Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello was in Seattle this weekend for a benefit concert for 15 Now, an organization that “[fights] for a $15 minimum wage in Seattle.” After the gig, he and his entourage, none of whom are named after a reptile (probably), attempted to score a special room at the 5 Point Cafe, even though, as Blabbermouth notes, “the place was already ‘at capacity’ and there was ‘a line’ of people waiting to get in.” When Morello’s request was denied, he took to Twitter:
“Five Point restaurant in Seattle is the WORST. Super rude & anti-worker. Sh*ttiest doorman in the Northwest. Prick. Spread the word.”
The word was spread to the restaurant’s owner, David Meinert, who replied on Facebook:
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 sh*t. 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.” (Via)
Morello is willing to forgive and forget the “the Seattle Evil (Egg) Empire 5 Points Cafe doorman powertrip,” if “good guy owner D Meinert fully embraces #15Now min wage.” He’d also like a Cedar Street Omelet, but he’s not gonna push his luck.