Prophets Of Rage - The Debut Album Out Today!

Prophets of Rage are THE band for these times, as attendance at one of their shows clearly proves. It is pure energy, pure intensity, and pure rage aimed at the social injustices of now, delivered with the solid one-two-three punch of the classic rock sounds from three of rock and hip hop's biggest bands coming together as one.

Rage Against The Machine. Public Enemy. Cypress Hill = Prophets of Rage, and while we all miss the fiery teachings of Zack de la Rocha leading Rage, Chuck D and B Real bring a whole new vibe while keeping their own legendary personas front and center. It's something else.

The debut album, the self-titled Prophets of Rage is out everywhere today, and we finally get to hear the original songs that these music icons came up with together. I'm blasting it right now, and feel myself itching for either a big, crazy rock show, or an all out, take it to the streets monster protest. It will do that to you.

I was all ready to expose my Minneapolis people to this mind-blower of a rock show this weekend out at Canterbury Downs, but for some lame reason, the sponsoring radio station (93X) cancelled it. That's enough to start our own protest right there. Minnesota people will want to make the trek somewhere else to catch this. Lame.

The new album showcases each member of the band at their best ... from the power trio from Rage (Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford) to DJ Lord to Chuck D and B Real, all in firmly in their element. Standout tracks to me are "Hands Up", "Radical Eyes", "Smashit", "Unfuck The World", and "Strength In Numbers", but every song is gonna do some sonic damage, and absolutely rile up everyone within earshot.

There are very few recording artists putting their mouths where their money is these days, and POR doesn't care what anybody thinks - they just say it like it is. And they mean business. The music - and the movement - is crazy infectious, and unafraid to stand up and speak out to anyone or anything that is keeping the people down.

Guys ... Thank you. Thank you for Making America Rage Again. We need you!!!

Fans - Get it. And definitely catch it live if you can.

Related links:
http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2016/06/prophets-of-rage-at-palladium-make.html

http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2016/09/prophets-of-rage-make-forum-rage-again.html

http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2017/01/the-anti-inaugural-ball-with-prophets.html

The Anti-Inaugural Ball With Prophets Of Rage!

The United States of America inaugurated the ridiculous Donald Trump as our nation's 45th President last Friday ... and the fine citizens of Los Angeles were having NONE of it. Prophets Of Rage organized an Anti-Inauguration Ball for that evening, to state loud and proudly that this is not our President. We will not stand for a racist, misogynist, hateful leader, and the gauntlet has been thrown on that now from Day One. The evening's proceeds would go to RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, showing that the people will take care of each other, now that we can no longer count at all on our government to do the right thing.

Trump wasted no time in eliminating pages for Climate Change, Native Americans, LBGT, oh, and for you GOP members, also shut down was the Veteran's Families page (explain that!), and is no longer available in Spanish. This President and his cronies fail to realize that he is meant to represent ALL of us, not just the ones he agrees with. And we are here to remind him of that, every step of the way. Friday night was just the beginning. We arrived late to the Teragram Ballroom in Downtown L.A., as you do on a Friday night. We missed the opening acts of The Los Angeles Freedom Choir, Tom Morello and his Freedom Fighter Orchestra, Jackson Browne, Jack Black and Tenacious D, and words from Susan Sarandon. Bummer, as I heard we missed "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" with Tom Morello's blistering guitar solo featuring the night's message of "Not My President" written on the back of his guitar. We walked in just as two young ladies gave a spoken word poetry performance that was as hard-core as anything we'd hear the rest of the night, speaking serious truth to power.

We squeezed up into the balcony, basically to save our own lives, as it was getting pretty heavy metal down on the floor, with the entire square footage pretty much the pit. It was practically a green house in there, as the joint was packed and sweaty with people venting their rage. Prophets Of Rage took the stage to their original tune, "Prophets Of Rage" and from then on ... it was ON. The momentum never let up for a second, and as much of a nightmare as the day began, it was being wrapped up in a gigantic fist of opposition. And it was powerful. At the end of that one, the mighty Public Enemy's Chuck D said, "Make America Rage Again! Make Racists Afraid Again!" to massive applause. It really felt in there like we got this.

