Tom Morello : “D’abord, faire de la musique. Et ensuite, faire chier les fascistes”

In the lead-up to the pivotal 2026 United States midterm elections, Tom Morello, renowned guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, has amplified his longstanding commitment to intertwining music with activism. Recently in Washington, Morello spearheaded the Power To The People festival, an expansive gathering that blended performances from influential artists across generations with impassioned political discourse.

The festival, staged just a month before the November 3 elections, offered a platform for over twenty thousand attendees to engage with a diverse lineup. Veteran musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Public Enemy shared the stage with contemporary voices including The Linda Lindas and The Neighborhood Kids, symbolizing a continuum of musical protest and social engagement. Morello’s role went beyond performance; as the event's organizer, he curated a space dedicated to resistance against authoritarian tendencies perceived to be rising within the country.

Morello’s perspective, as reported by lesinrocks.com, underscores a critical juncture in American democracy. He framed the moment as a crossroads, emphasizing the necessity for artists to lend their collective voice against fascism through varied musical genres—from rock to hip-hop and folk. The call to action extended beyond voting, urging active involvement in communities, workplaces, and educational institutions to counteract what he views as an authoritarian surge.

Addressing the political landscape, Morello expressed skepticism toward established political parties, particularly the Democrats. He suggested that their efforts have largely favored wealthy interests rather than grassroots movements. His vision centers on empowering ordinary citizens rather than reinstating power to traditional political figures or financial elites. This philosophy reflects a broader historical pattern where meaningful social change originates from grassroots activism rather than top-down mandates.

The guitarist also acknowledged the hesitancy some artists face in taking a public political stance, noting a shift in recent years. He highlighted a turning point following tragic incidents involving federal immigration enforcement in early 2026, which galvanized many artists and citizens alike to move from uncertainty to active engagement. These events, involving the deaths of two Americans during immigration raids, intensified public awareness of systemic violence and the stakes involved in political participation.

Morello drew parallels with his earlier activism, referencing a 2016 event in Cleveland organized alongside Prophets of Rage during the Republican National Convention that nominated Donald Trump. While the issues persist, Morello indicated the current climate is more dire, particularly concerning democratic erosion and environmental challenges. Yet, he maintained an optimistic resolve, emphasizing that history is shaped by those who act rather than those who passively endure circumstances.

He underscored that transformative change does not require exceptional attributes such as wealth, status, or specialized skills. Instead, collective action by everyday individuals has historically driven progress. His message remains one of empowerment and responsibility, encouraging people of all backgrounds to engage in the political process to forge the future they desire.

Rejecting any sense of despair, Morello framed the ongoing struggle against injustice as an active battle requiring perseverance and hope. For him, music and resistance are inseparable parts of his identity; his dedication to guitar playing is matched by his determination to oppose fascist ideologies. The Power To The People festival exemplifies this fusion of art and advocacy, signaling Morello’s unwavering commitment to mobilizing both musicians and audiences in defense of democratic values.

While details about specific future projects or additional initiatives remain limited, Morello’s recent activities reaffirm his role as a prominent voice in contemporary political activism within the music community. His efforts illustrate how cultural platforms continue to serve as vital arenas for challenging societal inequities and inspiring civic engagement ahead of consequential elections in the United States.