Rage Against The Machine Kicks Off The Public Service Announcement Tour at Alpine Valley!

Rage Against The Machine is BACK, People! Just as the world could not need this iconic band more, they returned Saturday night to launch their Public Service Announcement Tour at Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wisconsin in what was their first show together since 2011's LA Rising show in Los Angeles. I was at that show too, and I can tell you that they have not missed a beat since then. WOW. 

 

People were tailgating in the massive parking lot for hours before the show began, and the anticipation level was HIGH. The merch lines stretched to the horizon, as everyone wanted a piece of this moment to last - and to show that they were THERE. The majority of the crowd were wearing Rage shirts from concerts past, though I was encouraged to see several statement tees in the crowd, like "Get a Vasectomy", "Fuck the Supreme Court!", and more of that ilk. This was a crowd of like minded folks, that's for sure - at least for this show. 

Alpine Valley really is a valley, with steep grassy hills leading down to the stage. The bad news about this is that there is absolutely ZERO cell service, making meeting up with friends and colleagues impossible. That was a huge drag, especially as my brother, Paul, had just flown in to road trip to this show with me, and was going to shoot the bands, but we were never able to connect ... so you'll have to settle for the old Iphone shots, sorry. But whatever, the show more than made up for any drags we encountered (we'll get to that more later). After grabbing some overpriced, mediocre concert food, we made our way down to our seats near the stage. I saw guys stretching, warming up for what was going to be maybe the most long awaited mosh pit ever - as this show was originally scheduled for over two years ago. It was about to go OFF. 

As weed smoke swirled above the crowd, more and more alcoholic beverages were being consumed while the excitement built. You could feel that it was going to be ROWDY. Opening act, the excellent Run The Jewels had their big inflatable fists hanging above the stage, and all of a sudden we heard Lionel Richie singing the opening line of "We Are The World", as Killer Mike and El-P took the stage. Everyone sang along until Killer Mike said, "Nah, I hate that song", and they launched into their song, "Run The Jewels" from their first album. They had the crowd in their big hands the entire set, even though I lost a shred of respect for Killer Mike when he admitted to being a Packers fan while shouting out Wisconsin. Boo. 

"We're so moved to be here, our friends Rage Against The Machine believed in us to bring us out, and we're here to see them too! Like, what would happen if Zak gained a lot of weight, and smoked a lot of weed - it would be us!", said El-P, with Killer Mike adding, "We are the scrappy opener though " ... and they hit us with their great, "Ooh La La" jam. "Nobody Speak" with the Wisconsin-born DJ Trackstar filling in on the DJ Shadow track was next, and they wrapped up their high-octane set with one dedicated to "People who died at the hands of the people paid to protect them!", the powerful "Walking In The Snow". It was great, and I thought they'd close with their "Ju$t" that features Zack de la Rocha on its chorus, but nope. Maybe later on in the tour? I love Run The Jewels, Man. They are the perfect openers for this tour of top shelf rock and rap."We love you! We're Run The Jewels!" - and Killer Mike urged everyone to remember "It's ALWAYS us versus them! That's right.

That was a perfect lob pass to Rage, as their message has always been that the People have the Power. The RTJ set began to disassemble, and the spare set for RATM was put together. It was getting dark now, and the excitement built more by the second. A drunk guy behind us was yelling, "You have no clue how excited I am!" - but I'm pretty sure everyone there got it. As Rage hasn't played live since 2011, many in attendance had never had the chance to see them before, so they were losing it. And were about to be richly rewarded with a show for the ages. 

Now, there have been performances of Rage songs in the last decade, with Chuck D. and B Real filling in for Zack de la Rocha ... but there's nothing like the real thing, and when the lights went down and a P.S.A. came over the P.A. with Zack's voice repeating a phrase that was impossible to understand with the incredibly loud yelling for Rage - and then lights came on, and there was everyone's favorite band, BACK with a "BOMBTRACK"!!!  The energy in that space was off the charts, and the pit immediately erupted in a sea of bodies flying, heads banging, and fists pumping in the air. It was so exciting, I felt emotional. I got all choked up, thinking about how long it's been since I'd been at a show like this, ROCKING my face off with a huge crowd, and all that has happened since. I was also so, SO happy for my friends rocking out on stage, with their wide smiles, it was clear that they too were extra happy to be back. It was also very moving, as my friend Tom's wife and young sons were there on the side of the stage, and it was the boys' first time seeing their dad rock the fuck out with Rage! How cool is that?! Super special, and I'm just so glad I was there. Again. 

