Tom Morello says metalheads can and should change the world by becoming “agents of history”
Speaking at a press conference in France amid Hellfest 2024, musician and political activist Tom Morello discussed the current state of the world, claiming that metalheads can incite change and become “agents of history.”
Morello, known for his work in groups like Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, explained that fans of his music have a responsibility to positively impact the world, but they have to want to do it.
He said: “There’s really one message that is a thread through all of my music, and that is: the world is not going to change itself. That is up to you. And by ‘you,’ I literally mean you.”
Continuing, the musician urged metalheads to “get their shit together” and choose to get involved in societal change and not admit defeat when the issue seems like “this sort of monolithic problem that we’ll never be able to get past.”
He explained: “History is not something that happened; it’s something you make… Once you have that realisation that you do have your hands on the wheel of history and of this planet, and if you wanna make it a more peaceful, a more just, a more equitable, a more anti-racist, a more environmentally sound place, there’s no one to blame if it doesn’t happen but you for not standing up.”
Addressing the perceived inability to contribute to real progressiveness in society due to ethnicity, class, sexuality, and other characteristics, the musician expressed understanding that “it’s not easy”, but stressed the importance of “standing up to illegitimate authority in your home, your place of work, your school, your country, or whatever.”
Concluding: “History is not something that happens. It’s something that we make. So I would encourage you to not despair, to act.”
His words come amid a surge of societal unrest worldwide, including the war on Palestine, ongoing racial injustice, the fight for trans rights, inflation rates, housing crises, and more. Morello recently released ‘Soldier in the Army of Love,’ which is set to appear on his “first ever full-length solo rock album.”
Featuring his 13-year-old son Roman, ‘Soldier in the Army of Love’ is a rallying cry for change. The lyrics directly address various world crises, including immigration and the prejudiced police force. “It’s a salute to the transformative power of music as both a balm to heal the soul and a battering ram to fight for justice,” the musician explained in a statement.
“The song also has a generational rock n roll bloodline,” he continued. “The heaviest riffs were written by my 13-year-old guitar wizard son Roman, who also plays the shredding solo, giving me hope that’s there’s a new generation of soldiers in the army of love coming to the rescue.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.