RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE'S VICTORY SHOW - ANARCHY IN FINSBURY PARK

OK, I can admit when I’m wrong. Yes, the mid-30s crowd did turn up to Finsbury Park to witness Rage Against the Machine’s victory show on Sunday, but they were vastly outnumbered by a younger wave of mosh-ready devotees.

While the “oldies” gathered around the fringes, the hardened fans were ready to turn the entire park into one swirling whirlpool of flailing legs, fists and elbows. 

Such was the popularity of this particularly sweary gig that hundreds gathered outside the barriers, hoping to find a way in. And they lived out the reactionary sentiment, rushing the hoardings, overpowering the five security guards and finally making it through.

(see footage here - http://www.twitvid.com/IPAFG )

Whether it be the shoddy sound system, or maybe he just wasn’t feeling it, support Roots Manuva sadly failed, leaving the crowd seriously underwhelmed.

But mental electro DJs South Central took over, stirring things up into a frenzied rave, but making a quick exit when some impatient fans began pelting them with bottles.

Gogol Bordello killed it. Their rousing gypsy rock was the ideal precursor to an incredible set from Rage and they were serious contenders for best act of the night.

Clearly milking their X-Factor victory for all its worth, but with tongue in cheek, Rage came on to an animated Simon Cowell video, later playing defeated Joe McElderry’s Christmas number 2 just before the encore.

The set was a gracious one, they covered all the big hits, brought out the Facebook group founders – whose internet campaign projected them back to UK stardom – to thank them and handed over 100 per cent of profits from winning single Killing in the Name Of to Shelter.

They didn't have to put so much effort into this, it was completely free after all. But they played it like each of the 40,000 fans had paid them to play a private set.

It was manic, unruly, messy, rebellious – calling on US government to condemn counterparts in Israel – dangerous (we nearly died in the mosh pit) and glorious. 

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE'S X-FACTOR REBELLION TUCKED IN BED BY 11PM

MY jewellery collection is a graveyard of single earrings, separated from their partners once lost to the many Rage Against the Machine-inspired moshpits of days gone by.

So the plan – when they play their free Finsbury Park gig on Sunday – is to either stand safely at the back, or leave the earrings at home.

The BBC weatherman predicts temperatures of 25 degrees so it should be a joyful day, if a relatively early night.

In 1992, their eponymous debut album served a great purpose. 

It was an outlet for teenagers everywhere to let off steam within the safe confines of the nearest indie/metal club or locked away in their bedrooms.

Singles Bombtrack, Killing in the Name and Bullet in the Head were anthems for our angst.

And it felt good when we managed to convince the DJ to play these 'provocative', political tracks at the school disco. But then we grew up and, apart from keeping a nostalgic admiration for these standout tracks, oft revived on road trips, many of us forgot about Rage altogether.
That's not to say they haven't maintained a loyal following.

I can’t say I’m familiar with much subsequent work, though this doesn’t make the prospect of seeing them live at Finsbury Park any less attractive.

It’s odd to think that the only reason Rage are coming to Finsbury Park at all is thanks to X-Factor.

Perhaps it's fitting that this eccentric event – a thanks to the thousands that helped screw with the man by subverting the Christmas number one, and dashing the hopes of the latest forgettable X-Factor finalist at the same time – is finishing at the tame old time of 10.30pm.

Will there be riots down Blackstock Road as the park gates shut? Or will the 30-something Rage fans hop into their cars and return home to bed before 11pm, basking in the glow of a nicely controlled bit of reactionary revelry?

Support comes from gypsy punk group Gogol Bordello, rapper Roots Manuva and punk band Gallows.

JON MCCLURE'S PARTY ALBUM

I MET Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure at Islington’s Union Chapel on Monday. Usually preoccupied with bigger world issues, he told me he’s branching out into lighter things: “I’m working on Reverend Soundsystem. I’m making my electronic music with five of my old songs and five new songs with Kano and Roots Manuva and others. It’s pure party music. I’ve done kitchen sink drama, hip-hop, now I’m doing party. It’s coming out this summer. I deserve to make a party record. I’m very proud of it.”

I know it's old now but here's a reminder of why Reverend and the Makers first caught my attention.

• UK fusion band Dreadzone celebrated the launch of ninth album Eye on the Horizon with a party at Cargo on Wednesday. Legendary punk filmmaker Don Letts made a special DJ appearance. Single Gangster is out on May 23.

•The JD Set’s remake of Human League’s album Dare is at Dingwalls (May 5). Shy Child, Infadels, Zoot Woman, The Shortwave Set and Kids on Bridges spent a week rehashing the tunes.

• Rizz Promotions is running a special night of Camden acts including Mark Perrin ft Crony and Blues Tattoo at Camden Rock, Kentish Town Road on May 5. There’s an open mic invite to all political candidates.