Rage Against the Machine Inducted into Rock Hall by Ice-T

Rage Against the Machine was inducted into the 2023 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Ice-T. It was a fitting choice for one notorious hell-raiser to induct a group of notorious hell-raisers.

"Rage broke every rule they could to let you know they were in the building," noted the rapper/actor during his colorful speech. (Editor's note: Ice-T's speech and plenty of others will likely give pause to Disney+ from ever hosting the Rock Hall induction live ever again.) On top of that, he made sure to note the band is responsible for what he called the best rock lyric: "F--- you, I won't do what you tell me," which is from their debut single "Killing in the Name."

Ice-T also made sure to mention some of Rage's surprising actions over the years.

"You can't impress me with normal stuff," said Ice-T. "You gotta impress me with stuff like suing the U.S. State Department for using their music at Guantanamo Bay for torturing. Who does that? Rage does that! How about 1993, pulling up in Lollapalooza, butt naked with duct tape. Protesting against the PMRC, who does that? Rage Against the Machine does; I respect the hell out of his band."

When it came time for Rage to accept their award, only guitarist Tom Morello was in attendance. Morello noted, "I am deeply grateful for the musical chemistry I’ve had the good fortune to share with Brad Wilk, Tim Commerford and Zach de la Rocha. Like most bands, we have differing perspectives on a lot of things, including about being inducted into the Rock Hall."

Despite being the lone representative for Rage, Morello's speech didn't disappoint. (This isn't a surprise if you saw him induct KISS into the Rock Hall back in 2014.)

"The reason we are here and the best way to celebrate this music is for you to carry on that mission and that message," he said. "The lesson I’ve learned from Rage fans is that music can change the world daily."

Morello added, "Can music change the world? The whole f---ing aim is to change the world, or, at a bare minimum, to stir up a s---load of trouble."

It's pretty safe to say that Rage, at a bare minimum, has at least done the latter.

The 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is this Friday (March 29), and in the ceremony's history, the all-star jam session has provided for one of the night's biggest highlights.

While there wasn't an all-star jam at the end of the 2018 ceremony, here's hoping the tradition will pick up again this year, especially when looking back on some of the incredible performances that have occurred.

In honor of the 2019 induction ceremony this Friday, here are seven stellar jam sessions from year's past.

The last all-star jam at the Rock Hall induction ceremony featured members of Pearl Jam, Yes, Journey and Rush together performing Neil Young's "Rockin' In the Free World." Young was slated to be the presenter for Pearl Jam that evening, but he had to back out at the last minute. David Letterman took his place, which as far as replacements go is pretty incredible.

The all-star jam at the very first Rock Hall induction ceremony was something to behold. Joining Chuck Berry for a performance of “Roll Over Beethoven” was Keith Richards, Neil Young and Steve Winwood.  For good measure, they were accompanied by Billy Joel and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Just look at that packed stage!  From Johnny Cash to Steve Cropper to The Edge, the amount of talent gathered during the 1992 all-star jam is simply unreal!

The All-Star Jam at the 1989 induction ceremony also featured an incredible array of icons. Performing The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Little Richard, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder.

Wow! There's literally something for everyone during this performance of "Crossroads" at the 2013 induction ceremony. Included on stage are Chuck D., Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Rush, John Fogerty, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello and Gary Clark Jr.

This performance is so good it hurts!  Watch in awe as Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison play the hell out of this Beatles classic. In the years since Prince and Tom Petty's passing, the magic of this performance has only grown.

Ringo Starr got more than just a little help with the performance of this Beatles classic. The absolutely packed stage included Paul McCartney, Green Day, Joan Jett, Patti Smith, Joe Walsh, Karen O, Miley Cyrus, Gary Clark Jr., Zac Brown, Tom Morello, Dave Grohl and so much more that it's almost too overwhelming to list.

Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.