Brad Wilk, the drummer for Rage Against the Machine (RATM), announced via social media that the iconic band will not tour or perform live again. This marks the third potential breakup for RATM in the last two decades.
The decision follows the cancellation of the band’s North American tour in 2022 due to frontman Zack de La Rocha tearing his left Achilles tendon. Wilk expressed his reluctance to prolong the uncertainty, stating, “RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will not be touring or playing live again,” in an Instagram post.
Apologizing to disappointed fans, Wilk thanked them for their support. The announcement mirrors previous instances of the band disbanding, with the first break-up occurring in 2000 and another in 2011. Despite periodic hiatuses, RATM consistently reunited, notably headlining a tour in 2020, which was later postponed due to the pandemic.
The revelation comes after the band’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, emphasizing their influence on the music industry and society. Known for their outspoken leftist views, RATM made headlines in 2022 when they projected pro-abortion messages during a concert following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Formed in 1991, RATM gained acclaim with their self-titled debut album in 1992, securing two Grammy Awards and earning a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their live performances, the legacy of Rage Against the Machine remains etched in the annals of rock history.