Rage Against The Machine's "Bombtrack" was up next, and it was pure molten lava in there. Sheesh. If we could only bottle that energy in there! "This is the Anti-Inauguration Ball with Prophets of Rage and great friends, and we're gonna continue to fuck your heads up!" shouted Cypress Hil's B Real, Co-MC for POR. Which they did next with "Guerilla Radio", and the ecstatic fans of Morello's guitar solos down front were visibly face-melted. Rightly so. That led into "Shut Em Down", another POR original, that features a crazy battle between DJ Lord and Morello on guitar, shredding back and forth. It was something else.

Morello gave a fiery speech with a five point plan to defeat the ugly injustices that are already going down ... following is the paraphrase of that incendiary moment:

Show up! Keep showing up!
Join up! Together we shape the halls of power!
Freedom - remember you have it!
Stand up! For minorities (who are now the majority anyway), LBGT's, Muslims, Women, ALL!
Rise up! Don't settle for what they spoon feed you, fight for the world you want!

"This is a No-Trump Zone! If someone tries to grab your pussy in the pit, it's your patriotic duty to break their fucking arm!" - this was met with hoots and hollers from both genders in solidarity. And it's about time.

"Take The Power Back" ruled, of course. Then B Real said the whole thing was live-streaming on Facebook (and we all shouted out to those viewers) and said, "When you tell your friends that you raged the fuck out, you know what you did, you TESTIFIED!" - and they lit into Rage's "Testify", which tested the venue's earthquake fitness. It survived, just barely.

Vic Mensa rapped his "16 Shots" and then joined Chuck D and B Real for a medley of the Cypress Hill/Public Enemy hits that made them the legends that they are. "Can't Truss It/Insane In The Membrane/Bring The Noise/Ain't Goin' Out Like That/Welcome To The Terrordome" kept the place hopping until they brought out Everlast (!) for "Jump Around" and then it was JUMPING. All around like crazy. People were so happy to be blowing off the steam of this crazy election and awful injustice happening right in front of our faces, the joy in being together in solidarity was tangible. It only got better with the Rage classic, "Sleep Now In The Fire" when we all sang along, fists raised.

There was no time for a breather, as B Real said, "You're all in for a treat now..." and Morello began the instantly recognizable guitar intro for Audioslave's "Cochise"! People went absolutely mental when Chris Cornell bounded on to the stage and jumped right into the lyrics asking us to "Take it out on me!" It was awesome, and you'd never guess that 12 years had passed since they'd shared a stage together. Cornell's voice is as virtuosic as ever. They gave us a three song set with a melodic "Like A Stone" singalong leading into a fiery "Show Me How To Live" that made us all realize how much this band - like Rage - has been missed. It was capped off with a Cornell stage dive into the audience, punctuating the point that he was back, and happy to be so. The crowd went legit wild, and I was tempted to join him from the balcony.

"Bulls On Parade" was all-time, and when we all screamed "Rally 'round the Family!" it was even cooler than ever because that's exactly what we were doing ... rallying around the American family that WE believe on ... as one, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL. Like we learned in Kindergarten. It's not that hard, GOP. You recited that same Pledge Of Allegiance we did. Back to basics, Everyone. Golden rule time.

Jack Black came back to bring on and thank everyone involved, and the stage was soon almost as packed as the audience. The All-Star finale was - and had to be - Rage's "Killing In The Name" that climaxed with the entire building screaming "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" at the top of our collective lungs. "Now is not the time for silence, make your voices heard!" insisted Morello, and that we definitely did. This evil new administration doesn't have a chance when the People unite. And I think they know it. If any one of them had been in the place on this night, they would be quaking in their boots, because as stated at the outset above - we're NOT HAVING IT.

