Incendiary rap-metal icons Rage Against The Machine have played a sensational benefit show in Los Angeles.
Returning from exile in 2007, Rage Against The Machine have kept their live shows to a minimum. Playing the odd festival here and there, the band's most significant British performance since re-uniting was a benefit show in London.
Following the band's sensational victory in the race for Christmas number one, Rage Against The Machine played to thousands of fans in a thrilling free show.
Now the band have entered the spotlight again, to perform in Los Angeles. Rage Against The Machine launched a Sound Strike earlier this year, protesting against the state of Arizona's anti-immigration laws.
Extending the powers of police, far ranging stop and search measures have been introduced against illegal immigrants. Taking to the stage on Friday (June 23rd) the band ended a ten year absence from their hometown.
Formed in Los Angeles, Rage Against The Machine played to a sold out crowd at the Palladium. Blasting through a ferocious set, the band mixed tracks from their back catalogue with a fair amount of rhetoric.
At one point labelling the law "divisive" the singer was on explosive form, launching himself across the stage. Tom Morello was in a typically electric mood, throwing riffs to their classic material.
The Sound Strike has gathered wide ranging support throughout the American music industry. Amongst the heavyweights who have thrown their weight behind the project are Kanye West and Jay-Z, with Public Enemy set to release a new track protesting against the law.
Rage Against The Machine were joined by several other artists at the Los Angeles show. Conor Oberst played a thrilling support set, outlining his reasons for joining the Sound Strike project.