Rage Against the Machine, the iconic American rock band, has reportedly disbanded for the third time, according to the band’s drummer Brad Wilk. The band’s Public Service Announcement reunion tour has been canceled, and Wilk has confirmed that the band will not be touring or playing live again.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, he shared: “I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all the canceled RATM shows,” he wrote. “I don’t want to string people or myself along any further. So while there has been some communication that this may be happening in the future… I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will not be touring or playing live again. I’m sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this to happen. I really wish it was…”
Rage Against the Machine was formed in the early 1990s and became known for its politically charged and reactionary music. The band has disbanded twice before, with the first breakup occurring in 2000 when frontman Zack de la Rocha left the band citing failed decision-making processes. The remaining members went on to form Audioslave with lead singer Chris Cornell, who left the band in 2007. In 2011, Rage reunited to headline Coachella and subsequently toured in the years that followed. By 2011, they’d played their final show at L.A Rising, signaling its second breakup.
The band caught a third wind in 2020, announcing the Public Service Announcement tour. However, the Covid pandemic forced them to postpone the trek, and Rocha ruptured his Achilles tendon on the second date of the tour. While they finished the first leg of the planned shows, they canceled the remainder due to the severity of his injuries. Most recently, Rage was mostly absent during their induction ceremony into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This news is sure to disappoint fans of the band, who were eagerly anticipating the reunion tour. However, the band members have not yet released any official statements regarding the breakup. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
