Tom Morello facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Tom Morello
Morello in 2024
Background information
Birth name	Thomas Baptist Morello
Also known as	The Nightwatchman
Born	(1964-05-30) May 30, 1964 (age 61) New York City, U.S.
Origin	Libertyville, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Alternative metal funk metal rap metal nu metal hardcore punk crossover folk EDM
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter political activist
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1979–present
Labels	Sony BMG Epic Interscope

Thomas Baptist Morello (born May 30, 1964) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is also known as a political activist. He became famous for playing guitar in the rock bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.

From 2016 to 2019, Morello was part of the supergroup Prophets of Rage. He also toured with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Tom Morello has a solo project called The Nightwatchman, where he performs folk music. He also formed Street Sweeper Social Club with Boots Riley. Morello helped start Axis of Justice, a group that uses music to promote social fairness.

Tom Morello was born in Harlem, New York, and grew up in Libertyville, Illinois. He became interested in music and politics during high school. He later studied at Harvard University. After his band Lock Up broke up, Morello met Zack de la Rocha. They formed Rage Against the Machine, which became a very popular and important metal band in the 1990s.

He is famous for his unique guitar style. He uses sounds like feedback, special picking, and guitar effects. Morello is known for his socialist political views and his activism. His Nightwatchman project allowed him to share his views. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him among the greatest guitarists ever. In 2023, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Rage Against the Machine.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Baptist Morello was born on May 30, 1964, in Harlem, New York. His mother, Mary Morello, was a schoolteacher. His father, Ngethe Njoroge, was Kenya's first ambassador to the United Nations. Morello's great-uncle, Jomo Kenyatta, was the first president of Kenya.

When Tom was a baby, his father returned to Kenya. His mother raised him in Libertyville, Illinois. He went to Libertyville High School, where his mother taught history. He sang in the school choir and joined drama clubs.

Morello developed strong political ideas early on. He described himself as "the only anarchist" in his conservative high school. He later identified as a socialist, meaning he believes in a society where resources are shared fairly.

After graduating with honors in 1982, he went to Harvard University. He studied political science and graduated in 1986. After college, he moved to Los Angeles. For a short time, he worked for a U.S. Senator. However, this experience made him decide not to pursue a career in politics.

Musical Inspirations

Tom Morello started playing guitar at age 13. His first band, Nebula, played songs by groups like Led Zeppelin. Around 1982, he began to seriously study guitar. He formed a band called Electric Sheep, which included Tool guitarist Adam Jones on bass.

Morello was greatly influenced by hip-hop groups like Run-DMC and Public Enemy. You can hear this in his guitar solos, which sometimes sound like a DJ scratching records. He also loved hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Kiss and Iron Maiden. He said Black Sabbath "set the standard for all heavy bands."

Later, punk rock bands like the Clash and artists like Bruce Springsteen also shaped his music and political views. He admired Queen and missed their singer, Freddie Mercury.

Music Career Highlights

Lock Up (1987–1990)

In the mid-1980s, Morello joined the band Lock Up. They released their first album, Something Bitchin' This Way Comes, in 1989. The band broke up before Morello started Rage Against the Machine.

Rage Against the Machine (1991–2000; 2007–2011, 2019–2024)

Morello playing in Bristol in 2019

In 1991, Morello wanted to form a new band. He was impressed by Zack de la Rocha's rapping and asked him to join. They brought in drummer Brad Wilk and bassist Tim Commerford. The band became Rage Against the Machine.

They signed with Epic Records in 1992 and released their first album that same year. They became very successful, releasing three more studio albums: Evil Empire (1996), The Battle of Los Angeles (1999), and Renegades (2000).

In 2000, the band performed outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles during the Democratic National Convention. There were some disagreements within the band, and Zack de la Rocha left later that year. Rage Against the Machine played their last concert in October 2000.

After the band split, Morello, Wilk, and Commerford formed Audioslave with singer Chris Cornell.

Band Reunions

Rage Against the Machine reunited on April 29, 2007, at the Coachella Music Festival. They played to huge crowds. The band continued to tour around the world, headlining major festivals.

In 2008, they played shows during the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. In 2011, they headlined L.A. Rising, a concert they organized. In 2019, it was announced that Rage Against the Machine would reunite for shows in 2020. However, these were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rescheduled tour began in 2022. In 2024, the band announced they would no longer be touring or performing live.

Audioslave (2001–2007, 2017)

Morello with Audioslave at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2005.

