![Rage Against The Machine Reports Secret Service Locked Them in a Room After Their SNL Performance](https://music-b26f.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/MRVPhoto_LARising_300711_489.jpg)
![Rage Against The Machine Reports Secret Service Locked Them in a Room After Their SNL Performance](https://music-b26f.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/MRVPhoto_LARising_300711_489.jpg)
Rage Against The Machine’s debut appearance on Saturday Night Live took an unexpected turn when the band was reportedly detained by the Secret Service following their performance. The incident occurred after a controversial on-air act that allegedly upset network executives and security officials.
The band, known for its politically charged music and anti-establishment message, was scheduled to perform two songs on the program. However, tensions arose before they even took the stage. Leading up to their first song, NME reports that the group attempted to make a bold political statement by hanging American flags upside down on their amplifiers—a well-known symbol of distress. Show staff quickly intervened, removing the flags before the performance aired.
Following the band’s first song, backstage chaos ensued. According to reports, shortly after finishing their initial performance, members of Rage Against The Machine were escorted to a separate room and held under the watch of Secret Service personnel. While no official explanation was given at the time, sources indicate that authorities were concerned about the group’s potential disruption of the live broadcast.
Producers ultimately cut the band from performing their second scheduled song, and they were told to leave the building immediately after their detainment. The abrupt decision was allegedly made by network executives under pressure from security officials.
The band left the studio furious over what they viewed as an act of censorship. The event added to the long history of controversy surrounding the group, reinforcing their reputation for pushing the limits of mainstream media’s tolerance for political dissent.
Despite the incident, Rage Against The Machine’s performance that night would go down as one of SNL’s most infamous musical moments, further cementing their legacy as one of rock’s most outspoken and defiant acts. Their music still resonates with fans to this day, with the bands hit song “Killing in the Name” reaching one billion Spotify streams.
Photo credit: Marv Watson.