Tom Morello Rob DeMartin
Tom Morello will rage against the machine later this year with a special, all-star festival.
The Rock Hall-inducted guitarist and activist today (May 28) unveils Power to the People Festival, a one-day event featuring Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters and many others. Set for Saturday, Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion In Columbia, MD, Power to the People is conceived as “a non-partisan celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action.”
Expect intimate, collaborative and special performances from a lineup including Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black (featuring Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma and Hugo Weiss), Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, grandson, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, The Linda Lindas, and a DJ set by artist Shepard Fairey. Additional participating organizations, activations, and special guests will be announced in the weeks ahead.
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Morello, who is currently on tour with Springsteen, announced the festival on-stage at Nationals Park on Wednesday night, May 27.
“The Power To The People festival is about freedom, justice, equality and rock and roll,” says Morello, who is curating the event and will perform on the day. “It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community, and action. We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.”
At the show, attendees will be treated to performances on two stages, and will have the opportunity to engage with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, artists, and community partners in the festival’s Freedom Village, an immersive space highlighting opportunities for civic engagement, grassroots organizing, education, mutual aid, and social impact initiatives.
A portion of proceeds from all ticket sales plus 100% of the net proceeds from VIP tickets will be donated to VoteRiders, the pro-democracy, pro-voter organization, and HeadCount, reps for which will be on site to help concert goers register to vote and learn more about how to participate in upcoming elections.
As lead guitarist with Rage Against the Machine, Morello was a force in the furious melting pot that was ’90s grunge-era rock. Morello also wielded the axe with Audioslave and “supergroup” Prophets of Rage, accumulating more than 30 million album sales worldwide, and awakening many more. Morello was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 as a member of RATM.
The timing of Power to the People festival is critical. Exactly one month later, on Nov. 3, Americans will cast their votes in midterm elections that many are predicting could sweep Democrats back into power in the Congress as a bulwark against President Trump’s agenda.
Pre-sales begin this Friday, May 29 at 10am ET. The general on-sale kicks off this Saturday, May 30 at 10am ET. For more information visit powertothepeoplefest.com.
Check out the show poster below.
