“Uncertain Notes: Tim Commerford’s Ambiguous Stance on Rage Against the Machine’s Future”

The fate of iconic rock band Rage Against the Machine remains uncertain, as bassist Tim Commerford, in contrast to drummer Brad Wilk’s declaration of the band being “finished,” reveals his lack of clarity on the matter. Commerford’s candid admission, while perpetuating bass player stereotypes, adds an intriguing twist to the debate about the band’s potential continuation.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Commerford stated, “I don’t know; I’m the bass player. I just wait for someone to tell me what to do.” This response, coupled with his acknowledgment of Wilk’s statement, raises questions about the future of Rage Against the Machine, leaving room for speculation about possible tours and future endeavors.

Addressing Wilk’s assertion, Commerford emphasized his position within the band hierarchy, stating, “Brad said what he said, but he’s one step above me. He’s in the number three spot. I am the low man on the totem pole. That’s all I can tell you; I’m the bass player. The bass players always are the last people to find out about shit like that.”

Despite these statements, there has been no official clarification or contradiction from the band regarding their status. Wilk’s Instagram post, which explicitly mentioned Commerford and the rest of the band, adds to the confusion. However, according to Commerford, he remains as uninformed as the fans.

Wilk’s declaration that Rage Against the Machine will not tour or play live again came after vocalist Zack de la Rocha sustained a leg injury during the 2022 North American dates, leading to the cancellation of the remaining world tour and 2023 US shows. The band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, attended only by guitarist Tom Morello, further adds to the uncertainty surrounding their future.

For Commerford, life post-RATM involves dedicated work with his new band, 7D7D, featuring guitarist Jonny Polonsky and Wakrat drummer Mathias Wakrat. Commerford and Wilk’s connection with Polonsky dates back to the recording of Audioslave’s 2005 album, Out of Exile, where Polonsky made a lasting impression with his musical versatility.

While RATM’s last live performance was in 2022, the band’s future remains ambiguous. Commerford’s lack of endorsement for his bandmates’ statement leaves ample room for speculation, keeping fans intrigued and the rumor mill spinning.