Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991 by vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk, the band signed to Epic Records and released its self-titled debut album in 1992.

[4] The band returned in 1996 with its second studio album Evil Empire,[1] which topped the Billboard 200 and was again certified three times platinum by the RIAA.

[2][9] Rage Against the Machine released its final studio album, a collection of cover versions called Renegades, in 2000,[1] reaching number 14 on the Billboard 200.

[2] The band broke up prior to the album's release, after de la Rocha announced his departure in October that year.

[8] Two years later, Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium reached number 7 on the Music Video Sales chart and the top 100 of the Billboard 200.