 

"People Of The Sun" and "Bulls on Parade" were the one-two punch that came next, and a huge screen behind the band showed both them in close up, and real serious video content about the state of the world right now. For "Bullet In The Head", Tom Morello ripped out his famous solo, adding a riff with his teeth that had the bros in the pit losing their ever-loving shit. Every word of every song was being shouted along with the band, and there was not an ass in a seat in the whole place. You are on your feet at a Rage show the whole time - unless you're off them in the air (They say jump, you say how high?!). All of these songs were written in the 1990's, but all are even more relevant today. What an incredible feat that is for any music group, but for one that is so passionate about what they're saying (and walking the talk, by the way, with major proceeds from every show goes to charities that fight the power, they do more than any other band in that way), it really is incredible, and very moving. 

These guys are all in their 50's now, but they way they were jumping around the entire show, you'd think they were a college band getting their first big break. The energy was relentless, and they took a quick break as a video of a police van burning took over the large screen. It felt - and was - HEAVY. Tim Commerford's bass and Brad Wilk's drumming bore down like a rock freight train all night, and I found myself grateful for the ear plugs a man gave me, because I could feel the weight of it all in my heart. "Testify", "Tire Me", and "Wake Up" riled everyone up even more, if possible. "Wake Up" was SO forceful, I feared Zack might have ripped out his vocal chords, but nope. With its admonition that What you reap is what you sow! more prescient in today's world than maybe ever before. There is a global reckoning happening ... and we're here for it. 

They were right back with "Guerilla Radio" and "Without A Face" and then "Know Your Enemy", which had the audience screaming along with Zack, "All of which are American Dreams!" "Calm Like A Bomb" and "Sleep Now In The Fire" were next, and the force of it all was relentless, if maybe a little slowed down, as Zack went into his what I call Teacher Mode. He is so wise with those lyrics, and he was making points. Points that he made real sure were listened to, and as every fist in the valley went up, that was confirmed. "War Within A Breath" was sheer musical firepower, and then it was brought down just a little for the Springsteen cover of "The Ghost of Tom Joad", but bodies were still flying, even for that story song. 

"Freedom" merging into "Township Rebellion" was about to be the heaviest jam of the night, as we all know our freedoms are in true peril here in the United States. The screen behind the band lit up with various phrases and facts about forced birth, ending with a big "ABORT THE SUPREME COURT" as the crowd roared its approval, and the pit exploded at the same time as the band did, with Zack screaming, "YOUR ANGER IS A GIFT!!!" Phew. 

Then it was time for "Sleep Now In The Fire" and its chorus of "Some of those who work forces/hold office, are the same who burn crosses!" was to be the last song of the show, and zero punches were pulled. I mean, a video showed little kids swatting at a pinata of a cop - the point was well made. The music kept building, and building, and building, until the place absolutely BLEW UP with all the middle fingers in the air and every single ticket holder screaming, "FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!" at the top of their lungs, in total solidarity with Rage, and with each other. That is POWER, People. Let's use it. For GOOD. What better place than here? What better time than NOW? Right?

The last chord rang out, and the screams for more began, but that was it. The band embraced, and it was a beautiful thing. They soaked it all in, and left the stage with fists raised, reflecting the crowd. People stayed put, screaming for more, but soon Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" played over the P.A., and the exhausted. beat up crowd realized that was it, and began to file out, all effusive about how that was maybe the best show they'd every seen. It really was something else, and I'm so grateful I got to be there to see this band answer the call that the fans have been clamoring for for YEARS. Let's hope this tour fires us all up to band together and make some positive change here, and maybe the band will give us some new music that reflects it all. The 16 epic songs we got were all fresh as if they'd been written the day before, but also so much has happened since they last toured, that there should be ample inspiration for even more powerful music. I can't wait. 

THANK YOU, RAGE!!! WE NEED YOU! WELCOME BACK!!!  Have fun tonight, Chicago. You're in for one hell of a show. 

