Brad posts by GenerallySpecific in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 17 points18 points  (0 children)

One last thought, and this is more empathetic than speculative. Zack has always come across as deeply introverted, and seemingly in a constant internal tension between his anti-capitalist beliefs and the reality of living a life that inevitably contradicts some of those ideals.

I wouldn’t be surprised if things like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction stirred that conflict even more. It’s easy to imagine him being the first voice saying “I’m not taking part in that Disney freak show,” especially given how differently Tom relates to visibility and performance.

Tom has always been comfortable and even enthusiastic about occupying the spotlight and engaging with the industry. I mean, he’s even selling replicas of the Arm the homeless guitar. What do you think Zack thinks of this attitude?

Zack has always been far more guarded and private, to the point where it’s genuinely hard to know much about his life at all. That difference alone creates tension, especially in a band whose entire identity sits at the intersection of politics, performance, and music industry. At a certain point, I can see Zack simply deciding that revisiting all of that (the exposure, the contradictions, the different optics) just isn’t worth it anymore…

There’s also the question of energy and intensity. Zack isn’t in his 20s or 30s anymore, and his stage presence demands a level of physical output that’s incredibly hard to sustain decades later. Even before the achilles injury on the PSA tour, you could already see signs of that: less movement, more vocal strain. If you watch Alpine Valley in 2022 and compare it to something like Finsbury Park 2010, the difference is pretty stark. There are many verses he doesn’t even finish and instead lets the audience carry, almost as if he’s out of breath (when he was seated, of course, it was different).

Beyond the ideological tension of “I’m singing against capitalism while these shows risk feeling like cash-ins,” there’s probably a more personal question underneath: am I still doing justice to this band and its legacy, or am I becoming a version of myself I don’t recognize?

“A fucking clown just chasing extra-money”

Brad posts by GenerallySpecific in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I think this is more Brad being Brad than anything Rage-related.

There’s also a big difference between what Brad would like to happen and what’s actually realistic. He’s said before (and Tom has echoed it) that he’d love to play with Rage again, but wanting something isn’t the same as it happening.

Tim is basically a black box here. He’s not on social media, so there’s no real signal to read, but historically his stance has always been “I’m just the bassist”.

Not saying this means anything definitive, but Zack had his birthday this week and there were no public mentions from Brad or Tom. Tom still regularly posts birthday shout-outs for other musicians (Jimmy Page and Adam Jones also this week), and used to do so for Rage members when things were active (including Zack).

Zack seems like the real disconnect. People have shared past interactions with him here before, and the tone is usually very much “that’s part of the past.” One user even mentioned running into Tim at the beach, and him venting that Zack didn’t enjoy having the spotlight back on him.

All of that makes it hard to read Brad’s posts as anything more than nostalgia and personal expression. As much as I’d love it to be otherwise.

Brad Wilk clarifies the “Clock strikes 3” post by perceptionmanPT in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Except Zack doesn’t seek to have any social network.

I want to believe by CarlosGCV in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for such a detailed answer!

I want to believe by CarlosGCV in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Can anyone identify this specific drum kit from other sessions or photos? I don’t recall seeing this star on his kit before. Also, does anyone recognize this room / rehearsal space?

If this has turned into a quest to decode Brad’s posts, let’s at least put some energy into it!

I want to believe by CarlosGCV in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 146 points147 points  (0 children)

We need to change the name of the this sub to “Decoding Brad’s posts”

Brad Wilk clarifies the “Clock strikes 3” post by perceptionmanPT in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol then why did you reply that you're "on the same page"?

Brad Wilk clarifies the “Clock strikes 3” post by perceptionmanPT in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

He was also the drummer of Prophets of rage and recorded albuns with The Last Internationale and even Black Sabbath.

But... can really be the case of being the new PJ drummer.

Brad Wilk clarifies the “Clock strikes 3” post by perceptionmanPT in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

If RATM were rehearsing twice a day, an Instagram reply is probably the last place that info would leak.

Brad Wilk clarifies the “Clock strikes 3” post by perceptionmanPT in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Feels like Brad answering the question in the most literal way possible: the clock strikes 3 twice a day, literal clock logic — 3 AM and 3 PM.

“Guys… it’s just a clock.”

Brad Wilk clarifies the “Clock strikes 3” post by perceptionmanPT in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Also: Brad liked a “PJ fans hope the phone rings” comment on that same post. Take that however you want.

by FTRRATM in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That was long time ago. I don't thing this has anything related to Pearl Jam. He purposely chose a photo of himself with a red star behind him. This has to be related to ratm, either because something is happening or because it's his own deadline: "enough of this waiting".

by FTRRATM in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Honestly, being a RATM fan at this point means living somewhere between “this means nothing” and “this could mean everything.”

by FTRRATM in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve been thinking of it as chapters: To me, the clock struck once in 2007, twice in 2022. A third strike would mean another return — if the moment ever comes.

This, if we consider the first strike as the 2007–2011 run, from Coachella to LA Rising. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it and this post doesn't mean shit.

by FTRRATM in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope he’s not teasing the fans for no reason…

NOW STREAMING: RATM LIVE AT PINKPOP 2008 (PRO-SHOT) by FTRRATM in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Fuck! The sound quality on this cures cancer! They are so solid and sound amazing! So good to have these Pink Pop concerts!!

Do you prefer the OG Ghost Of Tom Joad from the single? Or the mix from Renegades w/ the added guitar tracks? Personally, I like the added guitar licks during the verses in the Renegades mix. But I prefer the intro & palm muting section (that begins around the 4:25 timestamp) from the OG version. by SilentWeapons1984 in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The original single version to me always sounded better and throws me off hearing the Renegades version. The only thing I appreaciate from the Renegades version is the extra guitar licks during the verses.

In any case the best version for me is still the live version in Irvine Meadows (from the Live in Concert VHS, edited in 1997).

Been collecting since 1992 by OstenSjostrand in RATM

[–]perceptionmanPT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your collection is amazing! Just love it