10 Most Infamous Shows In Rock History
9. Rage Against the Machine on SNL
Ever since their inception, Rage Against the Machine was never an act that played well with others. Hell, one listen to albums like Evil Empire and the Battle of Los Angeles will tell you that these guys don't mince words when it comes to their political beliefs and calling out those they see as corrupt. It's one thing to use your own platform...it's another to confront their enemy on their own territory.
After being asked to play on Saturday Night Live, the members of Rage were not happy about sharing the stage alongside Steven Forbes, who was running for president at the time. Not seeing the potential of any humor coming from their set, Rage set about making their own statement on the matter. Despite everyone asking them to tone things down, the band took to the stage brandishing an upside down American flag on their amplifiers, which was meant as a sign for distress.
Though the song in question Bulls on Parade was absolutely explosive, the usual callback for a second performance didn't come, with Rage being quickly taken off the air and condemned from ever playing in Studio 8H ever again. For as much of a ruckus happened backstage, that didn't stop this from being one of the greatest punk rock moments in SNL history.