Tom Morello’s SNL Kickout: Flags, Fights, and a Furious Exit

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Ah, let’s rephrase that lively piece for a more casual and engaging read: Questlove’s fresh documentary, titled Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, doesn’t merely delve into the most iconic musical performances on Saturday Night Live. Instead, it sheds light on a significant part of the series’ history by examining several controversial incidents involving musical guests, like when Rage Against the Machine was unceremoniously booted off the show.

Previously, I only knew they appeared on Saturday Night Live back on April 13, 1996, as the influential rap-rock group once did. However, I was unaware of the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes at Studio 8H that evening. Tom Morello, their guitarist who isn’t shy about onstage aggression, described the whole incident in great detail in a documentary now streaming with a Peacock subscription. Discover the previously undisclosed events below.

Rage Against The Machine’s Defiant Stunt Caused A Backstage Fight

During the 17th episode of the 21st season of SNL, which was also the debut for esteemed cast member Will Ferrell, musical guest Rage Against the Machine intended to demonstrate against the night’s host, Steve Forbes – an entrepreneur and former conservative presidential candidate – by displaying American flags upside down from their amplifiers. However, they were advised not to during rehearsals. This only served to fuel the band’s rebellious spirit, as they became even more determined to carry out the stunt. They went so far as to instruct their crew members to prevent SNL‘s stagehands from taking down the flags.

Consequently, an intense brawl, as Morello referred to it, ensued between the roadies and the robust stagehands. These individuals physically dispossessed the flags from the roadies’ grasp. Just seconds before RATM started their rendition of “Bulls on Parade” from the album, Evil Empire, these flags were forcibly removed from the stage. You can watch this performance on YouTube.

RATM’s Bassist Retaliated Against Their Cancelled Second Number

Following the song, RATM learned that their second act, initially planned for “Bullet in the Head,” would be omitted from the program due to time constraints, which they found questionable. In response, the group’s bassist, Tim Commerford, chose to vent his frustration by pulling off another daring move.

He picked up one of the previously mentioned American flags, folded it into a compact ball tied together, and with the aim of tossing this improvised “projectile” at the host, he strolled over from their dressing room across the hall. However, he found out that Steve Forbes wasn’t present in his dressing room at that moment but his family was instead. At this point, things started to escalate significantly.

Secret Service Locked RATM In Their Room And Kicked Them Out Of 30 Rock

Timmy C.’s intrusion into Steve Forbes’ Studio 8H dressing room sparked interest from the Secret Service, an event perhaps foreseeable given Steve Forbes’ past presidential campaign aspirations. The agents quickly flooded the hallway, sealing off the band’s dressing room as they addressed the situation beyond.

After being escorted out of 30 Rockefeller Center, the group ended up on the sidewalk, which is why they weren’t present for the final goodbyes that night. However, Forbes still took the time to express gratitude towards the musical guests, despite the chaos, and Morello, in his book Ladies & Gentlemen… shared that he enjoyed the post-party with a chuckle.

Following a bold and rebellious act similar to Sinead O’Connor tearing the Pope’s photo during a performance, Rage Against the Machine chose not to return to Studio 8H. Contrary to common belief, they were not banned from Saturday Night Live. In fact, as stated in “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” executive producer Lorne Michaels has expressed a willingness to invite them back again, suggesting that we might see RATM on the show once more. It may be wise for Michaels to exercise caution when selecting the host for that particular night.

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2025-01-31 02:07