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RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Finsbury Park, London 6 June 2010

Late last year a Facebook campaign was set up to get Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' to the coverted Christmas number 1 spot in a hope to destroy Simon Cowell's five year dominance of getting his X-Factor acts rammed down our earholes.

As you know, history was made after over half million people downloaded the 1992 single and RATM were so impressed with the campaign they promised that the UK would be rewarded with a free concert.

40,000 lucky fans won tickets through a lottery system with many more turning up on the day in the vain hope of getting in, with some climbing over the perimeter walls even early in the afternoon.

Bridging the Watford gap were punk rockers Gallows who opened up with the Sex Pistols classic 'God Save The Queen' in a tribute to their heroes who played this very park when they reformed.

Singer Frank Carter was in fine confident mood being held aloft by security at the front of the pit singing his lungs out.  The ginger nut didn't crumble and put on a winning performance.

Two artists followed that may not be of interest to readers of this website, but London rapper Roots Manuva did a Cyprus Hill humourous stlye set and the US gypsy punk with the East Europeon accordion influence rock of Gogol Bordello was high energy stuff which would sound great on a sunny afternoon at Glastonbury.

The day belonged to Rage Against The Machine though who came on stage after a spoof animated Simon Cowell introduction with an explosive 'Testify'.

The sound was loud and thumping and Finsbury Park was rocking. A unison of 40,000 hands were raised for 'Bombtrack' with heads bopping up and down.

At this early stage many more managed to gatecrash their way into the arena to great applause from those already inside.  Security could only stand and watch.  Later on, under police advice, the gates were opened for those still outside for one of the best parties ever held in London.

'Bullet In The Head' still sounded fresh and vibrant. Facebook campaigners Jon and Tracy Morter were welcomed on stage and were handed a large cheque with 100% profits from the Christmas number one going towards Shelter, the charity for the homeless.  Guitarist Tom Morello said ''They were the David to the X-Factor Goliath''.

Singer Zak de la Rocha said thanks to all the great British bands who have changed music history throughout the years like The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Specials and The Clash before going into a riveting 'White Riot'.

For the encore X-Factor winner Joe McEldberry's hit was mockingly blasted out over the PA with some facts about the campaign which were broadcasted on the big screens ending with 'YOU Made History' to great applause.

'Killing In The Name' just destroyed, it was great hearing so many screaming ''Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me'' , so loud I'm sure it would have kept Queen Elizabeth awake at night.

An awesome gig that will go down in history and be mentioned in the same breath as Woodstock, Stones at Hyde Park and many more monumental gigs in years to come.

Set list: Testify / Bombtrack / People Of The Sun / Know Your Enemy / Bulls On Parade / Township Rebillion / Bullet In The Head / White Riot / Guerrila Radio / Sleep Now In The Fire .. encore... Killing In The Name
 

Review by Mark Taylor