Legendary guitarist and activist Tom Morello is once again using music as a weapon for social change. The Rage Against the Machine co-founder has released a powerful new protest song set to appear on his forthcoming untitled solo album, due out via independent label Mom + Pop.
The track wastes no time delivering its message. Opening with the rallying cry, “Make them pay for their crimes, adjourn it, never buy their racist lies, unearth it, help our brother sisters stay, they’ve earned it,” the song serves as a fierce condemnation of injustice, discrimination, and anti-immigrant sentiment.
To help bring the project to life, Morello teamed up with acclaimed producer Zakk Cervini, whose impressive résumé includes work with Bring Me The Horizon and Yungblud. The collaboration results in a hard-hitting anthem that combines raw energy with an urgent political message.
Discussing the inspiration behind the song, Morello emphasized the importance of artistic expression during turbulent times.
“At this historical juncture every act of art is an act of resistance,” Morello said.
He continued:
“A clarion call for justice in unjust times. Inspired by the persecution of immigrants across the land and the heroic resistance to the rising tide of fascism, it’s just about damn time to rock for freedom, justice and equality.”
Morello’s commitment to these ideals extends beyond his lyrics. The song’s accompanying music video features footage from Salt of the Earth, the controversial 1954 labor rights film that was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. According to the video’s YouTube description, the footage was chosen to reinforce the song’s themes of resistance against prejudice and injustice, proving that the film’s message remains strikingly relevant in today’s political climate.
The guitarist has also been actively involved in political demonstrations throughout the year. Earlier this year, he joined Bruce Springsteen in protesting ICE raids in Minneapolis. More recently, Morello appeared at a Hands Off New York demonstration outside an ICE field office and immigration court, where he led attendees in a rendition of Woody Guthrie’s classic “This Land Is Your Land.”
Looking ahead, Morello will continue blending music and activism at his upcoming event, Power To The People, scheduled for October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. The event will feature an impressive lineup of supporters, including Foo Fighters, Joan Baez, Jack Black, Bruce Springsteen, and many more, all united in promoting social justice and civic engagement.
As he prepares to release his new solo album, Morello remains as outspoken and uncompromising as ever. Whether through his music, public appearances, or activism, he continues to champion freedom, equality, and resistance against injustice—proving that rock music can still be a powerful force for change.