Rage Against The Machine vocalist Zack de la Rocha injured his leg at the start of the band's reunion tour earlier this year, which originally resulted in a cancelation of their upcoming UK and European dates and de la Rocha heading to physical rehab. Unfortunately the injury is much more severe than previously thought, and has forced Rage Against The Machine to cancel their 2023 North American dates as well.
In a statement, de la Rocha apologizes to fans and details the extent of his injury. He reveals that the tear in his Achilles tendon has left only 8% of it intact, and his that basic mobility going forward is now in question. We wish de la Rocha all the best with his recovery and hope to see Rage Against The Machine on the road as soon as possible.
"It's been almost three months since Chicago, and I still look down at my leg in disbelief. Two years of waiting through the pandemic, hoping we would have an opening to be a band again and continue the work we started 30 some odd years ago. Rehearsing, training, reconciling, working our way back to form. Then one and a half shows into it and my tendon tears. Felt like a sick joke the universe played on me. As I write this I remind myself it's just bad circumstance. Just a fucked up moment.
"Unfortunately it is a moment that requires a lot of work and healing. I have a severe tear in my left Achilles tendon and only 8% of my tendon was left intact. And even that portion was severely compromised. It's not simply a question of being able to perform again, but extends to basic functionality going forward. That's why I've made the painful and difficult decision to cancel the remaining shows on our 2023 North American leg.
"I hate cancelling shows. I hate disappointing our fans. You have all waited so patiently to see us and that is never lost on me. I never take that for granted. For you I have the ultimate gratitude and respect. To my brothers Tim, Brad and Tom; EL P, Killer Mike, Trackstar and the whole RTJ crew; to everyone on our production team: techs, cooks drivers, assistants, security squad, to anyone and everyone who made the shows thus far possible, all my love and respect. I hope to see you very soon."
