Throughout his career, Rage Against the Machine/Nightwatchman guitar hero Tom Morello has established himself as an ally of the working man. He didn't make any friends when visiting the 5 Point Cafe in Seattle this weekend, however, since he has got into an online flame war with the establishment's owner.
As Blabbermouth points out, Morello was in town for a benefit concert to support 15 Now, a local organization that aims to establish a minimum wage of $15 in Seattle. When he and his buddies turned up at the 5 Point, they were apparently turned away due to capacity issues, and Morello posted an angry tweet in the early of hours of Saturday morning (September 27):
He also offered this explanation from the doorman: "Turns out he and his crew didn't get let in as the place was at capacity and there was a line. No one was being let in. According to our doorman who I totally trust, Tom and his crew were all totally rude."
In the wake of the war of words, you can see a photo of the restaurant's newly reconfigured marquee above.
Was Tom or the doorman guilty of prickery? We may never know, but you can read Meinert's full letter below for more.
For the record Tom Morello — The 5 Point is totally pro-worker. We try to pay more than any other small restaurant, and on top of the higher pay, we offer health insurance, paid sick days, paid time off, retirement and profit share. Sorry if you had an issue with our staff, but typically our staff is awesome, and when they are not, it's usually a reflection of the customer. Act like a prick = get treated like a prick.
I have to say, your attacking a small business without knowing anything about it, or addressing your problem with them directly before you go on a public rant, pretty much sucks. Just lost a ton of respect for you, and I've been a fan for years, both of your work in Rage and your work for workers rights since.
PS - rock stars don't get special treatment at The 5 Point. We couldn't give less of a shit. Sorry.
And PSS - I'm the owner of the 5 Point and have worked to raise the minimum wage in Seattle and support the same nationally, worked to get paid sick days law in Seattle, and am supporting a City sponsored retirement plan for employees of small businesses. I hope you do the same for your employees on the road...
PSSS - turns out he and his crew didn't get let in as the place was at capacity and there was a line. No one was being let in. According to our doorman who I totally trust, Tom and his crew were all totally rude. Quote from the door guys "I knew who he was, we had no room, his whole party was being rude. He wanted a special room in the back. Clearly had no ideas what it is like inside. I've told bigger rock stars than him no."
As Blabbermouth points out, Morello was in town for a benefit concert to support 15 Now, a local organization that aims to establish a minimum wage of $15 in Seattle. When he and his buddies turned up at the 5 Point, they were apparently turned away due to capacity issues, and Morello posted an angry tweet in the early of hours of Saturday morning (September 27):
Five Point restaurant in Seattle is the WORST. Super rude & anti-worker. Shittiest doorman in the Northwest. Prick. Spread the word.
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) September 27, 2014Willing to forgive the Seattle Evil (Egg) Empire 5 Points Cafe doorman powertrip if good guy owner D Meinert fully embraces #15Now min wage
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) September 29, 2014"@jdanielross: @tmorello Forgiveness with conditions isn't forgiveness. :)" call it leniency then
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) September 29, 2014He also offered this explanation from the doorman: "Turns out he and his crew didn't get let in as the place was at capacity and there was a line. No one was being let in. According to our doorman who I totally trust, Tom and his crew were all totally rude."
In the wake of the war of words, you can see a photo of the restaurant's newly reconfigured marquee above.
Was Tom or the doorman guilty of prickery? We may never know, but you can read Meinert's full letter below for more.
For the record Tom Morello — The 5 Point is totally pro-worker. We try to pay more than any other small restaurant, and on top of the higher pay, we offer health insurance, paid sick days, paid time off, retirement and profit share. Sorry if you had an issue with our staff, but typically our staff is awesome, and when they are not, it's usually a reflection of the customer. Act like a prick = get treated like a prick.
I have to say, your attacking a small business without knowing anything about it, or addressing your problem with them directly before you go on a public rant, pretty much sucks. Just lost a ton of respect for you, and I've been a fan for years, both of your work in Rage and your work for workers rights since.
PS - rock stars don't get special treatment at The 5 Point. We couldn't give less of a shit. Sorry.
And PSS - I'm the owner of the 5 Point and have worked to raise the minimum wage in Seattle and support the same nationally, worked to get paid sick days law in Seattle, and am supporting a City sponsored retirement plan for employees of small businesses. I hope you do the same for your employees on the road...
PSSS - turns out he and his crew didn't get let in as the place was at capacity and there was a line. No one was being let in. According to our doorman who I totally trust, Tom and his crew were all totally rude. Quote from the door guys "I knew who he was, we had no room, his whole party was being rude. He wanted a special room in the back. Clearly had no ideas what it is like inside. I've told bigger rock stars than him no."
