When Rage Against the Machine launched a mysterious website earlier this week featuring a countdown clock leading to June 1, fans of the mostly inactive group led by Zack de la Rocha understandably lost their damn minds. The site, ProphetsOfRage.com, featured the very RATM-esque hashtag #TakeThePowerBack and seemingly pointed to a possible reunion for the group, who hasn't released a proper studio album since the covers album Renegades in 2000.
However, according to a report from Billboard, a full-on RATM reunion likely isn't in the cards. Unnamed sources claim that Prophets of Rage is actually a supergroup, with a lineup that more than earns its 'super' distinction. The new band reportedly consists of RATM guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk teaming up with Chuck D of Public Enemy and B-Real of Cypress Hill. Sadly, Zack de la Rocha is not expected to be involved.
Prophets of Rage, of course, is a nod to the Public Enemy track of the same name:
These sources also claim the Zackless supergroup will make their live debut at the Hollywood Palladium June 3, with a second show at the legendary Whisky a Go Go following shortly after. Representatives for RATM, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill did not immediately respond to Complex's request for comment.
The members of RATM have been known to take the supergroup path before, enjoying a six-year run with Audioslave from 2001 to 2007. That group, fronted by Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, also featured Morello, Commerford, and Wilk.
Will Zack have a sudden change of heart and join Prophets of Rage at the last minute? We'll probably find out on or around June 1. In the meantime, pump some classic Rage and ponder the rampant inequalities of Western civilization:
