Over the past year RATM has been besieged with setbacks. A controvesial protest concert that turned to violence outside the Democratic National Convention last summer, turn over of several managers and the cancellation of the planned tour with the Beastie Boys.

Zack issued the following statement on Wed (Oct 18)

"I feel that it is now necessary to leave Rage because our decision-making process has completely failed," he said in the statement. "It is no longer meeting the aspirations of all four of us collectively as a band, and from my perspective, has undermined our artistic and political ideal. I am extremely proud of our work, both as activists and musicians, as well as indebted and grateful to every person who has expressed solidarity and shared this incredible experience with us."

His former band mates were quick to respond with their own statement that the band will carry on. 

"We're proud of our history and what we've accomplished musically and politically over the last 9 years. We are committed to continuing with our efforts to effect change in the social and political arena and look forward to creating more ground breaking music for our fans. In other words, we'll keep it loud, keep it funky and most definitely rock on...." 

Sony had a live album on tap from the band scheduled for release next month, but as of press time there has been no word whether these new developments will derail those plans.