*A note to future show attendees: We waited for nearly THREE HOURS to get out of the parking lot after the show. Not a single car had moved two hours after the show ended. And don't forget there was no cell service, so no one could find anything out. There seemed to be no one in charge, or even working, with just a few Sheriffs to be seen as we left, and they were laughing about it. People were PISSED. They had been partying since the gates opened at 3 pm, and they were tired. But now they were drinking more in the parking lot while we waited, getting even more hammered, as they were about to drive on roads at 3 A.M. A complete shit show. The rumor began that the Sheriffs did it on purpose, closing it down to one road to get out, perhaps in retaliation for all the very well deserved Anti-Cop propaganda on screen during the show. Well, if that's true, they're not helping out their cause at all, because it only made everyone like them even less, if possible. So ... beware of Cops when you're leaving these shows. In other words, Know your enemy. And have a complete BLAST right in front of them. 

Tom Morello Kicks Off Atlas Underground Tour At The Varsity Theater!

This year has been heavy metal for everyone, and sometimes you need a night of some good, hard heavy metal ... and EDM, and folk, and classic rock, and ... and ... everything else that you will get out of Tom Morello's Atlas Underground show. WOW. I was so happy to have my CA friends here in MN that they could have played the ABC's (and they would have made that sound cool too!), but the show is really something else ... and I'll say it again ... WOW. The Varsity Theater has some stories to tell after Morello kicked off the first date of his new tour there last night in support of the groundbreaking Atlas Underground, the first solo album released under his own name.

I'm pretty sure the last time Morello and I were both in Minneapolis at the same time was when Rage Against The Machine played here in opposition of the 2008 RNC Convention that was happening in St. Paul. That one was nuts, with police in riot gear at one show, and the electricity getting pulled at another, forcing the band to take to the crowd with bullhorns. Last night also ended up in the best kind of bedlam ... but I'm getting ahead of myself. The evening opened with a set by Bones UK, an all female hard rock band from Camden Town, London ("It's naughty. It's where vampires go to drink whiskey!" - lead vocalist Rosie Bones). I didn't get to make their whole set, because parking in Dinkytown is a joke, but was impressed with what I did catch.

The ladies lit into a Bowie cover, "I'm Afraid Of Americans" as I arrived, and Bones added when introducing the tune, "Well, I'm afraid of ONE American in particular" ... and no one had to guess who. That's when I got why Morello chose this band to open his tour. She told a story about playing a great gig in London, when a guy came up and told them they were great, but they'd never be as good as a dude band, because "Girls can't play guitar". Guitarist Carmen Vandenberg proceeded to directly dispel that ridiculous myth, blazing through their single, "Pretty Waste" for an already packed to the rafters crowd. Drummer Heavy kept it heavy, and the Bones Uk won some new fans (mostly male) in Minneapolis last night. Including me (one of maybe 10 females).

The crew came out to set up for Morello's set, and you could feel the anticipation building in the room. I've seen Morello play countless times - and it's still exciting every time - but for the mostly dudes gathered there at The Varsity, they were getting ready to go OFF for their guitar hero, that in my eavesdropping I learned was the first time for many. That might be because Atlas Underground features collaborations with a super-diverse line-up of artists, with everyone from Bassnectar to Gary Clark, Jr. ... Steve Aoki to Marcus Mumford ... Knife Party to GZA, RZA, and Big Boi! I mean ... !

After quite a while of setting up, the lights went out and heavy videos began playing on the screen in front. Black and white images of immigrants in lines and cages, prisoners in jails, and homeless Army vets combined to let you know exactly where we're at as a country. Then a voiceover with the deep distortion of a kidnapper and a hooded silhouette appeared on the screen, saying, "This is a communiqué from the Atlas Underground ..." that went on to say that on New Year's Eve, we're taking it ALL (I asked Morello about this after and he said that "rebellion is a way of re-setting the clock to 0:00 and starting over ... Let fire be your deliverance!") and then suddenly a hoopla began in the crowd. I was in the photo pit, so the ruckus was behind me, and when I turned around, there was Morello smack dab in the middle of the crowd, breaking into his surprisingly EDM Gary Clark, Jr. collab, "Where It's At Ain't What It Is"! The happy and surprised faces said it all ... this night was going to be something special.

