Rage Against the Machine cancels remainder of 2023 tour

Rage Against the Machine has cancelled its 2023 North American tour, including dates in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

The decision to cancel the tour came after lead vocalist Zack de la Rocha revealed only eight per cent of his Achilles tendon was left intact after he injured it while performing in Chicago months earlier.

The Rage vocalist called the tour’s cancellation difficult and painful.

“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 a bad circumstance. Just a f—-d up moment,” de la Rocha said in a statement to fans.

He says the injury to his tendon is “not simply a question of being able to perform again, but extends to basic functionality going forward.”

The band was supposed to play in several Canadian cities years ago, but shows were cancelled due to pandemic restrictions.

“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,” he said.

The statement from the band adds anyone who bought tickets to any of their previously planned shows online through Ticketmaster or AXS will get a refund. Anyone who paid cash should contact the box office directly.