After Rage Against the Machine broke up, Morello, Wilk, and Commerford started working with former Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell. Their new group was named Audioslave.

Their first album, Audioslave, came out in 2002. It was very successful. They released their second album, Out of Exile, in 2005. That same year, they became the first American rock band to play a free show in Cuba. Their third album, Revelations, was released in 2006.

Audioslave broke up in 2007 when Chris Cornell left. The band reunited for one show in January 2017. However, Chris Cornell's death in May 2017 ended any plans for more reunions.

The Nightwatchman (2003–present)

Morello performing as The Nightwatchman in May 2006

Tom Morello also performs folk music under the name The Nightwatchman. He describes it as his "political folk alter ego." He plays these songs at open mic nights.

He explained that this project helps him express his political views. Some songs are not political, but it helps him grow as an artist. In 2003, The Nightwatchman joined the "Tell Us the Truth Tour." This tour aimed to inform people about media issues and promote activism.

His song "No One Left" appeared on an album inspired by the film Fahrenheit 9/11. The Nightwatchman released his first solo album, One Man Revolution, in 2007. He has toured with artists like the Dave Matthews Band and Ben Harper.

Street Sweeper Social Club (2006–present)

After Audioslave broke up, Morello teamed up with Boots Riley from the band the Coup. They formed a duo called Street Sweeper Social Club.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (2008–2015)

In 2008, Morello made guest appearances with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. He played an extended version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad" with them. He also performed with Springsteen at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert in 2009.

Morello appeared on two songs on Springsteen's 2012 album, Wrecking Ball. In 2013, he temporarily joined Springsteen and the E Street Band on their Wrecking Ball Tour in Australia. During this tour, he recorded new music with the band.

This new music appeared on Springsteen's 2014 album, High Hopes. Morello is featured on eight songs and shares lead vocals on "The Ghost of Tom Joad." Springsteen said Morello was a major inspiration for the album.

Prophets of Rage (2016–2019)

Prophets of Rage formed in 2016. This supergroup included Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk from Rage Against the Machine. They were joined by Chuck D and DJ Lord from Public Enemy and B-Real from Cypress Hill.

The band's name came from a Public Enemy song. They released their first single, "Prophets of Rage," to coincide with a protest performance. They released an EP in 2016 and an album in 2017. The band toured North America. When Rage Against the Machine announced their reunion, Prophets of Rage disbanded.

Solo Albums: The Atlas Underground (2018) and The Atlas Underground Fire (2021)

Morello performing in 2019

In 2018, Morello announced a new solo album called The Atlas Underground. It featured collaborations with many artists like Marcus Mumford, Portugal. The Man, and members of Wu-Tang Clan. The album was released on October 12, 2018.

On October 15, 2021, he released his second solo album, The Atlas Underground Fire. This album also featured many collaborations, including with Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, and Bring Me The Horizon.

Other Music Projects

Tom Morello has worked with many other artists and groups. In 1992, he collaborated with hip-hop group Run-DMC. He also played guitar and produced tracks for Primus and Anti-Flag.

Morello appeared as a "guitar boss" in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. If you beat him in the game, you could play as his character. He recorded an original song for the game.

He has also worked with Cypress Hill, Travis Barker, Linkin Park, and Knife Party. In 2021, he released a song and music video with Pussy Riot. In 2023, he was featured on songs by Måneskin and Babymetal.

Guitar Playing Style

Morello is famous for his unique guitar style. It mixes heavy metal and punk riffs with hip-hop sounds. He can make his guitar sound like falling bombs, police sirens, or a DJ scratching.

He uses special techniques like feedback noise, unusual picking, and tapping. He also uses many guitar effects. Morello was voted the fifth greatest guitarist of the past 30 years in a 2010 BBC poll.

Equipment

Guitars

Morello uses guitars that he has changed a lot.

Mongrel Custom "Arm The Homeless" - This is his most famous guitar. It's light blue with "Arm The Homeless" written on it. It has a special switch that creates unique sounds.
Fender Stratocaster "Soul Power" - A black Fender Stratocaster with "Soul Power" written on it. He used this a lot with Audioslave. Fender even released replicas of this guitar.
Fender Telecaster, "Sendero Luminoso" - A black Telecaster he uses for songs in a special tuning called drop-D. It has "Sendero Luminoso" carved into it.
St. George MP-3 "Creamy" - He bought this guitar for only $40. It has a special switch that makes a "hummingbird chirp" sound. He used it for Rage Against the Machine songs like "Tire Me."
Ibanez Talman (Custom) - This guitar has a Kenyan flag design. It has a faulty internal pickup that makes interesting feedback noises.
Gibson EDS-1275 (Double Neck SG) - A guitar with two necks, used for songs like "The Ghost of Tom Joad."

