Renowned Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello is channeling his activism toward the Midwest, organizing a high-profile musical event to stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota.
On Wednesday (Jan. 28), the legendary musician announced the “Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota.” The benefit is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, at the historic First Avenue venue in Minneapolis. Doors are slated to open at 10:30 a.m. CT, and fans can secure their attendance through AXS.
In a compelling and urgent message shared on Instagram, Morello characterized the current political climate in stark terms. “If it looks like fascism, sounds like fascism, acts like fascism… it’s f—king fascism,” he wrote. He emphasized that the struggle for civil liberties is a local imperative, asserting that such forces “must be resisted, protested, defended against, stood up to, exposed, ousted, overthrown and driven out.”
Morello praised the spirit of Minneapolis, noting that the city has a storied history of confronting state-sponsored intimidation and standing up for democratic values. “Ain’t nobody coming to save us except us, and it’s now or never,” he added, framing the concert as a necessary act of community defense.
The event serves a humanitarian purpose, with all proceeds being donated to the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed during an ICE operation in Minneapolis earlier this month. The all-ages show features an eclectic and powerful lineup, including Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly, alongside several unannounced special guests from the worlds of music and community organizing.
This initiative is the latest chapter in Morello’s lifelong commitment to social justice. A frequent critic of government overreach, he recently condemned the use of rhetoric associated with historical atrocities by high-ranking officials. Last summer, he underscored his opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement with the release of his protest track, “Pretend You Remember Me.”
Beyond his activism, Morello’s musical legacy is firmly established. As a cornerstone of Rage Against the Machine, he has earned two Grammy Awards, topped the Billboard 200 multiple times, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. His influence continues to resonate, as evidenced by the band’s recent recognition as one of the greatest rock acts of all time.
View this post on Instagram
