Self-styled anti-capitalist rockers Rage Against the Machine are redirecting their angst to Arizona's controversial SB 1070 law. The fight against the anti-illegal immigration measure, of course, already includes Shakira, the city of Los Angeles, and the federal government. On Friday, though, the rap rock band will headline a concert to raise funds for organizations challenging the bill. Vocalist Zack de la Rocha expects to raise more than $300,000 in the band's first show in hometown L.A. in 10 years.

"There are many [sheriffs] across the country taking the idea that immigrants are the problem," de la Rocha said at a press conference Wednesday. "How could we not stand up for our fans in Arizona? How could we not do a show to raise money for people on the ground? Toxic ideas have led to a chain of events. This is not an immigration issue, it is a battle of basic human indignity."

The band joins the SoundStrike artist boycott, which includes Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth, Kanye West, Maroon 5 and other groups pledging to skip over Arizona on their summer tours. The music industry as a whole has largely ignored the strike.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at jhudson at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
John Hudson