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Rage Against the Machine concert at RNC canceled for riot fears; band grabs megaphone and performs a capella

Yesterday's free Rage Against the Machine concert at the RNC in St. Paul, MN was shut down by local police, who claimed that the band couldn't play because it was going to take the stage too close to the show's 7 p.m. curfew.

The band arrived close to the 7pm curfew time, apparently without a proper permit to perform. When it became clear they would not get to play, the crowd began chanting 'The Star Spangled Banner' and the band's signature chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me."

Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello then walked to the front of the crowd behind the barriers and sang acapella versions of hits 'Bulls On Parade' and 'Killing In The Name'. They then led the swelling crowd on a march towards the nearby Xcel Energy Centre, leading to further protests downtown.

It is claimed that the band did not arrive on time to make the show's curfew. However, event organisers have questioned police tactics. Caitlin Burns, a stage and logistics manager claimed: "A state patrolman held the band and wouldn't let them enter backstage until it was too late." Hopefully this doesn't make it on the bands next live album.