Tom Morello slams ‘hypocritical’ fans over political disagreement

Tom Morello says fans only object when they disagree with politics

Tom Morello insists artists should speak freely on political issues

Guitarist Tom Morello has criticised fans who say musicians should stay out of politics, calling the argument “hypocritical”.

Morello, best known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, made the comments after his set at Download Festival earlier this year, where he drew attention for writing a political message on his guitar.

During the performance, he wrote “F*** TOMMY ROBINSON” on his instrument, referring to the far-right activist.

He later posted an image of the guitar online and later doubled down on his stance that musicians should not be silenced on political views. 

“When people say that musicians should not be involved in politics, it means they are people that disagree with your politics," Morello told Metal Hammer in an interview. 

“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?"

He argued that artists should not have to hide their views while working, be it musicians, journalists, or others.

“I think that the converse is what is actually true, I think you do yourself and your times a disservice by censoring who you are in your world, not just musicians but in your work as a music journalist or in your work as a tour manager or a bus driver, you should not leave behind who you are and what you believe.”

Morello also said there is pressure from online criticism, but he believes people should still speak out rather than stay quiet.

He added that influential bands like Public Enemy and The Clash shaped his views because their music openly addressed political and social issues.

In response to online criticism calling him a “political expert”, Morello also defended his right to speak on political issues, saying people do not need formal qualifications to recognise injustice.

 “One does not have to be an honours grad in political science from Harvard University to recognise the unethical and inhumane nature of this administration," he said.

“But well, I happen to be an honours grad in political science from Harvard University, so I can confirm that for you.”