A hoarse Morello shouted, "Take it easy, but take it!" as Bob Marley's ultra-appropriate "Get Up, Stand Up" filled the room with even more encouragement. This was about the best way I can imagine having spent the night of one of the saddest days in our country's history. Together with fellow Freedom Fighters, knowing the power is - and has always been - in our hands. It's up to us to continue to let The Man (which it mostly always is screwing things up) know that we're here. That we fight for what's right. That we will never be silent. That this Land is made for you and me and all of us. UNITED.

May the foes of justice tremble.

Prophets Of Rage Make The Forum Rage Again!

The Fabulous Forum raged again last night with the insane in the membrane show Prophets Of Rage put on there last night. Good God!

Talking about how bad the traffic getting to shows in Los Angeles is getting boring, so just know that it was terrible and caused us to miss opening band, Wakrat (which was a bummer because it's Rage's Timmy C's side band that I really wanted to see), and only caught the last couple tunes from the other opener, Awolnation. Sigh. Walking into the Forum, it was clear that show was going to go OFF. The lines for drinks (and merch) were long, and almost everyone was in black, and the majority of the black was t-shirts from either Rage Against The Machine, Cypress Hill, or Public Enemy. Fittingly, as that is the trifecta that makes up the truly SUPERgroup that is Prophets Of Rage.

After procuring the requisite rock show whiskey, I found my seat in time for their last tune, "Sail" which seems to be the hit as people were singing along heartily. Singer, Aaron Bruno, urged the crowd to get into saying, "Everyone on your feet!" Many remained sitting. Then he added, "If you can!" You could see people pause, think about that, and rise to their feet - because they could. Good tactic! I thought it put a good patina of gratitude on the whole affair, ever so subtly. Thank you for the reminder, Awolnation!

Everyone spilled back out into the hallways to get refills and meet up with friends, and then it was time to RAGE! Public Enemy's DJ Lord took the stage to spin all the hip hop and rock favorites that get everyone going, and as each new snippet of a classic hit (Nirvana, Beasties, Tupac, etc...) began, another huge roar went up. The floor was general admission standing - which meant the pit was about to get DANGEROUS. I saw POR at The Palladium last Spring and the pit was lethal looking - and this one was like twice the size. Uh oh.

"Where my hip hop fans at?!" (ROAR!) "Where my rock heads at?!" (ROAR!) "Ladies, where you at?!" (roar. Most of them were still recovering from the Beyoncé show at Dodger Stadium the night before, but there were still some sopranos in the house, and I yelled my loudest.) We were all there! Then the lights went out and in maybe my favorite moment of the show, Mary Morello took center stage to introduce her son's band - "I'm Mary Morello! (A chant began of "Mary! Mary!") "I'm 92 years old!" (THUNDER!) "I'd like to introduce the greatest fucking band in the world - Prophets Of Rage!" Oh. My. Gosh. The place nearly imploded as the air raid signals pealed out and POR took the stage with raised fists. It was POWERFUL in there at that moment, let me tell you.

They lit right into their original namesake song, "Prophets Of Rage"- and the non-stop moshing began right then and there. It was EXCITING. It's a good tune because it really showcases all of the aspects that make each members' original bands shine. Chuck D and B-Real trading off the lyrics, and the mighty power of Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford blasting everything into smithereens. "Make America Rage Again - and we are the Rage!" yelled B-Real, and you could certainly see and feel that seething anger down below in that monster pit.

People lost their ever-loving minds at the opening chords of "Guerilla Radio" and when it got to the "ALL! HELL! Can't stop us now!" chorus .... well. You really, really believed it. NOTHING could stop this kind of energy, captured and used for good. That's the idea of the whole operation, you know, even if disguised as a hell of a good time. It can always be both. "What bettet place than here? What better time than NOW?!" Exactly. This band in these times is precisely what is needed. And we all knew it.

