Audioslave Havana Helluva Time

05/05/2005 8:06 PM, E! Online
Charlie Amter

Audioslave is going where no American rock band has gone before.

Cuba.

The metal band will become the first U.S. rock export to play Fidel Castro country with a free Friday night performance at La Tribune in Havana.

The gig has been cleared by both the U.S. Treasury Department and Instituto Cubano de la Musica as part of an cultural exchange. At least 50,000 Cubans are expected to hear the band play.

"Kids are the same all over the world, and we are extremely proud and excited to bring rock 'n' roll to the youth of Cuba," Audioslave said in a statement. "It's all about the music, and free expression of music crosses all barriers. This is a rare opportunity, and we are grateful and honored to have the support of both countries."

The group, comprised of former Rage Against the Machine members fronted by onetime Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, is touring in support of its latest release, Out of Exile. The band's debut record, Audioslave, sold more than 4 million copies worldwide.

"Music can transcend politics and this trip is proof of that," Cornell said at a press conference Thursday in Havana.

"It's very important to us that this could be a free concert so that everyone in Cuba who wants to come can come and hear the music," added band ringleader Tom Morello.

When Audioslave returns from Havana, the band will play a different sort of outdoor concert.

On May 18, Audioslave may face the ire of Los Angeles commuters when the band shuts down part of Hollywood Boulevard for a free set that will air on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

A portion of the gig will air simultaneously in New York City's Times Square on ABC's SuperSign.

Morello said he was exited about the upcoming L.A. gig--commuters be dammed.

"We are very excited to rattle the windows of the whole damn city," he said.

"When I first moved to L.A. I walked the length of Hollywood Boulevard trying to get a retail job there and nobody would hire me. Now they are shutting down the entire street so that Audioslave can rock a free show for our fans."

Perhaps Castro will even make the trip.