ALL THE RAGE.

Rage Against The Machine play free London gig.

Concert: 6th May 2010 - London Finsbury Park // Published: 7th May 2010

Over at Wembley Stadium a group of D list pop stars have been rounded up like a herd of sheep to play in front of Capital FM listeners for the station's annual Summertime Ball. One of these acts happens to be a young Joe Mcelderry, the winner of last years X Factor and the runner up to the Christmas Number One. Mcelderry was piped to the festive post by Rage Against The Machine and today the American rap band play a free concert in front of 40,000 fans to show their thanks which they promised six months ago.

Before the band invade the stage Finsbury is shown a cartoon animation of Simon Cowell interpreting his frustration towards their Christmas achievement. Cowell himself is currently in Central London, picking up a BAFTA for outstanding contribution.

Rage's contribution to music dates back to 1991 and despite a hiatus in 2000 Zack and the lads seem to be back. Their 80 minute set which followed supporting sets from the Gallows, Roots Manuva and Gogol Bordello included such gems as a Clash cover of White Riot.

The band have a reputation of standing up to their political beliefs as the lyrics to Township Rebellion clearly point out...'Now freedom must be fundamental, In Johannesburg or South Central, On the mic, 'cause someone should tell 'em, To kick in the township rebellion'

More Weapons of Mass Destructions came in the form of Bullet In Your Head and Guerrilla Radio.

Towards the end of the set the band invite Jon and Tracey Morter on stage, the couple behind the facebook campaign which asked fans to download 'Killing In The Name Of' opposed to the X Factor release.

In true Telethon style, the band handed over a huge cheque, made up of the downloaded sales from their Christmas Number One. All the money was donated the homeless charity, Shelter.

Rounding off the night with the track itself the concert showed that Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk were men of their words and hopefully we will see them return to London soon for another historic gig, maybe in defence of Spelbound winning Britain Got Talent this weekend?

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE PLAYED:

Testify
Bombtrack
People Of The Sun
Know Your Enemy
Bulls On Parade
Township Rebellion
Bullet In The Head
White Riot
Guerrilla Radio
Sleep Now In The Fire
Freedom
Killing In The Name