Rage Against the Machine Killing in the Name of Fan Support

Editor’s Note:  BFMN UK Senior Staffer, Moonshayde Saunders, brought you exclusive photos of every band who performed during the free concert at Finsbury Park, London on 6 June 2010. We’ve set up separate pages in the BareFoot FotoBlog for each; just click on the band name in Mark’s review to go there.

Review by Mark Taylor
Photos by Moonshayde Saunders

Late last year a Facebook campaign was set up in the UK to get “Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine to the coveted Christmas Number 1 spot in the hope of destroying Simon Cowell’s five-year dominance of getting his X-Factor acts rammed down our earholes.

Click through for the rest and don’t forget to check out the great photos!

Rock fans have had enough of being brainwashed on a daily basis on TV and radio with the manufactured hits from the puppets of the popular TV show. History was made after over half-million people downloaded the 1992 single to beat X-Factor winner Joe McElderry to the top of hit parade 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; some climbing over the perimeter walls even early in the afternoon.

Punk rockers Gallows opened up the show 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 well known outside of the UK: London rapper Roots Manuva did a Cyprus Hill humourous set, and the “gypsy punk rock with the East Europeon accordian influence” of Gogol Bordello was high-energy stuff which got everyone into a party atmosphere.

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. 40,000 hands were raised in unison for “Bombtrack,” with heads bopping up and down.

At this early stage, many more managed to gate-crash 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 #1 going towards Shelter, the charity for the homeless. Guitarist Tom Morello said “They were the David to the X-Factor Goliath.”

Singer Zack 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 McElderry’s hit was mockingly blasted out over the PA while some facts about the campaign were broadcast 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 “F*ck you, I won’t do what you tell me,” so loud that I’m sure it would have kept Queen Elizabeth awake at night.

An awesome gig that will go down in history. It will be mentioned in the same breath as Woodstock, Stones at Hyde Park and many more monumentous 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

Click to go to the Rage Against The Machine photoset
Click to go to the Gallows photoset
Click to go to the Roots Manuva photoset
Click to go to the Gogol Bordello photoset