Rage Against the Machine returned in July 2022 for their first shows since 2011. Zack de la Rocha, Tim Commerford, Tom Morello, and Brad Wilk finally played together again, but Zack tore his Achilles tendon during the second show. Even with the injury, he performed 17 shows while sitting down, including five sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden. Many fans said those were some of the best shows the band ever did.
Zack de la Rocha: Life After Rage Against the Machine Reunion
Because of Zack’s injury, Rage had to cancel all their UK and European dates. In January 2024, drummer Brad Wilk said the band was officially done. Guitarist Tom Morello later explained, “Rage Against the Machine was always sort of a volatile situation.”
He added, “Even when Zack was sitting down… those were some of the best Rage Against the Machine shows that we ever did. We finished with five sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden. So, if there’s never another show, then that’s quite a way to go out.”
Even then, Morello admitted he hasn’t given up hope. “In the meantime, I vow cross my heart and hope to die, I am carrying the torch for every one of those riffs and all of the meaning in those songs. That music matters so much to me. What it’s about matters so much.”
Outside of the band, Zack has stayed politically active. In November 2023, he marched for Palestine and chose not to attend Rage’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. In 2024, he worked with Los Angeles clothing brand Born X Raised on anti-ICE merchandise.
The “Protect Los Angeles” hoodie and T-shirt were photographed by Atiba Jefferson, and all profits went to CHIRLA, a group that helps immigrants with legal services, education, and deportation defense.
Zack shared a strong message with the launch:
“This is Los Angeles. In LA we fight alongside our undocumented brothers and sisters. It’s like the old school used to say, ‘con safos’ — it’s just the nature of things here, whether you like it or not. Because here we form a community that transcends borders. Here we reject the idea that anyone is illegal.”
He also warned about the risks of fascism:
“For those of you who stand on the sidelines and consider yourself safe, believe us when we say that you’re not. Fascism is lawless… They are attempting to blur the lines between what is protest and what is ‘terrorism,’ between who is an innocent worker and who is a ‘violent criminal.’ This could soon be the norm, whether you’re a citizen or not. To stand with us is to stand up for yourselves.” He ended with, “Born and raised in Mexico. Black and brown, no backing us down. Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo. In peace for as long as possible.”
Most recently, Zack was also seen at Atiba Jefferson’s Vans United Through Skateboarding launch party, where he posed for photos with Colin Hay of Men at Work. Both of them were clearly happy to be there as they posed for photos.
Even though Rage Against the Machine is finished, Zack de la Rocha is still carrying on its spirit. Through activism, community work, and cultural projects he continues to spread the message that made Rage such an important band. It’s still a shame the band won’t be performing anyomore but fans just have to accept it now.
View this post on Instagram
