RATM vs. RNC

Forget about Obama vs. McCain, the most interesting battle later this summer is likely to be a just announced Rage Against the Machine appearance in Minneapolis while the Republican National Convention is going on in St. Paul.

The September 3 show, which is sure to include more than a little of the band’s fiery brand of political activism, will take place at Target Center, according to Minneapolis’ Star Tribune.

The last time Rage performed at a political event of this magnitude, during the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, the free outdoor show devolved into a commotion when police attempted to disperse the crowd.

Rage guitarist Tom Morello is also scheduled to perform with Steve Earle at a union rally at St. Paul’s Harriet Island on September 1, the opening day of the RNC.