Tom Morello

Tom Morello turns the guitar into a political instrument. Born in Harlem in 1964 and raised in Libertyville, Illinois, the American guitarist and songwriter builds his sound from feedback noise, unconventional picking and tapping, and heavy use of effects. His socialist views feed both the Nightwatchman, his solo outlet for political songs, and his work in Audioslave, which is apolitical. Axis of Justice, which he co-founded, airs a monthly programme on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles. Rolling Stone ranked him 18th among the greatest guitarists of all time.

He studied social studies at Harvard, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1986. After Lock Up broke up he met Zack de la Rocha, and together they founded Rage Against the Machine, which became one of the most popular and influential metal acts of the 1990s. Later came Audioslave, Street Sweeper Social Club, formed with Boots Riley in 2006, and Prophets of Rage, which he was part of from 2016 to 2019. He also tours occasionally with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 as a member of Rage Against the Machine.