Rage Against The Machine have responded to President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon activist Leonard Peltier, stating that they believe „Justice will finally be served.“
The band has been advocating for Peltier’s release from prison for a long time, and notably brought attention to the issue through the music video for their 90s hit song ‚Freedom‘.
Leonard Peltier is a Native American activist and member of the American Indian Movement who was sentenced to life in prison in 1977 for two counts of first-degree murder. The incident occurred in 1975 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of two FBI agents and one Native American.
Despite various contradictions in the FBI’s case and allegations of coercion of witnesses, Peltier was convicted for his alleged involvement in the incident. The ‚Freedom‘ video raised awareness about his case, and Rage Against The Machine continued to advocate for his release over the years.
Having served 50 years in prison, Peltier has now been granted a pardon by President Joe Biden, allowing him to transition to home confinement at the age of 80.
Following the news, the band’s official Instagram account shared a snippet of the ‚Freedom‘ music video with the caption: „Anger is a gift. Leonard Peltier to be freed.“
Guitarist Tom Morello also expressed his joy at Peltier’s impending release, highlighting the efforts of various organizations and activists, including Rage Against The Machine, in advocating for Peltier’s freedom.
Drummer Brad Wilk also celebrated the news of Peltier’s clemency, reflecting on the band’s longstanding support for his release and the personal connection they shared with him.
Rage Against The Machine’s politically charged music has always been at the forefront of their activism, with Morello recently discussing some of the best protest songs of all time.
While the band’s future remains uncertain, with Wilk hinting at a possible end to their touring days, the impact of their music and activism continues to resonate with fans and supporters.
Die neuesten Termine von Rage Against the Machine hätten die Nordamerika-Tournee ihres ‚Public Service Announcement Tour‘ im Februar 2023 sein sollen, aber die Band hat die Shows abgesagt, nachdem de la Rocha sich bei einem Konzert im Jahr 2022 die Achillessehne verletzt hat.
Im November 2023 besuchte Morello allein die jährliche Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-Zeremonie und akzeptierte die Aufnahme von Rage Against the Machine in die Hall in ihrem Namen.