Videos played while Morello made his way back to the real stage, dressed in red bandana, shades, Madiba hat, and an Abraham Lincoln T-shirt. The video concluded with Morello's inspiration of a mother, Mary Morello, saying to camera, "Freedom means fighting for your rights ... And it also means rock and roll!" I love her ... and she's right. A graphic reading "Nazi Lives Don't Matter" was met with shouts of solidarity, and Morello blazed through "Battle Sirens" (the Knife Party collab). Musical chameleon, Carl Restivo, and awesome drummer, Eric Gardner, joined Morello for the visual and musical barrage that never let up the whole night. Laptops took the place of the collaborators (who weren't present), with their recorded vocals and presence in the excellent videos bringing them there into the room with us. All of the videos were designed by Sean Evans, and served to complete the show that Morello himself describes as "One part Marshall stack guitar madness, and one part bassdrop meltdown", with all of the trappings you would expect from a Rock/EDM show (though the videos made it hard to shoot photos, the experience is meant to be immersive and in the moment, not seen through your phone).

"Rabbit's Revenge"was a ROCKER - with a point. This collaboration with Killer Mike, Bassnectar, and Big Boi hits all the way home - such as our home is these days - with kids being murdered by cops and all the other myriad problems we're all dealing with. Messages on the screen said things like "Don't Mourn, Organize!" and "Take one step towards freedom, and it will take two steps towards you!" Up close in the photo pit, you can really see Morello bending his notes, and it's something to behold. The entire place was loving it, and vocally letting the band know it. A pick up in the palm solo led to a little Rage riff that led to the Audioslave tune, "Like A Stone" with recorded Chris Cornell vocals. The crowd sang along to every note, and it had more meaning than other times I've heard it sung along to - because now we all know we don't have Cornell anymore. It's become a much more wistful song to me ... and I think to everyone.

Another Gary Clark, Jr. collaboration was next, and "Can't Stop The Bleeding"  had everyone clapping along in double time, and featured yet another show-stopping guitar solo from Morello - which is really what everyone is there for. Morello then took it acoustic with a Nightwatchman song, "Flesh Shapes The Day" on his "Whatever It Takes" guitar. "Clap your hands, Minneapolis!", shouted Morello - and we did. "Alright, stop clapping!", commanded Morello - and we did. "Fuck, yeah!", exulted Morello at the end, and everyone in there said that too.

"Save The Hammer For The Man" found Carl Restivo filling in on the Ben Harper part, and it was gorgeous with the harmonies, and also with the flamenco-style guitar solo Morello threw in there. Morello here took a moment to greet the room, saying, "Thank you all for coming, I'm happy to be back in the city I've played so many great shows in, then went into deeper Minnesota tracks for his shout-outs than the usual Prince, Dylan, and First Avenue. Instead, Morello tipped his Madiba hat to the Walker Art Center, Kirby Puckett (!), and Babes In Toyland (who Morello's high school friend Maureen Herman played bass for). Awesome.

There was 45 seconds of tuning, which for a Morello show means that time has to be filled with the "loudest 45 seconds in the history of this club!" - and I think it was probably the loudest, because my ears are still ringing a little bit. The next song was dedicated to Chris Cornell and our "Moments of doubt", and Morello asked for absolute silence for "The Garden Of Gethsemane" - and he got it. I didn't even hear anyone breathing. The reverence for Cornell - and for the beauty of the song - kept the previously rowdy crowd perfectly rapt, so much so that Morello didn't even use the mic. Sublime.

He had promised to reward the silence with "Heavy metal bangers the rest of the way", and that's exactly what he gave us next. "How Long" featuring Tim McIlrath from Rise Against and Steve Aoki got people hyped out of their faces, and the video played after featured Morello's sons and their friends asking questions, and making statements, ending with "I wish he'd just shut up and play guitar!" Morello gets that all the time (and I've had several online fights defending him from that garbage), and if people don't get by now that this man has some real real things to say - AND walks that talk every day - then we really can't help them. He is always going to speak truth to power, so you'd better get used to it.

So, he DID come back out and play guitar, for a shredding, ridiculous version of Springsteen's "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" that Morello has now very much made his own. It's always a true highlight, and always gives me the chills. The teeth solo gets 'em every time, and last night was no different. The fans were SO into it ... but then it got REALLY nuts. "Are we in this together, People?!", asked Morello and the People shouted in the affirmative. "Well, then why am I up on the stage without you? Please join me on the stage!" OK. This was about as close as I've ever come to being trampled (aside from one very heavy Primus set at Lollapalooza), as the super-fans all pressed toward the stage, jumping barriers, pushing over people, doing whatever they could to get up there. Morello kept asking for more people, and the security dudes were stressing. While they were scrambling up there, Morello issued the warning that people not mess with his stuff or put a phone in his face, as he's been known to throw them. And it's been deserved. There were finally enough people up there for Morello's liking for him to say, "OK, let's finish the night with an old gospel song!" - which was Rage's "Killing In The Name"! It was solid pandemonium in there, as everyone shouted in unison "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" with middle fingers all the way raised. It was chaos. It was cathartic. It was necessary. It was these times, defined in a song.

