September 3, 2008 11:41

Rage Against The Machine spark public protest

Minnesota fans march after plug is pulled at live show

Photo Gallery: Rage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine sparked a protest march after not being allowed to play at a political rally in Minnesota yesterday (September 2).

The returning rock radicals had planned to make an impromptu performance at the Ripple Effect all-dayer - a left-wing rally held to coincide with the Republican Party Convention.

However, when the performance was not allowed to go ahead, the band sang through a megaphone to the 200-strong crowd on State Capitol Lawn in St Paul and led them through chants, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The band arrived close to the 7pm curfew time, apparently without a proper permit to perform. When it became clear they would not get to play, the crowd began chanting 'The Star Spangled Banner' and the band's signature chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me."

Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello then walked to the front of the crowd behind the barriers and sang acapella versions of hits 'Bulls On Parade' and 'Killing In The Name'. They then led the swelling crowd on a march towards the nearby Xcel Energy Centre, leading to further protests downtown.

It is claimed that the band did not arrive on time to make the show's curfew. However, event organisers have questioned police tactics. Caitlin Burns, a stage and logistics manager claimed: "A state patrolman held the band and wouldn't let them enter (backstage) until it was too late."

Captain Mary Schrader of Minnesota State Patrol denied that power was cut early, saying: "The concert ended on time. Actually it was quite a peaceful day of music otherwise."