"Bombtrack" blew it all up again, and then B Real said they were going to do something special, and they laid a double whammy hybrid of Audioslave's "Cochise" (that thrilled the bros in the house from its opening chopper sounding licks) and PE's "She Watch Channel Zero". It was awesome. Of course. With the ovation that greeted that, B-Real looked real happy and said, "It's good to be home!" It sure was. Especially when "People Of The Sun" happened, leading right into Cypress Hill's "Miuzi Weighs A Ton". Phew. The show never let up for one second, and neither did the crowd. I'm actually worried today about one young man in particular who never once stopped banging his head all the way to his waist and back. Chiropractor time. (I know, 'cause my neck hurts today and I wasn't nearly as zealous as this teenager probably seeing all three bands for his first time. Rad.)

Cypress Hill was celebrating 25 years, and B Real gave a shout out to Sen Dog (who was in attendance) before the band threw down "Kill A Man". The HEAVY bass from Timmy C. (even when pulling double duty this night) and FAT beats from Brad Wilk really shone, and I'm sure the fans that caught the many drumsticks Wilk threw out were fully thrilled. "Take The Power Back" ruled it, and I'll always think Chuck D (in a New York Mets #32 jersey on this night) is just the greatest voice in rap.

Super authoritative and powerful, it commands your attention, and schools you every time. So good. By now the pit was looking extra violent at this point (I saw punches thrown, but then they'd pick the dude up and keep circling around. I don't get aggression on that level, but they sure did), but then these guys had waited a loooong time to see this music again, if they ever had before. The xylophone opening to "Rock Superstar" did no one in the pit any favors, as it just got even bigger from there. Yikes.

"Testify" had people dying, mostly when Morello tore into his solo that begins with his guitar plug on his hand. It was simply monstrous. "How many people fuck with hip hop here?", asked B-Real. A LOT it sounded like. "This music is aggression and in your face. That being said, Chuck and I are going to get in your face!" With that, both legendary rappers climbed into the crowd and performed a medley mashup of their respective bands' hits RIGHT in the fans' faces! "Hand On The Pump/Can't Trust It/Insane In The Membrane/Bring The Noise!" - all delivered flawlessly even as both Chuck and B-Real crowd surfed over the heads of their rabid acolytes. "Ain't Goin' Out Like That/Welcome To The Terrordome (!) and House Of Pain's "Jump Around" blew minds, ear drums, and the roof off - all at once. Trust me.

The boys from Rage came back to slay (Pardon. New Beyoncé fan as well) us all with "Sleep Now In The Fire", and a banner with a big fist (also featured on the most popular shirt for sale) unrolled behind the band. The Rage song had an extra air of menace and ferocity when the lyrics were spat out by Chuck D and B-Real, and folks were getting apoplectic in that dang pit. Bless them and their injuries today. This one had another Morello solo, that simply scorched faces. Charred.

"This is one of my favorite joints", B-Real confided. "It's cardio time!" For us all, because it was "Bullet In Your Head"! The first timer behind me went, "OHHHHHHH FUCK!" and another guy in the next aisle over was dancing so hard it took no convincing to know that he didn't care that anyone was watching. He was LOSING it, in the very best way possible. I was super happy for him, because you could see how SUPER happy he was.

After that total destruction, Morello addressed the crowd with one of his trademark fiery, inspiring speeches. "Are you having a great time, Great Western Forum?!" (Throwback! And yes, we were!) "It's been 17 years since Timmy, Brad and I last played here and we sincerely, humbly thank you for bringing us back to where we belong - and you belong - making America rage again!" He then expressed deep gratitude to their crew and the Forum crew, who all get there long before the show and stay long after to make it all happen. Classy, and every artist should do the same. He let the crowd know that each POR show donates to homeless charities and food shelves in each city, and the recipient of this show was PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), as this is always Rock with a cause. "We come with a simple message. The world won't change itself, it's up to you ... We want a world of justice for everyone, a world where you won't be blown up by a drone or shot by a cop - pray for THAT world!" Agreed. "Stand up against injustice wherever it rears its head, in your home, in your schools, in your community ... but tonight we're gonna have a good motherfucking time, People!" TOTAL agreement. With that spur to our sides, Morello launched into a siiiiick, virtuostic solo to start off the new POR tune, "Shut It Down" - which, after a DJ/Guitar battle between DJ Lord and Morello pretty much did shut down the Forum. But not just yet ...

