The serious injury that Zack de la Rocha suffered in 2022 makes it impossible for Rage Against The Machine to give any further performances. This sobering message was conveyed by Brad Wilk, the band’s drummer.
On Wednesday (January 3rd), Wilk posted a statement on his personal Instagram account on behalf of Rage Against The Machine, in which he commented on the group’s already canceled dates in 2023. Fans had repeatedly asked for replacement shows.
“I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all canceled RATM shows,” the drummer wrote. “While there have been some indications that this may happen in the future… I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will no longer be touring or playing live.”
Wilks continued: “I’m sorry to those of you who have been waiting for this to happen. I really wish it was possible…”
In 2022, Zack de la Rocha was still sitting down
So far there have been no reports from Rage Against The Machine about the band’s live future. However, such a concert shock was not expected. At the start of the “Public Service Announcement Tour”, which began in July 2022 and in which Run The Jewels appeared as the opening act, Zack de la Rocha seriously injured his Achilles tendon at the second gig in Chicago. The singer continued to play numerous concerts while sitting on stage before the band finally canceled their dates in the UK and Europe for the rest of the year.
In a statement at the time, De la Rocha only spoke of “unfortunate circumstances,” but also that he would have to allow a lot of time for the healing process. “I have a severe tear in my left Achilles tendon and only eight percent of my tendon is still intact, but it is also severely impaired,” he explained the situation. “It’s not just about me being able to play again, but also about how I can move properly again.”
There were initially no further comments from other band members on Brad Wilk’s announcement. When Rage Against The Machine were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in November 2023, only guitarist Tom Morello came to accept the honor.