Zach de la Rocha

Zack de la Rocha is recognized as a leader of the so-called ‘new wave’ of activist-based bands, known for singing with great intensity. He became famous in the '90s as the vocalist and a political activist for his band, Rage Against the Machine.

Zach was born in Irvine, California, and grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, deeply understanding Hispanic culture as a youth from that origin. His mother was an anthropology PhD who grew up in a small town in Washington state, the daughter of undertakers.

His father, Beto de la Rocha, was a famous muralist. After his parents divorced, he went to live with his mother permanently when he was 13, as his father suffered from a nervous breakdown and became excessively religious.

Hardcore punk was the music that channeled de la Rocha’s anger and isolation, influenced by bands like Minor Threat and Black Flag. His initial involvement in high-school bands began with Hardstance, which later transformed into a band called Inside Out, releasing an album in 1991.

He then associated with hip-hop artists like KRS-One and Run-D.M.C. This led to his meeting with Tom Morello, a Harvard political science major. The two formed Rage Against the Machine, combining heavy metal guitar and hip-hop rap-like vocals. They quickly gained popularity, touring Lollapalooza II and becoming ultra-political, receiving extensive radio and MTV airplay.

De la Rocha became an active supporter and spokesperson for progressive ideas and movements such as Free Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Zapatistas in Mexico. Despite successfully creating records with Rage Against the Machine, he aimed to provoke real political change.

Never one for complacency, he began working with musicians like KRS-One and Chuck D. In 2000, he left the comfort of his affiliation with Helmet and Meat Puppets to pursue a solo career, collaborating with ?uestlove, El-P, DJ Shadow, and Nine Inch Nails mastermind, Trent Reznor. In 2008, he formed a new band named One Day as a Lion with drummer Jon Theodore.

Zach de las Rocha’s New Album Release

Zach’s debut album, which has been in the pipeline for over two decades, features productions from Trent Reznor, DJ Shadow and Run The Jewels.

It all began in 2003 when de la Rocha teamed up with DJ Shadow to make two tracks: March Of Death and Disavowed. Shadow, at some point, said other performances were never taped, but he was impressed by the gusto exhibited during those recordings.

De la Rosa also collaborated with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails but the record was not released in 2011. Reznor hinted that the album was right round the corner but could not be released because the rapper never found the right sound.

During a 2008 interview, de La Rocha pointed out the challenges of transitioning from the style of music in Rage Against the Machine. He admitted that he had an unhealthy obsession with reinventing himself. This prevented him from releasing his new songs.

But in 2016, he debuted a solo single, Digging For Windows which is an industrial rocker produced by El- P of Run The Jewels. Around the same period, the RATM’s drummer, Brad Wilk, stated he was once in the studio with de la Rocha.  El-P supported this statement in now-deleted tweets.

Zack de la Rocha’s Last Tour Review

Rage Against The Machine band premiered their reunion tour in 2022, marking a highly anticipated return to the stage for fans worldwide. The Public Service Announcement Tour, their first live performances since 2000, began with a searing show in Chicago.

However, the excitement was tempered when radio favorite and poster boy Zack de la Rocha suffered an injury during the first part of the show, adding a twist to the evening.

Despite this setback, the band, much like de la Rocha, faced the challenge head-on. They powered through their performance, maintaining the essential message that the group communicates. Though Rocha spent most of the time sitting on stage due to his Achilles tendon injury, his words resonated with improved flow and impact, captivating the audience's attention.

The show served as a reminder of why Rage Against The Machine holds such a lasting influence on music. Their blend of rap, rock, and politically provocative lyrics symbolized rebellion and justice. Each song, from Sleep Now in the Fire to Guerrilla Radio and their iconic hit Killing in the Name, stirred the audience with an energy of anger and rebellion.

Beyond the music, the concert was a call to action and advocacy for social causes. Videos displayed in the background conveyed topics such as police brutality and healthcare inequalities, giving the band a flamboyant stand on social and political reform. De la Rocha's impassioned rants between songs intensified the band's message.

How Much Are Zack de la Rocha Show Tickets?

Zack de la Rocha’s Net Worth in 2024

Zack de la Rocha currently possesses a $25 million fortune primarily from his band, which has sold 16 million album copies. Alongside the music, entrepreneurial acumen comes with massive properties that add to his finances.

In 2000, the album Renegades sold approximately 1 million copies, generating around $1.3 million in revenue. The 1999 album The Battle of Los Angeles sold approximately 2,377,500 copies, resulting in earnings of around $3.09 million.

Evil Empire, another album, sold approximately 3,225,000 copies, generating approximately $4.19 million in revenue. The band's debut self-titled album, released in 1992, sold approximately 4,877,500 copies, earning around $6.34 million.

In 2014, de la Rocha invested in a property located in Silver Lake for $1 million.  It was later listed for sale in 2021 for $1.65 million. Additionally, he secured a $3.7 million home in Point Dume, Malibu, in 2015.

Additionally, he has a warehouse/artist’s studio in downtown LA, which people can visit to work. The building can always generate income, as it can always turn into an apartment due to the progressive real estate business in LA.