News Summary
Tom Morello delivered a powerful and politically charged performance at the Boston Calling Festival, captivating audiences with messages against the Trump administration. The set featured classic Rage Against the Machine songs and an atmosphere filled with anti-fascist sentiments. Morello’s nostalgic moments and collaborations emphasized the intersection of music and activism, making a lasting impact despite the inclement weather that challenged the festival.
Boston – Tom Morello delivered a politically charged performance at the Boston Calling Festival on May 28, 2025, captivating audiences with messages of defiance and calls to action against the Trump administration. Opening his set with a rallying cry, Morello welcomed fans to what he deemed “the last big event before they throw us all in jail,” setting the tone for an empowering afternoon. His performance, reflective of his history with Rage Against the Machine, combined music with urgent political themes.
The atmosphere during Morello’s set was described as one of “cathartic defiance,” sharply contrasting with the more conservative demographic present for other acts at the festival. Fans showcased their anti-fascist sentiments through merchandise, wearing T-shirts that boldly stated “Nazi Lives Don’t Matter.” Morello’s performance featured a powerful medley, including iconic Rage Against the Machine songs such as “Bombtrack,” “Bulls on Parade,” “Guerilla Radio,” and “Sleep Now in the Fire.”
In a nostalgic moment, Morello shared memories of practicing guitar in a Harvard dorm stairwell, acknowledging the university’s initiative to offer a free online course about the U.S. government and recognizing dictatorial takeovers. The crowd cheered as he continued the performance with “Let’s Get the Party Started,” which played against a backdrop of “F* Trump” paraphernalia. His dedication of the song “Hold the Line” resonated deeply with union members in the audience, emphasizing solidarity among workers.
Morello reflected on the significance of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” by performing the “censored” verses, drawing attention to how critical parts of the song have been overlooked. He described it as “a revolutionary anthem,” reinforcing the belief that music can serve as a catalyst for change and unity. During an electrifying guitar solo, Morello flipped his guitar to reveal a message reading “F* I.C.E.” taped to its back, further underlining the socio-political commentary woven throughout his performance.
The concert gained momentum when Morello invited Chuck D, the legendary rapper from Public Enemy, to join him on stage. Together, they performed their collaborative track “Prophets of Rage,” with Chuck D’s lyrics emphasizing the need to confront societal issues. In another powerful moment, Morello covered Bruce Springsteen’s “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” honoring Springsteen’s dedication to truth and democracy.
The festival concluded with an acoustic rendition of Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing In The Name Of,” where the audience passionately sang along, embodying a shared defiance against authority. This powerful ending solidified the impact of Morello’s politically infused set, leaving an indelible mark on the festival.
The Boston Calling Festival, held at the Harvard Athletic Complex, faced challenges due to inclement weather, including rain and cold temperatures throughout the weekend. Despite the weather, the event saw improvements in crowd flow compared to previous years, and attendees enjoyed diverse food offerings and performances across multiple genres.
This year’s festival lineup and changes were implemented to enhance the concert experience based on feedback from earlier events. In contrast to Morello’s politically motivated performance, the festival’s closing act, the Dave Matthews Band, offered music that focused on more personal themes, showcasing the diversity in musical expression featured at Boston Calling.
Overall, Tom Morello’s set highlighted the intersection of music and activism, proving that festivals can be a platform for significant socio-political discourse while also entertaining a diverse audience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Calling Music Festival Thrives Despite Rain
Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Tom Morello Boston Calling Review
- Boston Globe: Boston Calling – Dave Matthews Band
- Boston.com: Boston Calling 2025 Review
- Wikipedia: Boston Calling Music Festival
- Vanyaland: Tom Morello Live at Boston Calling
