Rage Against the Machine to play at Target during RNC

The famously political rap-rock band, on semi-hiatus since 2000, will be at the Target Center Sept. 3.

Last update: August 4, 2008 - 9:50 PM

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Political rap-rock giants Rage Against the Machine will give a rare performance at Target Center in Minneapolis on Sept. 3, which not so coincidentally is the same week as the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. for $60.

Target Center's news release for the concert makes no mention of any political overtones, but fans know to expect plenty of verbal fireworks. Rage guitarist Tom Morello has already committed to perform with country-rocker Steve Earle at a union rally Sept. 1 at St. Paul's Harriet Island, the first day of the convention. The band has lashed out at the Bush administration at other shows this year, including last weekend's Lollapalooza festival in Chicago. Morello expressed interest this summer in performing during both party conventions.

Known for such feisty radio hits such as "Killing in the Name," "Bulls on Parade" and "Testify," Rage also performed during the Democratic National Convention in 2000 in Los Angeles, a free outdoor show that turned into a melee where police used tear gas and pepper spray on the crowd.

The band broke up soon after that show. It reunited for a few shows last year but is not a full-time band. Vocalist Zack de la Rocha's first solo album is due out this month.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER