Author Description

"Rage Against the Machine has been kicking against the system since 1992- and selling millions of records on the way. Never preaching or earnest, the four-piece band melded the attitude of rap with the sound of metal and found a winning formula with songs that discuss issues as wide-ranging as the Mexican zapatista struggle, America's militaristic foreign policy and institutionalised racism of governments. Their confrontational style is a key theme of Joel McIver's frank biography, combing the enthusiasm of a fan with a willingness to explore the serious issues at the heat of Rage's political message. Then, in 2009, RATM achieved the impossible by defeating Simon Cowell and his X factor contestant Joe McElderry to the position of UK Christmas number one. Thanks to a social media campaign by fans "Killing in the name" a song from their 1992 debut album, hit the top and won them thousands of new fans"-- Back cover.