Tom Morello says the riots in the major cities of England are part of a worldwide trend – and he warns there's more to come.
The Rage Against The Machine guitarist believes the wide-scale violent episodes, which ravaged many of the major English cities over four nights, are a reflection of anger at the increase in the global poverty gap.
And although heavy police activity and bad weather helped the situation calm down overnight, Morello expects tension to continue rising.
He tells Rock Sound: "It's no accident we've seen social unrest around the globe, from the Arab Spring to the riots in Spain and Greece cause by austerity measures, and the 100,000 people on the streets of Wisconsin as working-class people stood up for their union rights."
"When people can look forward to educational opportunities, safety, security and a positive economic situation they do not take to the streets and riot."
"When people are standing at the lip of the abyss, looking into a future of poverty, deprivation and crime, that's when the powderkeg is lit."
Morello reflects: "The gap between rich and poor is growing more grotesque around the globe. It's no surprise the incidents we've seen in the UK are recurring."
"The people who rule this planet just don't deserve to, and as long as the profit motive is primary in setting world affairs, you're going to have this kind of gross inequality – and this kind of response."
He adds: "The circumstances are different in each place, but the desire of humanity to stand against tyranny and have a decent life for themselves and their families is universal."
Meanwhile, supporters of independent record labels in the UK have launched a campaign to support the small businesses struggling after the trade's central distribution hub was destroyed in the London riots on Monday night.
The Sony DADC warehouse in Enfield was looted then burned down, leaving over 150 labels with their stock up in flames.
Sony say they've activated their contingency plans and manufacturing and distribution will restart within a week. But with tight operating margins and potential insurance payment delays, that might not be enough to save some indies.
The website LabelLove is now offering ideas on how to help bolster the trade's chances of survival and is also accepting donations. Organisers say: “Our aim is to try and rally the industry, both on the artist and the audience side.”
Thanks for the report to RockNewsDesk.com.
