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Rage Against The Machine have promised to play a “free UK victory gig” if ‘Killing In The Name’ becomes Christmas number one.

The song is currently neck-and-neck with X Factor winner Joe McElderry’s single ‘The Climb’ to take the top spot on Sunday.

It has emerged as an unlikely contender for the festive crown thanks to a Facebook campaign.

Guitarist Tom Morello wrote on Twitter: “NEWS FLASH: RAGE ANNOUNCE THEY WILL PLAY MASSIVE FREE VICTORY GIG IN UK IF ‘KILLING IN THE NAME’ IS NUMBER ONE XMAS SINGLE!!! Let's go!!!!”

Promoter Live Nation has since confirmed the band's plans and revealed X factor judge Simon Cowell has been asked to MC.

The campaign to make the US band number one has already attracted the support of musicians including Sir Paul McCartney and The Prodigy.

But stars of the X Factor have criticised the online movement, with Cheryl Cole calling it "mean".

On Thursday, Rage Against The Machine publicly endorsed the bid during a live performance on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Morrello said he hoped the campaign would inspire “a new generation of rockers who will take on the establishment with the music they write”.

If successful, Rage Against The Machine would be the first non-X Factor act to take the festive crown in five years.

UPDATE: Rage Against The Machine are number one!

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More about: RATM4XMAS