The Story Behind the Sleeve: Rage Against the Machine - 'Rage Against the Machine'

in #music7 years ago (edited)

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Even if you're not a fan of the musical rock and rap hybrid that is Rage Against the Machine, it is likely that you've heard 'Killing In the Name,' showcasing just how much of an impact the band has made in the world of music. Like many other artists, Rage Against the Machine was keen to outline its political stance, and did this with both its music, and its album design. As well as drawing inspiration from activists such as Bobby Sands and Huey P. Newton, the band was also keen to shot its political viewpoint with the album sleeve of 1992's 'Rage Against the Machine.'

The powerful album cover features Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who protested President Ngo Dinh Diem's administration, due to him oppressing the Buddhist religion. The photo illustrates the monk self-immolating himself in Saigon in 1963, an image that was so powerful, it actually led John F. Kennedy to withdraw support for Dinh Diem's administration.

The picture was taken by Associated Press photographer Malcome Browne.