Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello is known almost as much for his social activism as his innovative guitar playing, so it's no surprise to see him participate in a protest. He recently posted a photo of himself taking part in a Palestinian protest at Cal State Northridge, which is also the site of Rage Against the Machine's first show ever in 1991.
"HAPPY MAY DAY 2024! Day 1 Cal State Northridge Palestine protest. RATM's 1st show ever was here in 1991 and it was an honor to play for the students today in the name of justice, human rights, peace and liberation for all," Morrello captioned his post on Instagram, which featured a photo of the guitarist holding up a fist and his guitar surrounded by fellow protestors.
Although Morrello's post received more than 42,000 likes, not everyone was happy with the post and Morrello's participation in the protest.
"When I listen to 'rage' it just doesn't hit the same. Never thought they would become so woke," wrote one fan.
Another wrote, "I love Rage Against the Machine. LOVE. The music is great...but I think they're raging against the wrong machine now."
A third posted, "No Tom. I'm Jewish. I listened to RATM since I was a kid. I went to your gig in Haifa in 1997. To see you standing in solidarity with these people is heartbreaking. You're wrong. They are anti-Jewish and anti-west. They don't give a f--- about Palestinians. They don't want peace, they want to destroy the state of Israel in the name of Islamism brainwash. And if you think my words are invalid because I'm a 'Zionist,' it proves my point of you being brainwashed. Listen to Jews. Listen to Israelis. Listen to Palestinians who object those protests!!! You are doing a big mistake supporting them."
While several Palestinian protests around the country became violent and were shut down by police, there have been no reports of problems at CSUN.
In a less controversial follow-up post, Morrello shared a photo from last year from the "Morello hometown" of Pratiglione, Italy, where he was made an honorary citizen and announced he's playing some headline dates in July in the country as well as a festival date with the Smashing Pumpkins.
Watch the video below of Rage Against the Machine's first ever public performance at Cal State Northridge on Oct. 23. 1991.
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