Olivia Rodrigo is a Fan of Rage Against the Machine
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine; Olivia Rodrigo says she’s a big fan of the band – Story by Scarlett Hunter, photo by Anne Erickson
Olivia Rodrigo says she’s a big fan of 1990s rap-rockers Rage Against the Machine
Olivia Rodrigo is one of the most popular vocalists on the circuit today. That said, when asked about her musical influences, one would expect Rodrigo to talk about a bunch of pop acts. The singer, who recently released her sophomore album “GUTS,” actually spoke up about her rock influences in a new interview with Rolling Stone. During the chat, she said that, yes, rap-rockers Rage Against the Machine have a fan in Olivia Rodrigo.
“I have been listening to so much Rage Against the Machine this year,” Rodrigo said of Rage. She also gave Rage Against the Machine props for helping to inspire the opening song on her new album, “All-American B****.”
Rodrigo went on to say that she doesn’t just like Rage. They’re actually her “favorite band right now.” She added, “I would just play it over and over again on my way to and from the studio.” Moreover, Rodrigo even wanted to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to watch them get into the Hall. But, she couldn’t make it, because of a scheduling conflict, to which she said, “[I’m] literally going to cry myself to sleep about it.”
Rage Against the Machine aren’t the only rockers Rodrigo appreciates. During her interview with Rolling Stone, she also mentioned another 1990s rock band as a major influence: Babes in Toyland. Of Babes in Toyland, she said, “[They were] rock in that feminine way, that’s just the coolest thing in the world to me.”
Rock and metal fans often diss pop acts, but there’s no denying the power and popularity of pop music. That said, it’s good for the rock genre for a big name like Rodrigo to come out and say that she listens to rock music. Regardless, Rodrigo has certainly come a long way since her early days in the music business. She gained popularity on the Disney television programs “Bizaardvark” from 2016 to 2019 and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” from 2019 2022. Today, she’s selling out arenas around the world. We’re hoping for an Olivia Rodrigo, Rage Against the Machine tour one day, assuming Rage eventually gets back together. Actually, we’d settle for a one-off show with these two. Strangers things have happened.
Speaking of touring, Rodrigo’s just-announced 2024 tour is bringing support from the rock world in The Breeders, who are set to open on select dates. PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan and Remi Wolf are also set to open on select dates. The 57-date tour begins Feb. 23 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California. She’ll stay in North America through April, and then, Rodrigo will head overseas for a slate of gigs. She’ll be back in the U.S. beginning with a July 19 show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Then, she’ll close out her world tour with two concerts at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Aug. 13 and 14. That will make for a busy 2024 for the performer.
Rodrigo is touring in support of her new album, “Guts,” which dropped on Sept. 8. For a list of her upcoming tour dates and additional information, visit Rodrigo’s official website.
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