said, ?Can I hear it?? So I said, ‘I can?t see why not.? So he comes in and we have about five songs together and he sits down and we play five Rage Against the Machine songs, though the band doesn?t have a name [yet].?

After finishing their set, they asked the man for his thoughts. He stood up, exclaiming, ?Your music makes me want to fight.? The passion in his voice and his fierce posture reminded them of a honey badger. That moment was pivotal, as it hinted at the raw energy and impact their music would have on listeners, a sentiment that holds true even today.

How a Personal Vow Shaped the Iconic Sound of Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine was born from Tom Morello’s determination to create meaningful music after experiencing setbacks in his earlier musical endeavors. Reflecting on his previous band, Lock Up, Morello shared insights into how he felt when their debut album failed to meet expectations. He explained how the band struggled, losing tour support and band members until he found himself as the last one standing. This led him to reach out to drummer Brad Wilk to start a new chapter that would become Rage Against the Machine.

READ MORE: Tom Morello Says ‘Greatest Gift’ He Received in Music Was Failure

Morello articulated the lessons learned from his experiences, stating, ?I was crystal clear on the mistakes that had been made from my point of view was that I had listened to experts and look where it got me.? He made a conscious vow that he would never again play a note of music that he didn?t truly believe in, acknowledging that while his dreams of becoming a rock star might never materialize, he still valued playing music that resonated with him personally.

On the prospects of Rage Against the Machine, Morello candidly admitted, ?There was zero commercial ambition. There was no hope of booking a club show when that band formed.? He emphasized the unique combination of ethnic diversity within the band and their audacious Neo-Marxist lyrics set to the backdrop of heavy metal riffs, which was something that had never been done before. Morello expressed that their primary goal was simply to create music they loved, stating, ?In that rehearsal room it was crystal clear that there was nowhere near where this music could be other than that we liked it.?

Before even stepping on stage for their first performance, they recorded a cassette of 12 original songs. This was a significant milestone for them, feeling that it was enough to encapsulate their artistic vision. Fortunately, their music found a receptive audience, although it was not without challenges. Morello recounted a clever workaround that allowed Rage Against the Machine to air their song “Freedom” on MTV and radio, despite a curse word slipped in by vocalist Zack de la Rocha.

Morello humorously recalled suggesting that rather than saying, ?Bring that shit in,? de la Rocha could instead be interpreted as saying, ?Bring the shiteen,? claiming that shiteen was the Aztec word for “freedom.” He jokingly added, ?Now, is shiteen the Aztec word for freedom? As far as Viacom knows it is.? This clever twist led to the song reaching a wider audience, resulting in over 3 million copies sold, and introducing a new generation to the legacy of Leonard Peltier.

Not only did Rage Against the Machine succeed in bringing attention to important issues, but they also carved out a legendary career that would eventually earn them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tom Morello’s Memorable Appearance on Billy Corgan’s Podcast