Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tom Morello

Discover the career path of Tom Morello, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tom Morello is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, and political activist, most famously known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. He was also a member of the supergroup Prophets of Rage and toured with Bruce Springsteen. As the Nightwatchman, he released solo work, and he formed Street Sweeper Social Club with Boots Riley. Beyond his musical endeavors, Morello co-founded Axis of Justice, a radio program addressing social and political issues.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1982: Morello Studies Guitar Seriously and Forms Electric Sheep

Around 1982, Tom Morello started studying the guitar seriously and formed the band Electric Sheep, featuring future Tool guitarist Adam Jones on bass.

1986: Morello Graduates from Harvard and Bored of Education wins Ivy League Battle of the Bands

In 1986, Tom Morello graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies. Also in 1986, Morello's band Bored of Education won the Ivy League Battle of the Bands.

1987: Morello Works for Senator Alan Cranston

From 1987, Tom Morello worked in the office of U.S. Senator Alan Cranston.

1988: Morello Leaves Senator Cranston's Office

Until 1988, Tom Morello worked in the office of U.S. Senator Alan Cranston; he decided to not pursue a career in politics after this negative experience.

1989: Lock Up Releases Debut Album

In 1989, the band Lock Up, featuring Tom Morello on guitar, released their debut album, Something Bitchin' This Way Comes, on Geffen Records.

1991: Morello Looks to Form New Band

In 1991, Tom Morello was looking to form a new band after Lock Up disbanded, eventually leading to the formation of Rage Against the Machine.

1992: Rage Against the Machine Signs with Epic Records and Releases Debut Album

In 1992, Rage Against the Machine signed a record deal with Epic Records and released their self-titled debut album.

1993: Rage Against the Machine protests "Parental Advisory" sticker at Lollapalooza

In 1993, Rage Against the Machine protested the "Parental Advisory" sticker on explicit albums and singles by refusing to perform at Lollapalooza. Instead, the band took the stage naked with duct tape over their mouths and bodies painted with "PMRC", allowing their instruments to feedback for 14 minutes.

1996: Rage Against the Machine Releases 'Evil Empire'

In 1996, Rage Against the Machine released their album 'Evil Empire'.

1999: Rage Against the Machine Releases 'The Battle of Los Angeles'

In 1999, Rage Against the Machine released their album 'The Battle of Los Angeles'.

August 2000: Rage Against the Machine Performs at Democratic National Convention

In August 2000, Rage Against the Machine performed outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles during the Democratic National Convention, which resulted in clashes with the police.

September 13, 2000: Rage Against the Machine's Last Concert

On September 13, 2000, Rage Against the Machine performed what would be their last concert before their initial breakup, at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles.

October 2000: Rage Against the Machine Disbands

In October 2000, Rage Against the Machine officially disbanded after Zack de la Rocha quit the band.

2000: Rage Against the Machine Releases 'Renegades'

In 2000, Rage Against the Machine released their album 'Renegades'.

September 11, 2001: "No One Left" Inspired by 9/11

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Nightwatchman wrote "No One Left", which compares the aftermath of the attacks to that of a U.S. attack on Iraq, and which appears on the album Songs and Artists that Inspired Fahrenheit 9/11.

November 19, 2002: Audioslave Releases Debut Album

On November 19, 2002, Audioslave released their eponymous debut album, which achieved triple-platinum status.

November 2003: The Nightwatchman Joins Tell Us the Truth Tour

In November 2003, The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello) joined artists on the Tell Us the Truth Tour, supported by unions and media reform groups.

2003: Rage Against the Machine Releases 'Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium'

In 2003, Rage Against the Machine released 'Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium', an album and DVD of their final concerts.

May 24, 2005: Audioslave Releases 'Out of Exile'

On May 24, 2005, Audioslave released their second album, Out of Exile, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts.

April 6, 2006: Morello Honored with Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award

On April 6, 2006, Tom Morello was honored with the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award for his advocacy for worker's rights and his AOJ work.

September 28, 2006: Morello Arrested at Immigration Reform Protest

On September 28, 2006, Tom Morello was among 400 protesters arrested while supporting immigrant hotel workers' rights in Los Angeles.

2006: Audioslave Releases 'Revelations'

In the fall of 2006, Audioslave released their third album, Revelations.

February 15, 2007: Audioslave Breaks Up

On February 15, 2007, Audioslave broke up due to "irresolvable personality conflicts" leading to Chris Cornell's departure. The band reunited with Zack de la Rocha and resumed Rage Against the Machine.

