However organisers refused to let the band play, which resulted in them singing through megaphones. The band arrived close to the 7pm curfew time, apparently without a proper permit to perform. When it became clear they would not get to play, the crowd began chanting 'The Star Spangled Banner' and the band's signature chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me." Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello then walked to the front of the crowd behind the barriers and sang acapella versions of hits 'Bulls On Parade' and 'Killing In The Name'. They then led the swelling crowd on a march towards the nearby Xcel Energy Centre, leading to further protests downtown.

Also it has been questioned that the local authorties delayed the band's arrival. Caitlin Burns, a stage and logistics manager claimed: "A state patrolman held the band and wouldn't let them enter (backstage) until it was too late."