"Minneapolis, put the house lights up!" They did, and the room was illuminated with the happy faces of the people recognizing that they have the power - so we sang one more. John Lennon's "Power to the People" had everyone jumping up and down together, in raucous solidarity.

The ad for the show calls The Atlas Underground Live Experience "The last big event before we all go to jail." I asked Morello what he meant by this, and he explained that the impending police state, with facial recognition and all that, and the looming situation of Trump refusing to leave office should lead to "Hong Kong style riots in Times Square" ... where we would all go to jail. Because we're standing up for what's right, and up TO what's wrong. If you can be made to feel that way from attending a rock show, I'm sure glad that Morello refuses to ever just shut up and play guitar. We need him now, more than ever. And we need each other ... because we truly really absolutely do have the power - and it's time to use it.

Please do not miss your shot to experience The Atlas Underground Live show, because I want you to feel this way too. We need you. Thanks to Tom Morello, for always asking us to think, and for giving us the inspiration to do something with those thoughts. Like fighting the powers that be.

Fists raised!

The Atlas Underground Live Experience is on tour across America now. GO!

*I miss Paul Gronner Photography!

Sorry To Bother You ... But You HAVE To See This Movie!

Boots Riley was already one of my most favorite, most creative, most cool dude I've ever known from having toured with him on Tom Morello's Justice Tour back in 2008 ... and then I just saw his absolutely brilliant new film Sorry To Bother You. WOW. Now I bow down all the way to the floor. Again ... WOW.

Though being presented as a comedy, it's really more of a whip-smart social satire, and I actually felt super emotional when leaving the theater. Some of that was pride and admiration for my old friend, but a lot of it was more like American shame, of which there is a whole lot to go around these days.

I don't want to say any more about it really until everyone has seen it - and EVERYONE should. THIS weekend, so the box office for it explodes and more actually smart movies can be made as a result. I fear that many of the biting points being made will be lost on the audience that goes in thinking it's like a Dumb And Dumber comedy ... but that's exactly who needs to get it.

There is a lot of magical realism going on in this film, stuff like "That could never happen". Then you watch the news yesterday, and a one year old baby is brought alone to an immigration court and expected to understand ANYTHING that is going on, and you start to think events happening in Sorry To Bother You might not be so far-fetched after all.

I enjoy movies the most when I don't know anything about them going in, and that applies extra to this work of art. Just go. And let's please talk about it after, as it warrants a real conversation on a national, if not global, level.

Riley already killed it as the frontman of The Coup and in Street Sweeper Social Club (his band with Morello), as a heavy, meaning it activist, and as the coolest dancer around, but now he can add film auteur to his excellent resumé ... and expect to reap all the rewards that go along with that. I'm so So SO impressed. Heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to Boots - and to everyone involved in this film that will definitely be THE most talked about film of Summer 2018. Thank you, Boots ... this country really needs you, now more than ever.

Sorry To Bother You opens everywhere this weekend. GO!

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

Remembering Chris Cornell ...

Today I was going to write a post about the fun Moods Of Norway party for Syttende Mai last night ... but then I woke up and heard the news that Chris Cornell was found dead. Right now I'm listening to all the Chris Cornell songs that I've loved over the years, and really can't wrap my head around that jarring news ... that we had lost this musical legend to suicide last night in Detroit. No. I just can't believe it. Right now he's singing a cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" ... and he's right. We will.

I loved Chris Cornell from the first time I heard his majestic voice singing with Soundgarden (the best band name ever) on a bootleg of Ultramega OK. Then came Louder Than Love, and then I saw what he looked like, and I was done. Madly in love. When Badmotorfinger came out and I heard "Outshined" and its perfect lyric, "I'm looking California, and feeling Minnesota", I thought sure the man was singing directly to me. I finally got to see Cornell sing live at Lollapalooza in 1992, and it nearly ruined me. I was crazy about him ... like friends would give me special magazines with him on the cover for my birthday. It was a well known crush.

