In early 2000, the rap-metal band Rage Against the Machine released a music video for their song 'Sleep Now In The Fire' that caused significant disruption at the New York Stock Exchange. Directed by activist Michael Moore, the video featured an impromptu performance by the band on the steps of the financial institution, leading to a police intervention and a temporary lockdown of the Stock Exchange. This event underscored the band's commitment to social and political commentary through their music.
Key Takeaways
- Rage Against the Machine's 2000 music video for 'Sleep Now In The Fire' involved a live performance at the New York Stock Exchange.
- Director Michael Moore orchestrated the event, which led to police action and the Stock Exchange closing early.
- The incident became a major news story, drawing criticism and discussion on a national level.
- The video cemented the band's reputation for political activism and direct action.
The Band's Return and New Album
By 1999, Rage Against the Machine was recognized as a highly influential band. Their unique blend of heavy guitar riffs, powerful rhythms, and politically charged rap vocals had carved out a distinct space in music. While nu metal was gaining popularity, Rage Against the Machine remained focused on social change. Vocalist Zack de la Rocha expressed the band's mission in 1999, stating their goal was to create an open space within popular music for more dissenting voices.
After a break following their 1996 album, Evil Empire, the band returned with their third album, The Battle Of Los Angeles. This album was highly anticipated. It featured 'Sleep Now In The Fire', a song that would become an anthem for the band and create significant public discussion.
Band Dynamics Before the Album
Before recording The Battle Of Los Angeles, there were discussions about potential internal tensions that could lead to the band's breakup. Zack de la Rocha admitted to Kerrang! that he felt his contributions were not fully acknowledged. However, he also noted that the band had overcome many of these tensions. He believed they were not ready to end what he called "this gift that we'd fought for."
Crafting 'Sleep Now In The Fire'
Rage Against the Machine entered the studio in 1998 to work on The Battle Of Los Angeles. Guitarist Tom Morello had a specific riff he had been developing. This riff became the foundation for 'Sleep Now In The Fire'.
"The main guitar riff had been bouncing around in my head for a while," Tom Morello told Guitar World in 2000. "We finally put all the pieces together working on the album. The song had the working title ‘MC5’, because it has that raw feel of The Stooges or The MC5 mixed with Rage’s thunderous rhythm section. The song really took shape when we married the main guitar riff to a very 70s, rolling bassline. I couldn’t help but envision a huge festival audience jumping up and down to this one."
Zack de la Rocha then added the lyrics. His words critiqued capitalist greed and referenced historical injustices. These included the conquest of Native American people, slavery, the bombing of Hiroshima, and the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. This lyrical process was reportedly less stressful than on previous albums.
Unique Guitar Effect
During the song's creation, Tom Morello discovered a unique audio effect. When using an old Tone Bender distortion pedal without playing, it picked up a clear signal from a Korean radio station. This signal was eventually placed at the very end of the song. Morello emphasized that it was not a sample but a live interference, adding to the band's innovative sound.
Album Release and Critical Reception
The Battle Of Los Angeles was released on November 2, 1999. It received widespread critical acclaim. Both Time Magazine and Rolling Stone named it the best album of the year. The album reached the top spot on the US Billboard chart, following the success of Evil Empire. This achievement demonstrated the band's continued relevance despite the rise of other alternative music styles like Korn and Limp Bizkit.
The Controversial Music Video
'Sleep Now In The Fire' was released as a single two days after the album. Its music video brought the song even greater attention. Instead of a typical performance video, Rage Against the Machine collaborated with director Michael Moore. Moore is known for his activist documentaries, including the Oscar-winning Bowling For Columbine.
Moore's idea was to film the band performing a guerrilla concert on the steps of the New York Stock Exchange. This took place on January 26, 2000, during the opening week of the US Presidential campaign. The stunt was partly inspired by Moore's TV show, The Awful Truth, which involved driving a truck of rock fans to various locations.
Planning the Stunt
Michael Moore obtained a permit for the band to perform on the federal steps, but not on the sidewalk directly in front of the building. Tom Morello recounted Moore's instructions to Interview magazine: "get up on the steps and play and no matter what happens, don’t stop playing. No matter what happens." Moore explained that the song's themes about the economic system and an "era of greed" inspired the choice of location.
The Stock Exchange Incident
As the band began to play, a large crowd emerged from the brokerage houses and banks. Police officers also quickly arrived. Moore described the scene:
"Quite a large crowd came out of the brokerage houses and banks where the business of America is conducted on a daily basis. The police also came out. They ordered the makeshift concert to cease, but before we had a chance to stop, four officers jumped me and put me in one of those locks like you see on the excellent and informative show, Cops. One tried to break my arm, the other put a choke hold on my neck."
According to Tom Morello, police removed cables from his amplifier and took drummer Brad Wilk's sticks. As Moore was being detained, he reportedly shouted to the band, "Take the Stock Exchange!" The band then attempted to enter the building.
Moore recalled that the police were distracted by his arrest, allowing the band to get through the first set of double doors. At that point, someone inside the Stock Exchange activated a riot button. Large steel gates closed, blocking the second set of doors. This caused the New York Stock Exchange to go into lockdown an hour before its scheduled closing time. It was an unprecedented event.
National Impact and Legacy
The incident quickly became a major news story. Conservative commentators criticized Rage Against the Machine's actions. The event was even mentioned in the presidential debate that evening, with future President George W. Bush condemning it. The impromptu shutdown of the Stock Exchange was captured in the music video, which is now considered one of the most iconic of all time.
The event solidified Rage Against the Machine's reputation for being at the forefront of social and political commentary. Tom Morello reflected on the legacy of the song and video:
"In retrospect it felt like a historic victory against evil. It was a pretty spectacular, historic rock’n’roll thing we made. They don’t make them like that anymore."
The 'Sleep Now In The Fire' video demonstrated the band's ability to use their platform for direct action and provoke meaningful discussion, even as the music scene around them evolved.
