Rolling Stone All Access Tom Morello on His New Album, Playing with Springsteen & Fighting Fascism | The Rolling Stone Studio
Oct 9, 2026
Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine co-founder, guitarist, songwriter, and activist, discusses his new solo album and the Power to the People Festival. He reflects on his mother’s radical legacy, his son Roman’s riff-writing, touring with Bruce Springsteen, and music as a force for unity and resistance. He also addresses voting, authoritarianism, Audioslave’s name, and honoring Chris Cornell.
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Why The Ed Sheeran Debate Distracts
- Morello says outrage over Ed Sheeran distracts from alleged war crimes and the power structures controlling public speech.
- He separates deserved shame from misplaced attention, warning against a clickbait-driven frenzy.
Vote Then Keep Organizing
- Treat voting as one tool, then keep organizing between elections for a more just and peaceful society.
- Morello directs festival proceeds toward voting-rights groups while pursuing broader democratic change.
The Activist Legacy Of Mary Morello
- Mary Morello fed homeless people, marched against wars, and joined striking hotel workers despite being 100 years old.
- Her unrecognized activism shaped Tom Morello's lifelong commitment to justice.