"We're about to turn it up in here!" shouted B-Real, which I didn't think was possible. But it was. "Know Your Enemy" nearly made some cry "Uncle!", but they didn't, and a good thing, because there was STILL a lot of rock to go. When the crowd chanted "All of which are American Dreams!" over and over, it made you believe that some of them might yet be possible. I hope. "The Party's Over" took it down a slight notch, but only because most there don't yet know the original POR jam. Yet.

"It sends a strong message that you all want this message ... stand up and organize ... We are your voice, and you are our voice!" B-Real spoke that truth by way of introducing, "No Sleep 'Til L.A." which mashed up with "Fight The Power" - one of my all time faves. Wilk was SMASHING his kit to bits here, Timmy C. was nearly doing the splits and soaking wet, and Morello laid down yet another incendiary solo, complete with a teeth playing that revealed his "No One For President" sign. That's my vote. Morello then played an "I Am The Highway" sounding guitar intro for what became ... OMG ... "Bulls On Parade"! As I looked down upon the pit, all I could think - or write - was OUCH. For real.

"Make America Rage A-fucking-gain!" WOOOOO! "We'd like to welcome our good friend, Dave Grohl to the stage!" WHAT?!?! As you can imagine, shit went crazy. Crrrazy! Grohl came out for a searing take on the MC5's "Kick Out The Jams" that featured him and Morello trading licks and going for absolute broke. Like BONES broke. Grohl also took over vocals, and all you saw were camera phones and limbs in the air. We were all a flailing. sweaty mess and when B-Real yelled, "Dave Rocking Grohl! Wasn't that fucking AWESOME?!", not a soul could argue. PHEW.

And it STILL wasn't over! Madness and mayhem took completely over when "Killing In The Name" happened next. The now decades old lyrics could have been written last week as we all know that "Some of those who work forces, are the same who burn crosses". Fact. By the time they got to the "FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!" chorus (also a popular shirt), it was beyond chaos in there. Beyond. Bodies were launching through the air, and the ones that weren't all had those fists raised. In full solidarity.

Morello threw his guitar to his tech and screamed "Fuck Yeah!" So did we. The band plus Grohl all took their bows, then turned around for one enormous selfie with the crowd and all the raised fists together, as they've been doing in every city, creating a tableau of images spelling out the massive Power of the People. "We are Prophets Of Rage! Vote NO on Prop 64!" shouted B-Real (in reference to the marijuana legalization vote. Noted.) as the band, having given their ALL, left the stage to the tune of Willie Nelson singing, "The Party's Over". There was no encore, as I really don't think the crowd could have handled any more. Seriously.

As the fans streamed out into the Forum parking lot, I saw a lot of folks assessing their bodily damage, and heard a lot of them discussing their feelings on the show. ALL were fully stoked, though divided some on their loyalties. Many loved all three bands and thought the bringing of them together to be the very best thing of all time. Others thought that without Zack de la Rocha and his ferocity in delivering his words, some of the RAGE was missing. I get it, I do. But I'm also beyond grateful that this music is being heard PERIOD in these times. It's crucial listening, and if you're NOT outraged in these times, you're really not paying attention.

Heart-deep thanks goes out to these true American soldiers, shining a light on injustice and sticking up for the People, in the truest sense of patriotism I know of - doing what is right, and speaking out against what is not. Oh, and for putting on one hell of a show. Solidarity, Brothers!

*Photos courtesy of Paul Gronner Photography.
**Except group photo ripped from Morello's Instagram - thanks!

Prophets Of Rage At The Palladium - Make America Rage Again!

