Rage Against the Machine-Live At Finsbury Park DVD

Eagle Rock Entertainment
2015

When it comes to L.A.'s Rage Against the Machine there is no need for introductions. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past twenty something years* that name should ring a few bells. As one of the most famous rap metal bands out there (arguably only second to Faith No More!) Rage Against the Machine broke new ground while they broke down social barricades and crusaded for a revolution by the people and for the people. Lead singer Zack de la Rocha Released was the voice of this revolution while Tom Morello's guitar provided the necessary ammunition. Ground support came from Tim Commerford (bass, backing vocals) and Brad Wilk (drums, percussion) with the group's self-titled debut album appearing in 1992. That album changed everything and before long Rage Against the Machine was seemingly EVERYWHERE! Not to cut the history lesson short or anything, but chances are you should know the rest of the story. Just in case you don't you can head over to the Wikipedia page on them or visit the group's official website. All of which brings us to "Live At Finsbury Park". Released on October 16th on both Blu Ray and DVD, "Live At Finsbury Park" is a concert performance from Rage Against the Machine that took place on June 6th, 2010. The backstory to this concert goes a little something like this. In late 2009 a couple by the name of Jon and Tracya Morter started a campaign with the idea of there being an alternative to the usual X-Factor winner's Christmas "hit single" in the UK. With the band members themselves backing the campaign (and all proceeds of the song going to charity) the couple nominated the Rage Against the Machine track "Killing In The Name". In the end the band promised to perform a free concert in the UK if the song made it to number one. It did just that and true to their word Rage Against the Machine worked out the plans for a free concert. The event took place on June 6th, 2010 in London's Finsbury Park and this film documents that special moment in time (and in high definition at that!). While there is little in the way of bonus features, "Live At Finsbury Park" captures Rage Against the Machine at their absolute best and there's no denying that even after all these years this four-piece band can ROCK! Fueled by the the energy of audience at hand Rage Against the Machine tears through a furious set list that naturally culminates with the nominated song in question, "Killing In The Name"! Songs like "Bombtrack", "People Of The Sun" , "Bulls On Parade", "Bullet In The Head", "Guerrilla Radio", "Sleep Now In The Fire", and "Freedom" lead up to that explosive moment (the closing fury that is "Killing In The Name"!) and for Rage Against the Machine' fans this live concert would prove to be too good to be missed! Along with their own original material (which is bombastic in a live setting!) the heavy-hitting  L.A. band rolls out a solid cover of  "White Riot" and as a fan of The Clash it was great seeing Rage Against the Machine pay homage be such a legendary act! As "Live At Finsbury Park" is packed with some of Rage Against the Machine's best numbers this live DVD seems like a no-brainer for fans both young and old alike. It looks and sounds exceptional and it shows exactly why the music of Rage Against the Machine spoke on a personal level to so many people. I can't help but think that this would be a great addition to any Rage Against the Machine's collections that people have and seeing as both the DVD and Blu Ray are reasonable priced there's no reason that can't happen!  While fans might have to wait a long time for Rage Against the Machine to get around to releasing new music this live concert should help ease that pain. And it should also remind people that the struggle is still real and alive in all of us value freedom!


*If you have been hiding yourself away under a big rock somewhere for the past 20 years then you might want to take a deep breath and sit down because everything in this world has been turned upside down and inside out!