Effects and Amplifiers

Morello's setup for his guitar sounds has stayed mostly the same throughout his career.

Current Pedalboard: He uses pedals like the DigiTech Whammy (which changes the pitch of his guitar), a Dunlop Cry Baby (a wah pedal), and Boss Digital Delay pedals. He also uses an DOD Equalizer for boosting solos and an MXR Phase 90.
Amplification: He uses a Marshall JCM800 amplifier head and a Peavey VTM 4x12 speaker cabinet. He even covered the logos on his equipment to avoid endorsements.

Political Activism

Political Beliefs

Tom Morello and his bandmates in Rage Against the Machine have left-wing political views. Morello identifies as a socialist. He believes socialism is needed to solve global problems like pandemics, environmental issues, and racism.

He often uses symbols like the hammer and sickle and Red star on his guitars and hats. He has supported Fidel Castro and praised Cuba's healthcare and education systems. Morello also mentioned that groups like the Black Panther party and revolutionary Che Guevara were important to him.

Rage Against the Machine has supported guerrilla movements and social justice groups. In 2021, Morello joined over 600 musicians in calling for a boycott of performances in Israel. He also called for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.

Activism Efforts

Morello is a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, a labor union. In 2008, he performed at a rally against excluding third-party candidates from debates. He played "This Land is Your Land" as The Nightwatchman.

In 2009, Morello and other musicians sued the U.S. government. They wanted documents about using music in interrogations at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp to be made public.

In 2011, Morello organized a concert to support protests in Madison, Wisconsin. These protests were about workers' rights. He also wrote an article about his experience.

Morello played at many Occupy Wall Street protests and other Occupy movements across the U.S. and in England. When politician Paul Ryan said he liked Rage Against the Machine, Morello wrote that Ryan was "the embodiment of the machine that our music has been raging against."

In 2013, Morello appeared in a video supporting Chelsea Manning. In 2014, he played a benefit concert in Seattle for a group called 15 Now, which aimed to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour.

Axis of Justice

Morello and Serj Tankian from System of a Down started Axis of Justice. This group brings together musicians and fans to fight for social justice. They work on issues like immigrant rights and ending the death penalty.

Axis of Justice has a recommended reading list that includes authors like Karl Marx and George Orwell. Morello and Tankian also released a live album with other artists.

In 2006, Morello received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award for his work supporting workers' rights. He has been involved in many labor campaigns, including boycotts and strikes. He also supported the 2006 United States immigration reform protests. In 2006, he was arrested during a protest supporting immigrant hotel workers' rights in Los Angeles.

Personal Life

Tom Morello is married to Denise and they have two sons. He was raised Catholic and is a vegetarian. He lives in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. Morello is a fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team and the Los Angeles Rams football team. He named his second son Roman after a former Rams quarterback.

Selected Music Albums

Lock Up

Something Bitchin' This Way Comes (1989)

Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine (1992)
Evil Empire (1996)
The Battle of Los Angeles (1999)
Renegades (2000)

Audioslave

Audioslave (2002)
Out of Exile (2005)
Revelations (2006)

The Nightwatchman

One Man Revolution (2007)
The Fabled City (2008)
Union Town (2011)
World Wide Rebel Songs (2011)

Street Sweeper Social Club

Street Sweeper Social Club (2009)

Bruce Springsteen

Wrecking Ball (2012)
High Hopes (2014)

Prophets of Rage

The Party's Over EP (2016)
Prophets of Rage (2017)

Solo

The Atlas Underground (2018)
The Atlas Underground Fire (2021)
The Atlas Underground Flood (2021)

Film and TV Appearances

Morello has appeared in several documentary films as himself. These include Sounds Like a Revolution and Iron Maiden: Flight 666. He also had small roles in movies like Iron Man and Made. He even appeared in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager.

Writing and Comics

In 2011, Tom Morello, who is a big comic book fan, announced he would write a 12-issue comic book series called Orchid. It's a story set after a major disaster. The first issue came out in October 2011. Morello released a new song with each issue.

He also wrote an introduction for The Big Red Songbook, a collection of protest songs. In 2021, Morello started writing a regular newsletter for The New York Times.

Images for kids

A photo of Morello's Audioslave era pedal board; on the far left is a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
Tom Morello in 2007.
Morello playing Occupy Wall Street in New York, October 2011