April 24, 2007: The Nightwatchman Releases Debut Solo Album

On April 24, 2007, Morello, as the Nightwatchman, released his debut solo album, One Man Revolution.

April 29, 2007: Rage Against the Machine Reunites at Coachella

On April 29, 2007, Rage Against the Machine reunited for a performance at the Coachella Music Festival.

May 2007: The Nightwatchman Joins Dave Matthews Band European Tour

In May 2007, The Nightwatchman joined the Dave Matthews Band for its European tour.

May 30, 2007: The Nightwatchman Performs with Dave Matthews Band on Morello's Birthday

On May 30, 2007, which was also Tom Morello's birthday, The Nightwatchman performed the last night of a series of shows with the Dave Matthews Band at Wembley Arena in London.

November 2007: Morello Begins Hotel Café Residency

Since November 2007, Tom Morello has presided over a Hotel Café residency in L.A., featuring various musical collaborators.

January 2008: Rage Against the Machine Plays Shows in Australia and New Zealand

In January 2008, Rage Against the Machine played their first shows outside the US since reuniting, performing at the Big Day Out Festival in Australia and New Zealand.

August 2008: Rage Against the Machine Headlines Reading and Leeds Festivals

In August 2008, Rage Against the Machine headlined nights at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

August 27, 2008: Morello Performs at Open the Debates Rally

On August 27, 2008, Tom Morello, performing as The Nightwatchman, played "This Land is Your Land" at the Open the Debates rally in Denver, Colorado, protesting the exclusion of third-party candidates from nationally televised presidential debates. He also endorsed Ralph Nader.

October 10, 2008: The Nightwatchman on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

On October 10, 2008, The Nightwatchman appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson as a musical guest, promoting his new album The Fabled City.

2008: Rage Against the Machine Plays at Democratic and Republican National Conventions

In 2008, Rage Against the Machine played shows in Denver, Colorado, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, to coincide with the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, respectively.

February 21, 2011: Morello Organizes Concert in Support of Wisconsin Protests

On February 21, 2011, Tom Morello organized and performed an acoustic concert in Madison, Wisconsin, to support protests over collective bargaining rights. The concert included Wayne Kramer of the MC5 and Boston punk band Street Dogs.

July 2011: Rage Against the Machine Plays at L.A. Rising

In July 2011, Rage Against the Machine played at L.A. Rising, a concert they formed in Los Angeles, headlining and playing with other artists.

December 17, 2011: Morello Performs Live Set for Guitar Center Sessions

On December 17, 2011, Tom Morello performed a live set for "Guitar Center Sessions" on DirecTV, including an interview with Nic Harcourt.

2012: The Nightwatchman Contributes to Bob Dylan Tribute Album

In 2012, Morello, as the Nightwatchman, contributed a version of "Blind Willie McTell" to the Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International tribute album.

2012: Morello Responds to Paul Ryan's Appreciation of Rage Against the Machine

In 2012, after Republican vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan expressed his liking for Rage Against the Machine, Tom Morello wrote an op-ed in Rolling Stone, stating that Ryan is "the embodiment of the machine that our music has been raging against for two decades."

June 2013: Morello Supports Chelsea Manning in Video

In June 2013, Tom Morello and other celebrities appeared in a video showing support for Chelsea Manning.

September 26, 2014: Morello Plays Benefit Concert and Encourages Boycott of The 5 Point Cafe

On September 26, 2014, Tom Morello played a benefit concert in Seattle for 15 Now, aiming to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour and expand the organization nationally. Following the concert, Morello encouraged a boycott of The 5 Point Cafe, alleging the diner was "anti-Kenyan" and "anti-worker," which led to a public disagreement with the restaurant's owner.

2016: Morello Joins Prophets of Rage

In 2016, Tom Morello became a member of the supergroup Prophets of Rage.

January 2017: Audioslave Reunites for One Show

In January 2017, Audioslave reunited for one show, sparking talks about a potential reunion tour.

February 2, 2019: Morello Guest Appears at Foo Fighters Pre-Super Bowl Concert

On February 2, 2019, Tom Morello made a guest appearance at the Foo Fighters pre-Super Bowl 53 concert in Atlanta.

November 1, 2019: Rage Against the Machine Reunion Announced

On November 1, 2019, it was reported that Rage Against the Machine were reuniting for their first shows in nine years in spring 2020, including Coachella.