Rage Against the Machine lead protest at Ripple Effect

Reunited rockers Rage Against the Machine set out to make a surprise appearance at the Ripple Effect Festival last night in Minnesota before the police blocked them out. Rage's set, announced that afternoon, reportedly wasn't cleared and didn't meet with 7 p.m. curfew rules.

Down but not out, the band excited fans into a riot of chants ("let them play"), sing-alongs (the national anthem) and finally performed an acapella version of two of its songs (including "Bulls on Parade") on the state-capitol lawn. Afterward, the band lead the crowd, which reportedly was about 2,000 strong, on a march downtown toward other local protests.

Ripple Effect, a left-wing festival set to coincide with the Republican National Convention, was a free event that featured sets from Anti-Flag and Matisyahu (amongst others) and guest speakers including Will Steger.

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