I saw Rage Against the Machine play live more than two years after purchasing the tickets. The delay with getting to see them live was over a decade though.

Rage Against the Machine Exploded onto the scene after releasing their first album in 1992, but their brand of rock was not on my radar at all. I didn’t start listening to Rage Against the Machine until the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was released in 2004. The song Killing in the Name was featured on Radio X and the anger and energy was infectious.

Rage Against the Machine was a headliner for the Lollapalooza music festival in 2008. I had an opportunity to see the band live in Chicago. Back then, it was still possible to get a cheap one day ticket the week of Lolla. I decided against getting a ticket, and decided to catch them the next time they were in town. That was easier said than done. The band retired, and there were only occasional shows in Europe.

In 2020, RATM announced a North American tour. I didn’t waste a moment, and bought tickets the first morning they were available. The COVID-19 pandemic derailed my plans again, and the tour was delayed for two years.

When the new date was coming up, I had doubts about going to the show. My life was hectic, and I was still weary about going to an indoor concert. I am so glad I went. Zach de la Rocha couldn’t even stand during the concert (because of a leg injury) but he rocked the crowd.

RATM have a relatively small catalog, but the entire setlist was hits. Everybody sang along with all the songs. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime show. I was so happy that I didn’t miss my chance to see them live. The band ended up ending the tour early because de la Rocha’s injury made performing too painful. I can only hope that they get back on the road soon so others get to experience what I did.