Tim Commerford, the bassist of Rage Against the Machine, has been focusing on his new band, 7D7D, and living off the grid. After the conclusion of Rage Against the Machine’s reunion tour in 2022, Commerford retreated from the public eye and now resides in a remote California house that is disconnected from the electric grid. He relies on solar panels for power and uses Elon Musk’s Starlink for internet access.
Living in isolation has allowed Commerford to channel his creative energy into 7D7D, a rock trio consisting of drummer Mathias Wakrat and guitarist Jonny Polonsky. Over the past few months, they have released several politically-charged songs and have around 30 more ready to go. They are also planning their first tour, which Commerford envisions as a departure from the typical arena and festival shows associated with Rage Against the Machine. He expresses a desire to play at smaller venues like bowling alleys and coffee houses, aiming to establish 7D7D as a distinct entity separate from his previous band.
The origins of 7D7D trace back to Commerford’s time in Audioslave when producer Rick Rubin introduced Polonsky to the band. Impressed by Polonsky’s musical talent, Commerford invited him to jam with Rage drummer Brad Wilk. They discovered that Polonsky was not only skilled on the piano but also proficient on the guitar. Commerford describes him as a “human jukebox” who can play any style or song.
Years later, when Commerford wanted to explore new musical avenues with drummer Mathias Wakrat, he reached out to Polonsky. They exchanged song sketches, with Polonsky adding guitar and keyboard parts that impressed Commerford and Wakrat. Eventually, they all met in Los Angeles to play together in person, and the experience was described as “magical.”
While 7D7D has not made plans for an album, they have been quietly releasing singles online since November 2022. Their songs, including “Capitalism” and “Misinformed,” reflect Commerford’s political views, which have remained consistent since his time in Rage Against the Machine. He expresses frustration with the United States’ military actions and criticizes the country’s involvement in wars. Commerford admits that he has never voted for a president, feeling disillusioned by the political system.
When asked about his opinion on Joe Biden, Commerford expresses equal disdain for him and Donald Trump. He believes that endorsing Biden is endorsing the military-industrial complex, which he strongly opposes. One of 7D7D’s songs, “Written on a Napkin,” tackles the issue of the South China Sea and delves into Commerford’s thoughts on China, Japan, and the vilification of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Commerford has been known to voice fringe theories in the past, such as his belief that the moon landing was fake and that ISIS beheading videos were not real. However, he rejects the label of “conspiracy theorist” and instead states that he simply doesn’t trust the government.
As for 7D7D’s tour plans, Commerford states that they are about 75% ready and have practiced eight times. He envisions a stripped-down approach, reminiscent of a new band driving their gear in their car to play shows. This tour will be a departure from the physically and emotionally demanding reunion tour of Rage Against the Machine in 2022, during which Commerford was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He describes the psychological aspect of accepting his diagnosis as the most challenging part and recalls moments of emotional vulnerability during performances.
Currently, Commerford is in good health but remains vigilant about potential signs of cancer returning. He refers to himself as “Cancer Man” and undergoes regular testing to monitor his PSA levels. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rage Against the Machine’s future, Commerford remains optimistic and focuses on his present endeavors with 7D7D.
In conclusion, Tim Commerford’s life has taken a new direction since the conclusion of Rage Against the Machine’s reunion tour. He now lives off the grid, devoting his creative energy to his new band, 7D7D. Commerford’s political views remain as strong as ever, and he expresses a desire to play smaller venues with 7D7D. While the future of Rage Against the Machine is uncertain, Commerford remains open to the possibility of returning to the band if the opportunity arises.