The country has collectively sent up the bat signal (or the fist signal, to be more precise), and Rage Against The Machine (minus Zack De La Rocha - no one knows why but him) has once again heeded the call. Reunited as Prophets Of Rage, with Chuck D of legendary Public Enemy and B Real of the mighty Cypress Hill filling in on vocals for De La Rocha, finally there is a Supergroup that is ACTUALLY super. Like, people almost can't believe it. But it's real and it went down last night at The Hollywood Palladium like maybe never before. I'm honestly surprised that the building is still standing (though I'm sure they're checking today for structural damage).

The show sold out in less than an hour, with people having to stand in line like the old days to get a wristband. Cash only, with ALL proceeds going to PATH (People Assisting The Homeless). As I said, these guys heed the call. It was THE hot ticket in town, and the excitement was palpable, even online. Once I arrived at the venue, it was evident that this was a show that was not only highly anticipated, but highly necessary. The marquee read "Make America Rage Again", and the people filing in were ready to do just that. Sure, there were lots of the usual rock show black t-shirts, many with Rage, P.E. or Cypress Hill logos, but there were also a whole lot of Bernie Sanders and Fuck Trump shirts in the mix. People are fed up. People are angry. People are scared. People want to DO something. And now they had a whole building of comrades feeling the same way, that love (and MISS) the same music ... you could just tell it was going to be something not just special, but HEAVY.

This was also a reunion of sorts, as Tom Morello is a mutual friend of many of us, so it was a party before even a note was played. We've all seen a lot of shows together, but everyone was as excited as ever, maybe even more so, because all these great musicians had never played before as one band (besides a small kick-off show at The Whiskey last Wednesday). By the time I got inside from gabbing out front, the floor was already completely full, front to back, side to side. The crowd was also already going OFF, literally jumping up and down to the D.J. spinning "Jump Around", and screaming along to "Walk This Way" - to mere recordings. We all looked at each other like "Uh Oh". There was going to be some lethal mosh pits tonight.

I first met my friend, Fred Armisen, at a game night at Tom Morello's, and when I heard about Prophets Of Rage having a show, I knew he had to be my plus one. We hadn't seen each other in a long time, so it was complete reunion time, but Fred is a busy guy and had to work late. As the energy was ramping up and you could feel the rock and roll tension building, he texted that he had just parked. I had to run t the door to give him his wristband to get in, and just prayed it wouldn't start before we got back. I love openings. We quick hugged and ran through the crowd back to the balcony (apologies to any selfie wanting people we ran past, but c'mon!) just as it went dark and the air raid signals started going off, letting everyone know this was a Rage show! Just as we found our place at the railing and the crowd was losing its ever-loving mind, Fred nudged me and showed me his phone. "Muhammad Ali just died" was the text. Whoa. I got chills and we just looked at each other big eyed, and then BAM! Chuck D. yelled "We are the Prophets Of Rage!" and this Supergroup launched into the song named for the band, "Prophets Of Rage". One greatest of all time left the Earth just as these greatest of all times began. Each man dedicated to social justice, and that itself is rare. Again, it felt super heavy in there, and that fact only made it more so.

A massive mosh pit instantly formed, never to stop until the lights came back on. It didn't matter that no one knew this new, original POR song yet, fists were raised the whole time. Fists were prominent in the merch, the posters, the backdrop ... Fists up is THE symbol for this revolutionary rock, and if this energy could be harnessed ... Hoo, boy. No more fossil fuels needed. Ever. Chuck D said, "We raise a fist in homage to the great Muhammad Ali!", and we all did. They had clearly just received that word as well, and it added even more heavyweight to the proceedings. The musical fist raised in homage was Rage's "Guerilla Radio", and when the People all screamed, "WHAT BETTER TIME THAN NOW?!" it was as if a spiritual molotov cocktail had been thrown, and it got even crazier. "ALL HELL CAN'T STOP US NOW!" was the God's honest truth in that moment, as was when Chuck D. yelled "POWER TO THE PEOPLE!" at song's end. Truer words were never spat.

