Tom Morello: “When People Say Musicians Should Not Be Involved In Politics, They Disagree With Your Politics”

Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello has once again defended the role of politics in music, arguing that criticism directed at politically outspoken artists often has less to do with music and more to do with disagreements over ideology.

Speaking with Metal Hammer Germany, Morello discussed why he continues to use his platform to speak out on political and social issues, particularly during what he described as a turbulent period in the United States.

“In my country in these dangerous times, where there’s so much suppression of ideas and censorship of books and of artists being canceled for their political opinions, that merely by speaking up… Courage is contagious, and by artists standing up for their beliefs…”

“But the second that you’re silent is the second that authoritarianism wins, is the second that fascism rises a few more clicks. And so every act of art is an act of resistance. Every song sung is a beacon of light in the gathering darkness, and every truth spoken is hopefully like a bell that’s rung for the people who are the ones who are gonna undo this madness.”

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Morello was also asked about criticism from those who believe politics should be kept out of music. The guitarist rejected that notion, suggesting that many objections stem from disagreements with the message rather than opposition to political expression itself.

“Well, when people say that musicians should not be involved in politics, it means they are people that disagree with your politics. 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? I think the converse is what is actually true.”

“I think that you do yourself and your times a disservice by censoring who you are in your work. Not just musicians. I think, one, it’s sort of weirdly sort of selfish to kind of ghettoize musicians as, like, ‘Oh, they shouldn’t say anything.’”

The conversation also touched on whether politically charged music can still influence people and create meaningful change.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Morello pointed to artists such as Public Enemy and The Clash as formative influences that helped shape his worldview and activism.

“Music changed me. Music helped form the person I was, and every time I’m in a picket line or doing activist work, it’s in part because of Public Enemy and The Clash.”

“When I heard musicians like Chuck D and like Joe Strummer expressing opinions, they were from Staten Island and London — very, very different backgrounds than myself — but they saw that oppression was bad, standing up to oppression is good, and they did it with guitars and with turntables.”

“I think it’s important to just, one, not leave behind who you are in what you do, and two, know that every song is like a beacon of hope for somebody.”

Morello has remained active in political and social causes in recent years, including participating in anti-ICE demonstrations, organizing benefit concerts for communities affected by immigration raids, and collaborating with Serj Tankian and his son Roman Morello on music addressing those issues.

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[Via Blabbermouth]