I worked on the movie Feeling Minnesota that shot in Minnesota and starred Keanu Reeves, and I wore my Carhartt crew jacket with that logo around for years because it had that Soundgarden connection to it. I was a dork about Chris Cornell, ok? I remember hearing that when he cut off his trademark long curls, he had sent them in an envelope to his wife at the time, Susan Silver. I thought it was the most romantic thing ever, and loved him even more.

Then it came time to make the move, and both look and feel California. I made the move to Los Angeles, to go after my own dreams. I saw Soundgarden's last show at Universal Amphitheater (gone now too), touring for Down On The Upside, and it was transcendent. We couldn't believe they were breaking up when they were so awesome. Cornell then went solo, and his first solo album Euphoria Morning meant the world to me. My brother, Paul and I went to see his solo show at The Wiltern, and a kind security guy saw the adoration on my face, and escorted us down to two empty seats in like the third row. At one point, during a solo version of "Black Hole Sun" (one of my all time favorite songs ever), Cornell pointed right at Paul and I, and I think we both actually swooned. He was one of the guys that other guys wanted to be, and girls just wanted. It was a moment we both still remember.

Time marched on, friendships were made, and my world grew. I became friends with Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine, and then Rage also broke up. Then one day Tom told me that they were forming a new band called Audioslave with Chris Cornell as the singer! No. WAY! I got an advance copy, unmixed and raw, of the self-titled Audioslave album, and I'm pretty much still sore from the dance party rager we had in Venice when we blasted that thing for the first time. The helicopter opening of "Cochise" and Cornell's vocals coming in ... it was POWERFUL. It was EXCITING. It was the best.

We saw many Audioslave shows, from out on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Jimmy Kimmel show to the Long Beach Arena, all excellent and the best times ever. I was always way too timid about approaching Cornell, thinking I wouldn't hold it together, because it was CHRIS CORNELL. Tom had a party at his house one day and I was in the kitchen putting some dip in the oven, and was bent over with my butt out. Someone walked behind me and said, "Excuse me", and I turned around to see Chris Cornell smiling. He said, "Hi, I'm Chris" ... and I don't even think I even said anything back, maybe "Hi" - I was definitely fazed. By this time, he had a new French wife, and she was there too, so that was pretty much that, I never got to really flirt. I remember being disappointed that he was (always) wearing a Van Dutch tank top ... it just didn't seem like a thing for a grunge icon to wear, you know? Especially all the time. That, and his second solo album, seemed just cheesy. I never thought I'd think that! He'd lost a little of his luster to me, but he was still Chris Cornell, with the Stradivarius of all rock voices.

Then one day, Cornell left Audioslave, never even telling them why. After praising Tom as "his angel that had saved him" from the stage during a show. After a historic show in Cuba. No warning, just gone. That tainted him further for me, as Tom was a good friend, and I felt deserved better than that. I went on tour with Tom for his solo "Justice Tour" as The Nightwatchman. Cornell's ex-wife, Susan, was along on the tour, as one of the only other women along. I got a nearly fatal spider bite in New Orleans, and by the time I dealt with it in Boston, it was really bad. Susan was there for me. She was and is a wonderful, exceptional woman, and I couldn't believe how cold Cornell now appeared to be toward her and their daughter, Lily. I remember - especially today - how I stood next to Susan as Shooter Jennings sang the Cornell lyrics on Audioslave's "I Am The Highway", and tears filled her eyes. I felt her pain that day, and I feel it again today. Susan returned my email of deepest sympathy today, saying, "It is the words of kindness and support that get us through this darkest hour." That is always true ... It's just such an incredible loss - and once again, so unnecessary. No one knows what someone is going through inside, and it's so important just to love everyone WHILE we have them ... not in retrospect.

I saw Soundgarden at The Wiltern in 2013 with Perry Farrell and his wife, Etty. By now, I'd been on tour with Jane's Addiction the previous Summer, and had become good friends with the Farrells. Perry knew that Etty and I LOVED some Chris Cornell, and hooked it up, even though they didn't seem to be particularly close. There had long been rumors that "Jesus Christ Pose" was about Perry (in that one famous picture posing on a bed), and that didn't really sit well. We entered The Wiltern in a cool VIP way that you drive under the theater and park below. We had seats in the balcony, and the show was great, of course, but there seemed to be a little lounge act schtick in Cornell's stage banter. It was hard to have thoughts of him that were anything less than adulatory, but ... we left early. I regret that today, for sure. (The show was filmed for The Artist's Den, so I did see it all back home).

