Recently Paul Ryan(the GOP`s would be vice Pres) declared himself a fan of Rage Against the Machine. Of course this is at odds with what that band is all about. I know the argument that RATM were on a major label and were therefore part of the machine and I believe that is partly why they are no longer around. It is however a belief of mine that we all serve the machine in some way. We live in the machine and although I prefer bands that do things independently I understand that without that major label success they might not have reached anywhere near as many people.

Some of the best anti establishment bands have signed to major labels and many have declared them sell outs because of it. It is one of those big decisions in a groups career. It is the big dilemma take the money from the man or keep your soul. I think you can do both. You can use that money and position for reaching people and teaching people. Sure I am very pleased when people stay independent. I think it is really awesome but I understand the reasons.

I also am not too surprised about Ryan admitting that his favourite band is such a militant left wing band. He probably just heard fuck you and applied it to whatever he was angry at. I am sure we all know people who like something but really don`t get it.

Some of the best anti establishment bands are there to build there own empires to be even more part of the system. Rage Against the machine were all about getting people to rebel rather than themselves

nirvana wrote:
I disagree. They continue to put their money where their mouths are. Tom and Zack at least. Not sure what the other guys do but you see them on the streets doing things. Speaking at protests etc. They have also brought many issues to people who would otherwise not have a clue. In the same way that The Clash did before them.

Man that is weird to hear Rep. Ryan likes Rage.

One of my favourite bands Chumbawamba went from being a DIY anarcho-punk band to Signing for a large American Label, but they used that money and exposure to start animal rights campaigns, to highlight various social issues and ploughed lot's of their profits into activist groups, it's the ultimate form of subversion if you don't compromise or get comfortable, they made the most of it for a year or two then quit.

I think it benefits everyone to have people like Chumba or Morello in the mainstream, even though they stick out like a sore thumb.