"Bombtrack" was up next, and when People shouted "Burn, Burn!" I really thought we might, because by now it was so hot in there it was practically raining from the ceiling. Sweat poured off the performers and the audience alike, and no one minded a bit. Chuck D. said after that one, "Give Zack De La Rocha credit for those lyrics. They're revolutionary." Fact, and one of many respectful ZDLR shout outs. It only got hotter when they next threw down P.E.'s "Miuzi Weighs A Ton" and Chuck D. laid it all on the line. This time it featured a solo by Morello that scorched eyebrows, and the one-two punch of Tim Commerford on bass and Brad Wilk on drums made it all the harder core.

"People Of The Sun" went off, of course, and was immediately followed by "Take The Power Back" (maybe the theme song of the night), with extra thick bass from Timmy C. as Chuck D. told us all to "Bring that shit!" This was followed by a "Fuck Trump" chant, that was definitely another theme to the event. Red baseball hats reading, "Make America Rage Again" were an obvious riff on Trump's ridiculous theme, and a tip-off that, yeah, we're taking the power back. Thanks.

"Shout out to all y'all, this is too good to be true right now!", said an obviously stoked/touched B Real, as the Prophets Of Rage ripped into his Cypress Hill anthem, "Rock Superstar". The place went apeshit, for real, the second they heard the little xylophone intro. Whether this was your favorite jam back in the day or you were a kid hearing it for the first time, it was classic and we were all in it all the way together. This is when I began pondering the mosh ... then quickly thought better of it when I saw bodies and other materials flying through the air. I'm pretty sure there was blood and tooth shrapnel on that floor as it was being swept up at night's end. There had to be.

"For the motherfuckers that couldn't be at this show, you gotta tell 'em how dope it was. You know what that means?! You gotta testify!", commanded Chuck D as the band tore apart, yes, "Testify". This whole story is my testimonial, and I'm here to tell you ... America is beyond ready to RAGE again. Bar nothing. The joint was incinerated on this one. I'm telling you, it was nuts. Like we all looked over the railing at the roiling hurricane eye of humanity circling below us and could only say, "Whoa." - and pray for their safety. Insanity.

Appropriately insane, actually, because now the Rage guys left the stage to the two M.C.'s and P.E's DJ Lord, and we got a P.E./Cypress Hill medley that was honestly "Insane In The Membrane". It was also "Shoot 'Em Up", "Can't Trust It", "Bring The Noise" (my favorite P.E. jam!), "I Ain't Going Out Like That", and "Welcome To The Terrordome"!!!

It was a rapper's delight in there, and every damn word was shouted along with, punctuated by pointed fingers in the air, rock horns, and the omnipresent raised fists. People couldn't believe their dumb luck as they saw these rap MASTERS take the place apart word by word. It was really something else. Called MAYHEM. (Forgive all the caps. There is no way to emphasize these things enough without them. So there.)

The Rage guys returned then, and "Sleep Now In The Fire" fully slayed everyone all over again. Morello had a new solo for it, B Real took the vocals, and it was a remix for NOW. By now, the pit was as ferocious as the music, and when the band lit into another new one from POR, "Shut 'Em Down" - which is, I believe, exactly what they intend to do in Cleveland at the RNC. Look out. B Real took on the lead vocals for "Know Your Enemy" and it felt ominous. Like something brewing ... like maybe a riot ... but more likely an all out revolution. "They say jump, you say how high?!" Nope. Not anymore. We're not having it. Here, it needs to be mentioned that Morello was playing like he was being electrocuted from start to finish. It really was something to behold.

"You can change the singer, but you can't change the song," said Chuck D respectfully. "We're keeping a seat warm for you, Zack." Another tip of the hat to De La Rocha, who, as great as this all is, is still a pretty large void. Imagine them ALL together. No, visualize it. Then it will happen. When Chuck D. intoned, "All of which are American Dreams..." over and over, it was so cool with his authoritative bass tone, but you still hear De La Rocha in your head. You can't help it. And his lyrics remain as timely as ever, sadly but truly.

