RATM On Topping U.K. Chart: 'This Is A Huge Victory By And For Fans Of Real Music'

December 21, 2009

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE has released the following statement regarding the band claiming the prestigious No. 1 spot on the British singles chart on the last Sunday before Christmas, marking the first time in five years the winner of Simon Cowell's "X-Factor" has not won:

"RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE are honored to have been drafted by this historic grassroots campaign to make our song 'Killing In The Name' the No.1 song on the U.K. Christmas week pop chart.

"This is a huge victory by and for fans of real music and we extend our heartfelt thanks to every fan and freedom fighter who helped make our anthem of defiance and rebellion the anarchy Christmas miracle of 2009.

"As promised, we will play a free concert in the U.K. in celebration of this incredible upset victory over the heavily favored 'X-Factor' single. We are also pleased that so much money has been raised for homeless charity shelter and are happy to donate as well to aid this important cause.

"While there are many lessons that can be drawn from this historic upset, the main one is this: that ordinary people, banding together in solidarity, can change ANYTHING, be it the pop charts or the world."

"Killing In The Name" sold 500,000 downloads, beating McElderry's "The Climb" by 50,000 copies to clinch the top spot.

One retailer told BBC News it was a "truly remarkable outcome — possibly the greatest chart upset ever."

It was the first time a group had ever won the top slot based on downloads alone, BBC's "The Chart Show" said, according to CNN.

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