Concert Review: Rage Against The Machine (PNC Arena)

BY CHRIS HOCKER

It's hard to believe, but on July 31st, sandwiched between USA For Africa's "We Are The World" and Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy," a concert for the ages was held at a sold-out PNC Arena: Rage Against The Machine and Run The Jewels, the Public Service Announcement Tour.

Killer Mike and El-P, known collectively as Run The Jewels, came out to the strains of "We Are The World" and immediately laid waste to the PNC Arena crowd, kicking into "Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)." Could Rage have picked a better opener than Run The Jewels? No.

Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha inured his leg at the second stop on this tour, an injury that has left him seated during performances. For the folks that thought this would put a damper on his live performance, those fears were quickly thrown out the window with de la Rocha's constant arm flailing and leg kicks. Truthfully, a seated Zack de la Rocha exudes more energy than most singers.

Speaking of energy, Tom Morello's guitar sounded amazing. His synthlike riffs have always perfectly complemented de la Rocha's voice, and they sound great live. Morello blasted through the tracks, even playing his guitar with his teeth at one point.

The show was like a buzzsaw. One hit after another, with little or no time between the songs for the audience to recuperate. If you have a chance to catch them live this year or next, DO SO. You won't regret it.

SETLIST
"Bombtrack"
"People Of The Sun"
"Bulls On Parade"
"Bullet In The Head"
"Testify"
"Tire Me"
"Wake Up"
"Guerrilla Radio"
"Down Rodeo"
"Know Your Enemy"
"Calm Like A Bomb"
"Sleep Now In The Fire"
"No Shelter"
"War Within A Breath"
"The Ghost Of Tom Joad" (Bruce Springsteen cover)
"Freedom"
"Township Rebellion"
"Killing In The Name"

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CHRIS HOCKER, Editor

Strange Carolinas started as a hobby for Chris Hocker who often dragged his family to offbeat detours on family vacations. Hocker decided to start photographing and writing about these roadside attractions and in June 2014, launched Strange Carolinas with a story on Myrtle Beach's KISS Coffeehouse. In addition to chronicling over 400 attractions across the Carolinas, Strange Carolinas has also become an impressive music blog.