In a new discussion about the current state of Rage Against The Machine, guitarist Tom Morello says the band is still in a time of healing, admitting if and when they decide to head back on the road you'll hear it first from the group as a whole.
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Rage Against The Machine has been a constant driving force in Rock and Alternative music since the early 90s, with the politically active group taking their longest full break between the years of 2000 and 2007, staying ever-present in the festival circuit until their official reunion tour kicked off in 2022. That was, until frontman Zack de La Rocha's on-stage injury that sidelined the tour with cancelations into this year.
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Speaking with Rolling Stone, Morello seemed uncertain of the future of the tour, somewhat cryptically saying, "We’ll see. If there is to be any more shows, we will announce it as a band. I don’t know. I know as much as you do, honestly. Right now we’re in time of healing."
“If there never is another show," he adds, "I think that this tour made the case. It’s not about how much you tour. It’s about what it’s like during those moments when you do. Rage Against the Machine has played 19 shows in the past 12 years. And the resonance of those 19 shows feel, in talking to fans, like those were historical events that furthers the idea of what that band is like live onstage.”
Regarding making up any of the 38 concerts that were canceled, Morello acknowledges that RATM fans around the world deserve to see the band. "Of course they do," he says. "Would the times benefit from a culturally, spiritually, rocking-ly, potent band like Rage being onstage? Of course. I don’t have news for you on that. I apologize. There’s nothing internal in our discussions that says either yes or no."
“Rage Against the Machine is like the ring in 'Lord of the Rings.' It drives men mad. It drives journalists mad. It drives record industry people mad," Tom adds. "They want it. They want the thing, and they’re driven mad. If there are Rage shows, if there are not Rage shows, you’ll hear from the band."
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Frontman Zach isn't the only member of the band currently on the mend. Bassist Tim Commerford revealed at the end of 2022 that he has been going through a private battle with prostate cancer. Morello himself was also walloped while on the road, but any injuries seem to have healed up, allowing him to tour solo and work with Måneskin on their 2023 single, "GOSSIP."
Additionally, Rage Against The Machine has been nominated once again for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the Class of 2023.
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