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At first glance, the Prophets of Rage show at Sunlight Supply Amphitheater on Sept. 11 looked weirdly like a Donald Trump rally, given the wide array of middle-aged dudes sporting red baseball caps reading, "Make America Rage Again." But of course, given that the band is a glorified tribute act—featuring members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy's Chuck D, and B-Real from Cypress Hill essentially covering themselves—this was a concert recalling the past as much as it ironically referenced the present. Opening with a bold reworking of Public Enemy's "Prophets of Rage," the show took the audience back to the 1980s and '90s and acted as a reminder of how little things have changed politically in America. While the set list was dominated by Rage Against the Machine material, Chuck D stole the show, taking the audience thoroughly into his hands on bombastic versions of "Shut 'Em Down" and "Miuzi Weighs a Ton." His presence was so commanding, you hardly even missed Zack de la Rocha on the RATM songs. Between songs, guitarist Tom Morello advocated for social justice. It was a great place for being pissed off, feeling justified in your anger, and also getting tipsy with nostalgia. But ending with a dramatic rendition of "Killing in the Name," the band reminded that history hasn't repeated itself—it's still ongoing.
All photos by Thomas Teal.
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Willamette Week