I last saw Chris Cornell singing on stage this past January at the Anti-Inaugural Ball thrown by the Prophets Of Rage on Inauguration Day. He was a special surprise guest, and when he came out to the opening chords of "Cochise" ... the place literally went crazy. I went crazy.

It looked as though all had been forgiven, and all the Audioslave guys were together on stage again, hugging, smiling, and most importantly ROCKING. It seemed like Cornell had found a new peace, with his wife and children, and even Soundgarden back together and touring again. Then last night he ended the Soundgarden show in Detroit with a song not on the set list, a cover of Zeppelin's "In My Time Of Dying". It looks like this was a planned exit ... that no one can even begin to understand or believe. It's too awful. It's too massive. It's simply heartbreaking.

There have been some massive losses in music in recent times, and I cried this morning when I heard the cover of Cornell singing Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U". Nothing will ever compare to either of these musical angels.

Thank you for your life and music, Chris. You and your songs will never be forgotten. I'm so sorry for your pain. Rock in Peace.

Firebrand Thursday - Tom Morello And Friends Back At Hotel Café!

Tom Morello first brought his group shows with friends to the Hotel Café as The Nightwatchman ten years ago, and he was back there last night with his label-mates from his Firebrand Records to give us a healthy dose of music for the Resistance. In a switch from Firebrand Fridays (previously held at Genghis Cohen), this one was on a Thursday. Though it started at ten, which is pretty late for a school night, the crowd was packed in and singing along in solidarity until the last note was hit.

Morello introduced the evening, saying it was good to be back at Hotel Café, before bringing up his comrade in arms, Ryan Harvey. Harvey is one of my favorite people to turn to in times of global crisis, as he has incredible knowledge and explains things in an erudite and understandable way, often through song. He told us about how he recently went to visit Nora Guthrie, and she told him all about her father Woody's songs, and the stories behind them. He played us "Old Man Trump" (about the current Trump's equally disgusting father), which speaks to how they try to divide us with racism. Still. The chorus even features a Eugene Debs quote, and explains how - sadly - "Your ideals escape them." Powerful stuff, and I'd encourage everyone everywhere to take the chance to hear Harvey play if you get it.

 Harvey brought Morello back up, wearing his shades inside at night, perhaps to indicate his Nightwatchman persona had returned (otherwise I can't really condone it). He extended greetings from his mother, Mary. She had a fall earlier in the day, and they'd spent the day in the ER, having to miss giving their fiery speech for Black History Month at his kids' elementary school. Instead, he put it into song form, and sang about torches in the woods, and if you want a taste of freedom - "Keep Going!" It was ominous and inspiring at the same time. The kids would have dug the storytelling, I'm sure. Feel better, Mary!!!

My favorite Nightwatchman song has always been "Let Freedom Ring", and I got to hear it again last night. It was silent in there as Morello strummed and sang about the Freedom that is in so much jeopardy right now, and I felt all emotional. He ended it with a revved up acoustic jam that fired everyone back up, loving it even more.

The outstanding Lia Rose performed next, and began by asking "How did we get ourselves into this mess?" Right? I mean, we know, but still. Ugh. She spoke about how beautiful and inspiring it is to have a friend like Morello, who walks the talk EVERY day. The shouts of "Thank you, Tom!" were heartfelt and loud. I concur with Rose. He really does fight the power EVERY single day, and we're all so lucky to have SOMEONE out there unafraid to speak truth to power every chance he gets. And it's contagious, as evidenced by the beautiful, equally aware songs Rose gave us. I don't know the name of the first one, but my friend next to me just said, "Wow. She's something else." Totally agree. Her voice is so ethereal and expressive, you just need to experience it live. Rose was wearing a Standing Rock shirt, and dedicated her next song to the Water Warriors there. "Awake" nearly had me sobbing out loud, not prettily. The song is so beautiful, but the whole time all I could picture was that day's news showing the tipis and camps set on fire as the Native Americans are being raided. It's so awful, and "So cold" as the song says. Rose said, "In the future it will be very clear who was on the right side of this." Agreed, except for it's pretty clear right now.

The bright side is that "incredible goodness rises up greet evil", and with that truth spoken, Rose sang her "Of Good And Evil". It was so pretty, so hopeful, and so needed - as indeed, this whole night of rebel music was. Crucial for these times.

