Tom Morello

Tom Morello

Tom Morello is an American musician, singer, songwriter, actor and political activist from Manhattan, United States. Born in 1964, he grows up in Harlem, New York and is raised in Libertyville, Illinois. He attends Harvard University and earns a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies.

Rage Against the Machine and later work

Morello is best known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, which he co-founds with Zack de la Rocha after his previous band, Lock Up, ends. The group becomes one of the most influential rock acts of the 1990s. He later plays with Audioslave and also appears as a touring musician with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

He is also associated with Prophets of Rage, Street Sweeper Social Club and his acoustic solo project The Nightwatchman. His work extends to other projects including Class of ’99, Axis of Justice, Electric Sheep, Shandi’s Addiction, Beninya House, Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes, Supergroup B and Bored of Education. He is a member of Axis of Justice, which he co-founds and which broadcasts a monthly programme on Pacifica Radio station KPFK in Los Angeles.

Style and activism

Morello is known for a distinctive guitar style that uses feedback noise, unconventional picking and tapping, along with extensive use of effects. His music and public profile are strongly shaped by his leftist political views and activism. The Nightwatchman gives him a separate outlet for those views while he performs more apolitical material with Audioslave.

Recordings and recognition

He is linked with Firebrand Records and SSSC, and his work is generally placed in alternative metal and rock. He is ranked number 40 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.