"The Party's Over" was the third and last POR original of the night, though it already sounded like a classic. It had the crowd chanting, "The Party's Done!" - DONE. The party system, the 1% party, all of it. Never was there a stronger reminder (except maybe at recent Bernie Sanders rallies) that the People have the power. No matter what the "Power" thinks. And we were all in there fighting that power. Hard. "There's lots of energy here tonight, let's see what we can do!", urged Chuck D, and what we could do was all fully freak out over "Kill A Man" - the Cypress classic that Rage covered on their Renegades album, but now it was live with both originals. SICK.

Now articles were being thrown through the air, in addition to the bodies. Full beers, hats, shirts, shoes, I don't even know what was being flung with abandon, probably because it felt like there was no limit to the nuts we could go in there. That was proven next by the combo of the Beastie's "No Sleep 'Til  Brooklyn" that merged right into "Fight The Power". Oh, my goodness. Oh, my GOODNESS. The only difference was that this time the city was changed to Cleveland. All I can say is watch out, RNC. I was there in '08 for the RNC with Rage ... and it's only more gnarly now, so .... !

"Bulls On Parade" was the one that Rage played through bullhorns a cappella when the cops pulled the power at the '08 RNC in St. Paul, and it was no less effective unplugged. In fact, even more so, because the People filled in. Last night's version suffered no lack of electricity, and when the "Rally 'round the Family!" chorus rang out, that's what it felt like. A big, global family of People sticking up for what's right - together. Plus, it's really rallying together when every red cent goes to help the homeless through PATH. What other "Supergroup" have you ever heard of doing that? You haven't.

"Raise your voices, Motherfuckers!" demanded Chuck D, just as a massive red banner unfurled behind the stage reading "MAKE AMERICA RAGE AGAIN!" to more thunder and lightning inside of this indoor storm. Prophets Of Rage began the opening chords of "Killing In The Name" - and that was that. The place was destroyed. My notes read simply "BEZERK!!!" And it was. "Some of those up in Congress," B Real spat, "Are the same that burn crosses!" It was SO heavy in there at this point, it was almost scary looking over the edge of the railing. There was so much testosterone flying around that it would be dangerous if everyone hadn't been so good natured about it. People were joyously taking elbows to the head, supporting bodies flying above them, and smiling all the while, like it hurt SO good (though I bet this morning might be a different story).

Just as the roof was about to fully implode on the proceedings, it was over. Chuck D shouted, "We are the Prophets Of Rage!", and the band took their bows amid total, complete, ecstatic mayhem of applause and fists raised in rock victory. With a purpose. Then they were gone, the lights came up, and Willie Nelson's "The Party's Over" came on over the p.a. There was no encore, which is probably good. People may have died, from the pit, dehydration, or from sheer happiness. Not a bad way to go, but it's better to be here to fight the power.

Everyone kind of stood there a moment, shell shocked, before they began to file out and check their rock show wounds. Overheard everywhere was, "Man, we NEEDED that!" Truth. Not just as fans of great rock music, but as a People. We need to know that we're not alone, that there are people fighting for justice, and for what's right, and what better way to do that than through an extra great time with all your People (I always capitalize People, because it should be.)? I can't think of one.

As everyone tried to recover upstairs, it was all excited chatter about what had just gone down, and how lucky we all felt to have witnessed it. But you'll have your chance too. The Prophets Of Rage are just getting started. They're already jetting off to New York for the Governor's Ball tomorrow (DO NOT MISS, NY!) and then ... stay tuned, but it's ON. Mary Morello told me she's gearing up for one of her famous band introductions, so you know there's more to come. Thank goodness.

Because it's time for America to RAGE against the machine again ... with everything we've got. And with the Prophets Of Rage as the revolutionary soundtrack, we've got more than enough to TAKE THE POWER BACK!

Thank you, Prophets Of Rage, for last night, and for hearing - and answering - the call. It's ON.


*Photos by special guest photographer Pete Halvorsen