Photos from Rage Against the Machine in Toronto (and video of fan rushing the stage and security accidentally tackling Tom Morello).

[A report from Alex Lupul. – AC]

More than two-decades since their previous Toronto performance, the recently reunited Rage Against The Machine brought their “Public Service Announcement Tour”–with support from Run The Jewels–for the first of two nights on July 21. 

A capacity crowd of nearly 20,000 fans packed into Scotiabank Arena, a testament to the impact and staying power of a band whose music has remained as relevant and vital as ever before.

After the conclusion of Run The Jewels’ set, drummer Brad Wilk, bassist Tim Commerford and guitarist Tom Morello took to the stage ahead of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, who was carried to his position on the stage. 

During the band’s second reunion performance on July 11 at Chicago’s United Center, de la Rocha suffered a leg injury that has since forced him to perform from a seated position.

“I don’t know what happened to my leg right now,” de la Rocha told the Chicago crowd. “But you know what? We’re gonna keep this f*****’ s*** goin’. If I have to crawl across this stage, we’re gonna play for y’all tonight. We came too f*****’ far.”

The vocalist’s message to Chicago-based fans proved to be more of a promise than a statement, as de la Rocha and company showed Toronto fans that the injury wouldn’t hold them back from delivering the energetic live show that they’ve been synonymous with for over two decades. 

The band performed a blistering 17-song setlist packed with fan favourites, with de la Rocha nearly jumping out of his seat to deliver vocals as strong as their recorded versions.

A stellar performance of “Killing The Name” served as the final song of the night, putting a cap on what was an incredible evening of live music.

And then this. A fan rushed the stage. Security moved to tackle the guy. They got Tom Morello instead. Oops. Talk about ruining the moment of “Killing in the Name.”

BONUS: Another look at the show via longtime correspondent Gilles LeBlanc.