Tom Morello was great. His sound and energy were perfect. He mixed in just enough humor on stage as well. Tim McIlrath was just as impressive doing some of Rise Against's more acoustic songs. While I don't know as much about Wayne Kramer, he sounded great as well. It was really cool to find out that The Clash's "Jail Guitar Doors" was written about him. So what went wrong?
Honestly, I think it is the same thing that happened when I saw Rage Against The Machine in 2008. The crowd just didn't get it.
This show by Tom Morello and his guests was intended to create awareness for social injustices, class warfare, and an upcomping vote on a certain bill that could seriously take away some power from worker's unions. People just didn't get excited. It almost seemed like more people turned out for Tim McIlrath than Tom Morello. I was shouting the words to every song Tom sang, and as I looked around, I didn't see anyone else singing. (except for my friend who came with me) For me, this was supposed to be the most exciting show of the year. I thought I would go and be right there in the masses, packed in like sardines, fist in the air, singing along with a few hundred people, and cheer louder than I had ever heard a crowd cheer in my life. That didn't happen...
When I saw Rage in 2008, the show was stopped just a few songs in, and the crowd had to be told by frontman Zach de la Rocha to stop pushing forward, crushing one another. He told them people were getting hurt, and everyone needed to step back. This show was not a place for us to hurt each other. But no one cared about the lyrics or the message behind Rage Against The Machine. They only wanted the "Rage". They just didn't get what it was supposed to be about. Much like last night... I don't think very many people cared what Tom had to say in between songs. Hell, people didn't even care about Tom. Most people were there as either fans of Rage Against The Machine or Rise Against. The words and the meaning were lost.
Tom Morello was everything I had hoped to see. I just can't help but be disappointed in the crowd... which, unfortunately kept me from enjoying the show as much as i should have.
Curerntly listening to: Ludo... taking a break from Tom Morello after the show last night.
