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Liberal Rocker Says Politically Silent Stars Deserve ‘Extra Hot’ Hell 

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Tom Morello

Tom Morello has no patience for artists who keep politics off the stage. The Rage Against the Machine guitarist and frontman unloaded on musicians who avoid political fights during a new interview with Germany’s Metal Hammer, arguing that silence during a volatile era is not neutrality but a kind of surrender.

“When people say that musicians should not be involved in politics, it means they are people that disagree with your politics,” Morello told Katrin Riedl.

He said the complaint tends to vanish the moment an artist echoes the listener’s own worldview.

“The second that you write a song that agrees with their politics, all of a sudden they’re all for it. So one, it’s very hypocritical, but two, I also think that, why should you give away your free speech rights in the job that you do? Because it offends someone?” he questioned.

The 62-year-old musician argued that artists, writers and even road crews should not have to shed their beliefs once they clock in.

“I think that the converse is what is actually true, I think you do yourself and your times a disservice by censoring who you are in your world, not just musicians but in your work as a music journalist or in your work as a tour manager or a bus driver, you should not leave behind who you are and what you believe,” he added.

Then he aimed his harshest line at performers who keep quiet when the stakes are high.

“There’s an extra hot layer of hell for people in times of great injustice who censor themselves and remain quiet when they should have spoken out because they’re afraid of some internet troll,” Morello said.

Morello is turning that philosophy into a live event this fall.

He recently announced a protest festival set for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, bringing together a lineup of politically outspoken performers ahead of the midterm elections.

“The mantra of the show is a very clear one,” Morello told the Washington Post. “It is a show about peace, love, justice and music.”

Bruce Springsteen is among the biggest names expected to appear, joining Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Jack Black and others.

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Morello has framed the festival as a response to what he sees as a dangerous political moment.

“There is a palpable feeling that it is not just our country that is at stake, not just democracy that is at stake, but that people’s families, friends and neighbors are in real danger from the rising tide of fascism,” Morello said.

In a separate statement reported by the Associated Press, he described the festival as a show of cultural force rather than just a concert.

“It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community and action,” Morello said. “We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.”

The lineup is also slated to include Dropkick Murphys, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen and the Linda Lindas.

A portion of the proceeds will go to VoteRiders, which works to “eliminate ID barriers to the ballot box,” and HeadCount, which registers voters.

Springsteen’s place on the bill comes after months of turning his own tour into a running political broadside.

During a May concert at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., the 76-year-old rocker again used the stage to go after President Donald Trump and rally fans who felt angry or discouraged.

“If you’re feeling helpless, if you’re feeling hopeless, if you’re feeling betrayed, if you’re feeling frustrated, if you’re feeling angry, I understand. That’s why we’re here tonight,” Springsteen said.

“We needed to come to Washington and feel your strength and your hope and your faith … We needed to bring to your city some strength and some hope and some faith.”

The Washington show had been planned as the final stop on his politically charged Land of Hope and Dreams tour before another Philadelphia date was added after a cancellation.

At the D.C. concert, Springsteen also led an “ICE OUT!” chant and shouted, “Let ’em hear you at the fucking White House.” He promised to bring more political noise to Morello’s October event.

Springsteen has drawn backlash for his onstage activism, including mockery over his wealth after presenting himself as a voice for working people.

Critics have called him a “billionaire hypocrite,” pointing to his reported $1.2 billion net worth and multiple homes.

A New Jersey newspaper also took aim at his political commentary, accusing him of “all hypocritical crap” and “profiteering over legitimate protest.”

Springsteen is not the only rocker facing blowback for bringing politics into a concert setting.

Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson recently tried to tamp down anger after a Tampa show where his comments about the United States drew boos and walkouts.

The moment reportedly began when a screen showed the band’s mascot dressed as Uncle Sam, prompting members of the crowd to chant “U.S.A.”

Robinson allegedly responded, “Thanks for the geography lesson,” before adding, “I don’t know what you have to be so proud of right now.”

Afterward, Robinson told Ultimate Classic Rock that the backlash had been exaggerated.

“I think the whole thing was, of course, blown out of context so people can get clicks and people can stir up the animosity and philosophies or how you feel about life,” the Black Crowes frontman said.

He suggested the outrage would not last long. “But be most assured, you know, whatever. It doesn’t matter. In a week, something else will come up that [will stir up] the hornets’ nest,” Robinson remarked.

In clips from the show that circulated online, Robinson also addressed fans who booed the band.

“Some of us have real faith. For those of you f—ing booing us, some of us are not afraid. And we most assuredly are not f—ing ignorant.”

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