Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello responds to critics of Green Day changing ‘American Idiot’ lyrics

nme.com:

Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello has responded to those criticising Green Day for recently switching up their lyrics.The moment came after the pop-punk trio – comprised of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool – made headlines for their controversial performance at Dick Clarke’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve last week.During the set, the frontman altered the lyrics to the iconic 2004 track ‘American Idiot’, replacing the original line “I’m not a part of a redneck agenda” with “I’m not a part of the MAGA agenda”.The song, initially written as a diss against George W.

Bush, instead made a shot at former US President Donald Trump, making reference to his presidential rally slogan, “Make America Great Again” (MAGA).Unsurprisingly, the moment at the New Year’s Eve show went on to spur some backlash for the members, with Tesla founder and tech billionaire Elon Musk criticising the move on X/Twitter, writing: “Green Day goes from raging against the machine to milquetoastedly raging for it.”The decision to change up the line also warranted a segment on Fox News, with hosts reportedly suggesting that “people are so sick of being preached at about politics from rock bands”.“Stick to what you’re good at.

You’re not a political analyst. You’re probably not really well-read on the issues that Americans really care about”.However, the discussion on the news network spurred a response from Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello.“Is that so?” the musician wrote in response to a clip of news hosts criticising Armstrong and co.