“On this occasion, it’s best you do what they tell ya”: Rage Against The Machine-inspired hand washing guide circulated by fans
Take the power back into your hygiene routine.
Image: Noel Vasquez / Getty
Fans have been sharing a hand washing tutorial inspired by Rage Against The Machine’s song Killing In The Name, parodying the official advice for a 20-second handwash amidst the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Originally, the advice was to use Happy Birthday – but this seems a bit more rock ‘n’ roll.
Official Fan account @RATM shared the modified image:
Washing in the name of…
On this occasion it's best you do what they tell ya pic.twitter.com/unDdBh1HDh
— RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE (@RATM) March 9, 2020
The format of course isn’t just limited to Rage Against The Machine, and has unsurprisingly been done with countless other song lyrics. As the official advice is to wash your hands for 20 seconds, doing so as you sing pretty much any chorus of your favourite song should prove long enough, provided you’re not a die-hard Napalm Death fan.
The NHS hand washing posters have been modified via the Wash Your Lyrics website, a tool designed by a 17-year-old by the name of William Gibson, who wanted people to be able to choose which song they sing (out loud or in their heads) along to the advised technique. The initiative has seen praise by the UK’s health secretary, as the BBC reports.
The tool has gone somewhat viral, with many notable bands and brands tweeting their own spin on the template.
#washyourhands pic.twitter.com/m1mfNQoyU2
— blink-182 (@blink182) March 10, 2020
I'm gonna take my hands down to the old town road, I'm gonna wash til I can't no more ?? @lilnasx @neoncloth pic.twitter.com/FdCLkjU1IP
— YouTube #StayHome (@YouTube) March 10, 2020
Recently, Foals also shared a video for the track Wash Off featuring a looped video of someone following the proper hand washing technique.
Foals’ video, and the widely-circulated meme, are just a couple of examples of musicians and fans injecting some levity into the ongoing situation. The outbreak has, overall, had a drastic impact on the music industry. After guitar industry members first expressed mild concern about the effect on musical instrument production, the outbreak has led to a significant number of major music and industry events being cancelled or delayed, with more and more events reported to be affected each day.
Music festivals SXSW and Coachella are among the major events impacted.
Last year, Rage Against the Machine announced a reunion, and are among the artists affected by the Coachella delay.
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