Headliner Ike Reilly was next, but Morello stalled for him, as he "needed a moment to get it together." Morello told about how both he and Reilly grew up in Libertyville, Illinois, long suffering together over the Cubs until this year's miraculous championship that has them both still beaming. Reilly stayed in the Midwest, while Morello headed for L.A., but that didn't stop him from becoming "One of the greatest acoustic singer/songwriters of all time" - per Morello. And per every superfan Reilly had in there, and there were many. Most of them waving their arms and getting sauced. Before bringing Reilly up, Morello said, "Don't let the People down." There was no chance of that.

Reilly began with a new one called "Boltcutter" (that Morello titled), all about the travel ban and what's going on right now in our world. Extra timely, and enthusiastically cheered along with ... especially when he ended it with, "When they steal our dreams, we gotta steal 'em back!" Facts. Real facts.

"Anyone here a racist?" No one raised their hands to that, thank God. Reilly is a great storyteller (and writer, and guitar player, and harmonica player ...) and told a yarn about how he used to have a thing for this girl in high school, who was gorgeous, but would always say these racist comments. "Laura, why you gotta be so mad that somebody else matters?" It was funny, but also biting and true (and Morello named this one "Laura".) Reilly next told about how his Dad was in the hospital dying, and Reilly found a poem in his Bible about his girlfriend having an affair with Satan. Right around the time Reilly was born ... hmmm. "Devil's Valentine" features his Dad's lyrics with Reilly's music, and contains the wonderful line, "Somewhere between dreams and fear is life." I love that. And so did a big guy that showed Reilly his back tattoo of those words once at a show, though credited the words to Ike and not Daniel Reilly. Still cool.

The Valentine theme continued with "Valentine's Day In Juarez," that turned into a lusty singalong. Reilly said if you didn't know the words, "Follow the drunk ones". A lady down front raised her hands, so we followed her. Correctly, it seemed. "They got the cocaine, Oxycontin, mushrooms, marijuana, vodka, plastic pop-off, twist one off ..." was belted out by fans that sounded like they knew what they were talking about. "Loving In The Wrong Time" was just recorded with the Ike Reilly Assassination (who he said were on strike tonight), and was great, and then the drunk ones got a drinking song, with drinks all around for his "Wasted Friends". It was super fun, and just what the Dr. Feelgood ordered.

These shows always end with an All-Star Jam, and this night was no different. The Firebrand gang brought up their friend Jason Heath, and everyone joined Reilly on his fantastic jam, "Put A Little Love In It". Morello and Reilly played dueling guitars, and the exceptional flamenco-ish solo by Morello was summed up at song's end by his own expression:

Because it was awesome. Morello encouraged "Singers" to come up on stage and join them, with the one caveat that they couldn't take out their phones - they had to act like they were in the band. A slew of folks crammed up on the little Hotel Café stage and if they didn't exactly act like they were in the band, they did at least pocket their phones. They all enthusiastically rocked out to Morello's "The Road I Must Travel" with Morello only occasionally having to jostle for elbow room. The fans on stage were so clearly happy to be exactly right there, that it was easy when Morello called for "Once more, in solidarity, Everybody!" Done.

"I'm not entirely sure we're done," was met with more roars, and the ironic champagne bucket was passed around, as is the custom for these shows designed to benefit social justice organizations. This time the money will go to the relief efforts for Syrian refugees in Greece, where Harvey will be reporting to once again next week, in his own walking of the talk. These shows also customarily end with a rowdy version of "This Land Is Your Land", which was even more special as it had been written 77 years ago to the day by Woody Guthrie in 1940. I'm sure Guthrie would be so pleased to know that it is still being sun as our "Alternative National Anthem", and that his torch has been so valiantly carried by this bunch of modern musicians. Though Morello has undoubtedly played this a million times by now, it is always with the same fervor and conviction. Which the audience feels, and carries with them.

You will leave every Firebrand show feeling both inspired and empowered. We're all in this together, and there are still very good people doing very good things. As we all sang out throats out, and jumped up and down together in TOTAL solidarity, you got the feeling that maybe we got this. As ever, the People have the Power. I don't think that fact has ever been more important than now. Morello closed the night by thanking everyone, telling us all to take it easy, but to take it, and adding, "Firebrand Records is so much better than Interscope." If this night had anything to say about it ... there again is a real fact.

Thank you to everyone involved with the fantastic Firebrand - the World needs you!

*Photos by Paul Gronner Photography

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!