What Tom and Roman Morello Watch (and Listen to) Together

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Tom Morello, renowned guitarist of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, embarked on an unexpected journey of musical mentorship with his son Roman. Prior to this period, Morello maintained a clear boundary between his life as a rock icon and his role as a father, deliberately shielding his children from the intense spotlight of his career. However, the global pause offered an opportunity for father and son to begin working through classic guitar pieces, such as segments of “Stairway to Heaven,” marking the start of Roman’s deeper engagement with music.

Roman, who initially had limited awareness of his father’s influential status in rock music, started to appreciate and absorb Tom’s artistry more fully in 2022. This shift coincided with the Morello family joining Tom on the road during Rage Against the Machine’s reunion tour. Exposure to the live concert environment and backstage dynamics helped Roman and his younger brother Rhoads see their father’s creative world firsthand, transforming their understanding and relationship.

The experience on tour catalyzed Roman’s commitment to the guitar, as he increasingly devoted time to crafting riffs and compositions alongside his father. Tom Morello recognizes this period as a milestone not only in their personal bond but also in his musical output. His latest album, Everyone Gets Everything They Want, is particularly notable for featuring Roman’s contributions on multiple tracks, including the lead single “Soldier in the Army of Love.” This collaboration marks a departure for Tom, as it represents his first solo rock album with substantial involvement from his son, adding a fresh generational layer to his storied discography.

Beyond their work on guitar and recording, Tom and Roman share a broad and eclectic taste in music that transcends their rock roots. The duo recently immersed themselves in the catalog of Rush, attending a high-profile concert at Madison Square Garden. This exploration highlighted their appreciation for musicianship that spans decades, with Tom noting how Rush maintains artistic energy well into their seventies. This annual tradition of deep-diving into a band’s work—previously including the Eagles, U2, and Led Zeppelin—reflects the Morellos’ commitment to continuously expanding their musical horizons together.

Their shared listening habits also align with seasonal rhythms. Tom curates playlists tied to holidays and special times of year, from Easter’s "Jesus Christ Superstar" soundtrack to Irish rock anthems around St. Patrick’s Day, and a Halloween-themed list for the colder months. These moments of shared musical enjoyment offer a counterbalance to their rigorous touring schedules and studio sessions.

Performing live has been a transformative experience for Roman, who initially approached the stage with hesitation. Early gigs with Rage in smaller venues, including an Italian castle near the family’s hometown, offered a gradual introduction to live performance. However, stepping onto a 60,000-person festival stage in Madrid was a defining moment. Tom’s supportive advice helped Roman overcome nerves, emphasizing mastery of the music and trust in the band’s collective readiness. Today, Roman embraces the stage with confidence and even performs with a spirited physicality that surprises his father.

Outside of their rock collaboration, the Morello household nurtures a rich cultural and entertainment life. The family enjoys classic films such as the 1968 original Planet of the Apes and engages in literary traditions like revisiting the novel Watership Down. Annual rituals include watching the extended editions of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies, alongside avid consumption of Star Wars content, exemplified by their recent viewing of The Mandalorian.

Sports also play a central role in their family dynamic. Both Tom and Roman are passionate fans of the Los Angeles Rams in football and the Chicago Cubs in baseball, the latter reflecting Tom’s personal fandom passed down to his children. They regularly watch NFL Network’s Good Morning Football together during the season and participate actively in local sports, with Tom attending his sons’ volleyball, flag football, and baseball games. Roman complements his athletic interests with video games focused on sports, introducing his father to titles like FIFA, albeit with Tom humorously acknowledging his beginner-level skills.

A notable facet of Tom’s personal life is his long-standing involvement with Dungeons & Dragons, which he treats as a creative outlet similar to poker nights. He currently manages several campaigns featuring imaginative characters, ranging from a dwarf riding a polar bear to a giant armored hippopotamus. While Roman has stepped back from the role-playing game, his brother remains involved, keeping this fantasy world a part of their family conversation.

Ultimately, the evolving relationship between Tom and Roman Morello represents a compelling narrative of artistic inheritance, mutual growth, and shared passion. Their journey from isolated guitar lessons during a pandemic to collaborative albums and international tours underscores the transformative power of music and family connection as reported by vulture.com.