RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Singer Plans Arizona Protest Concerts

June 29, 2010

The Pulse of Radio reports that RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE frontman Zack de la Rocha's campaign to get Arizona's controversial new immigration law repealed is going to a whole new level. According to Billboard.com, NINE INCH NAILS, Chris Rock and Ry Cooder have joined the list of artists refusing to play in the state while the law is in effect, and de la Rocha is now planning a series of protest concerts that will take place in July.

De la Rocha explained, "We are going to be organizing a series of concerts that are respectful of the nature of the boycott in its attempts to isolate the Arizona government but not isolate the people, and especially the organizations that are fighting this on the ground."

The singer added that there was a "strong chance" that RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE would play at one or more of the concerts.

The law, which is set to go into effect on July 29, requires local authorities to determine a person's immigration status if he or she is suspected of being undocumented. Critics claim the law encourages racial profiling, while a number of politicians, including President Barack Obama, have condemned it.

RISE AGAINST, Serj Tankian, Joe Satriani, CYPRESS HILL, Kanye West, SONIC YOUTH, MAROON 5, GOGOL BORDELLO, MY MORNING JACKET, Ben Harper and Pitbull are among the dozens of artists who have joined what de la Rocha is calling the Sound Strike.

Some have questioned de la Rocha's approach to the issue, saying that the boycott is punishing Arizona fans, musicians and promoters. In an open letter, Arizona-based concert promoter Charlie Levy of Stateside Presents wrote, "By not performing in Arizona, artists are harming the very people and places that foster free speech and the open exchange of ideas that serve to counter the closed-mindedness recently displayed by the new law."

But de la Rocha disagreed, saying, "Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona legislature have created an environment in Arizona where performing is no longer a neutral act."

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