RATM Breath New Life Into Oxegen

‘The World’s Greatest Live Band’ Rage Against The Machine has been confirmed as headliners for this year’s OXEGEN festival in Punchestown.

Dubbed as the world’s greatest live band by Kerrang magazine, the stunning announcement adds to the already world class line up of acts for this summer’s Dublin festival.

Joining fantastic acts such as R.E.M., Kings of Leon, Kaiser Chiefs, The Fratellis, Interpol, Chemical Brothers, Counting Crows, The Raconteurs, Ian Brown, Hot Chip, Justice, Aphex Twin, and Alabama, Rage Against the Machine are sure to stamp their authority as one of the most formidable bands in the world.

Famed for their political lyrics and actions - and managing to shut the doors of the New York stock exchange to film one of their videos - the band has a fearsome reputation as both activists and musicians.

Their albums, including RATM and Battle For Los Angles, are modern day classics and there can be little doubt that Punchestown will be in for one of the best nights in Oxegen history when tracks such as Killing in the Name of, Bullet in the Head, Snake Charmer, Revolver and Renegades of Funk come blasting out of the venues' monstrous PA.

Fans are sure to be keeping a close eye on the band's performance in the coming T in the Park in what has been one of the most stunning and unexpected bookings in years.

The band only reformed early last year after splitting acrimoniously in 2000.

They have also had a number of impressive distinctions, many of which were steeped in controversy.

Following the 9/11 attacks, American media conglomerate Clear Channel created a list of "songs with questionable lyrics."

Rage had the distinction of being the only band to have all its songs on the list.

(DW)