Morello Unites Music and Activism with New Album and Pre-Midterm Festival
Tom Morello has released his heaviest solo album in years, 'Everyone Gets Everything They Want,' and is launching the 'Power to the People' festival ahead of the US midterms. The 62-year-old guitarist, known for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, is using his platform to address anti-fascism and political engagement. He recently toured with Bruce Springsteen, whose new song 'Streets of Minneapolis' became a viral hit after a benefit concert for victims of government violence. Morello also collaborated with his 15-year-old son, Roman, on several tracks, marking a new chapter in his career that blends heavy rock with folk influences.
Key points
- Tom Morello released 'Everyone Gets Everything They Want,' his first solo rock album, featuring collaborations with Serj Tankian, Kneecap, and his son Roman.
- The 'Power to the People' festival is scheduled for three weeks before the US midterms, with proceeds supporting voting rights organizations.
- Morello toured with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, where Springsteen's song 'Streets of Minneapolis' reached number one on YouTube.
- Morello's 15-year-old son, Roman, contributed to five songs on the new album, including 'Soldier in the Army of Love.'
- Morello expressed strong anti-fascist views, criticizing the Ed Sheeran/Macklemore controversy as a distraction from war crimes and authoritarianism.
Background
Morello's recent activities follow a period of heightened political engagement in the music industry. In September 2026, Bruce Springsteen unveiled a segmented concert film and teased two new albums, emphasizing politically charged performances. Morello's collaboration with Springsteen on the 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour reflects a broader trend of musicians using their platforms to address social and political issues. The 'Power to the People' festival aligns with a growing movement in the music industry to mobilize voters and support democratic values ahead of the midterms.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone emphasizes Morello's personal journey and his mother's influence on his activism, highlighting his emotional connection to the cause. Vulture focuses on the father-son dynamic, detailing how Roman's early exposure to music and his father's career shaped his musical style. Billboard and Consequence of Sound highlight the public performance aspect, noting Morello's appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and the festival's timing relative to the midterms. All sources agree on the political nature of Morello's work but differ in their emphasis on personal versus public impact.
Why it matters
Morello's actions demonstrate the intersection of music and political activism in the US. By combining a new album, a festival, and high-profile performances, he is leveraging his platform to influence public discourse and voter engagement. This approach reflects a broader trend in the music industry where artists are using their influence to address social and political issues, particularly in the context of the US midterms.
What to watch
The 'Power to the People' festival is expected to draw significant attention, with proceeds supporting voting rights organizations. Morello's album is likely to gain traction in the rock and alternative music scenes, with potential chart success. The collaboration with his son Roman may lead to further joint projects, and Morello's political activism is expected to continue influencing the music industry's engagement with social issues.
- Tom Morello: ‘If It Kills Like Fascism, Brothers and Sisters, It’s Fascism’ Rolling Stone
- What Tom and Roman Morello Watch (and Listen to) Together Vulture
- Tom Morello Rocks Out For Politically-Charged ‘Kimmel’ Performance: Watch Billboard
- Tom Morello and Son Roman Rock “Soldier in the Army of Love” on Jimmy Kimmel Live: Watch Consequence of Sound
- Tom Morello Is Still Raging The Contrarian
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