
Tom Morello fondly remembers the earliest days of Rage Against the Machine. He says that the group’s success caught him off-guard, especially considering how different the band’s music and aesthetic were at the time.
The guitarist made an appearance on Q on CBC in which he discussed RATM 1992 self-titled album and the group’s first gigs. He says that he was surprised the group was even able to book live shows when they started out.
There were no neo-Marxist, multi-ethnic, rap-punk-metal bands. There was zero… zero commercial ambition. The only goal was to make a cassette demo.
Morello also says that he wasn’t necessarily thrilled with the idea of being given a record deal. The guitar player had been signed to a major label before, while in the band Lock Up. He says that his experience at the time was not a good one.
The former RATM and Prophets of Rage guitarist also talks about the first feedback the band ever received. He says that while rehearsing their first songs, the group received approval from a nearby worker. Your music makes me wanna fight, he told them.
Rage Against the Machine were initially active between 1991 and 2000. They have reformed several times since then for various live events.