As the countdown clock on ProphetsOfRage.com continues to tick, fans are still holding their breath for the slim possibility of a Rage Against The Machine reunion. While reports indicate that the announcement is a new supergroup called Prophets Of Rage, featuring three of the four RATM members with hip hop artists Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Cypress Hill’s B-Real joining the band.
The supergroup certainly seems to induce excitement, but fans were really hoping that Zack De La Rocha would get back together with the group for a full-fledged reunion. RATM hasn’t performed in 2011, and they haven’t released new music since 2000; too long for diehard fans eager to experience Rage Against The Machine once again.
In that spirit, we wanted to dig through the archives and pull out something truly special: the band’s first live show. Taking place on October 23rd, 1991 – a full 25 years ago – Rage Against The Machine hit the campus of California State University Northridge (CSUN) for their first ever show on The Quad. Many of the band’s critical elements, including hard rocking music and in-your-face vocals, were on display in full force for the CSUN show.
Fortunately, someone had the good sense to capture video footage of this debut performance. Without further ado, you can enjoy Rage Against The Machine’s first-ever concert below.
Setlist: Rage Against The Machine at The Quad, California State University Northridge, Los Angeles, CA – 10/23/91
1: Killing In The Name (Instrumental) @0:00
2: Take The Power Back @2:28
3: Autologic @8:40
4: Bullet In The Head @13:17
5: Hit The Deck @19:08
6: Township Rebellion 23:37
7: Darkness Of Greed @29:07
8: Clear The Lane @33:05
9: Clampdown @37:25
10: Know Your Enemy (alternate version) @41:13
11: Freedom @46:23