Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has been a vocal advocate for some of the most iconic rock and metal bands to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, he believes that people often misunderstand the true purpose of the institution.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Morello revealed that the biggest misconception about the Rock Hall is that it should only be for rock ‘n’ roll bands. “That’s not what it’s for,” he explained. “Public Enemy is more rock ‘n’ roll than 95 percent of all the hair metal bands that ever picked up an instrument. It’s music that has spirit to it, like a youth spirit… I think rock ‘n’ roll should have a very, very broad sense. I think there’s room for a lot of different genres.”
Morello’s comments align with the Rock Hall’s revised mission statement, which was issued in early 2023. The statement reads: “Born from the collision of rhythm and blues, country and gospel, rock ‘n’ roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing.” The Rock Hall also notes that it “celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all.”
As a strong advocate for metal and hard rock bands, Morello has been instrumental in getting artists like KISS, Rush, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Judas Priest inducted into the Rock Hall. His current mission is to get metal icons Iron Maiden inducted. “I have a hit list,” he confesses. “The last one on my extended Mount Rushmore hit list is Iron Maiden. It’s strategic. This year I’m all in on Maiden. I know they don’t care – I don’t care that they don’t care because I think it’s the place where they belong.”
Morello’s passion for the Rock Hall is driven by his desire to see his favorite bands recognized for their contributions to rock music. “If you’re a kid playing little league baseball, your dream is that you might one day end up in Cooperstown, in the Baseball Hall of Fame,” he explained. “But if you’re a hard rock guitar player, you don’t care about the Hall of Fame because none of your favorite bands are in there.”
With his tireless advocacy, Morello is helping to shape the future of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and ensuring that it remains a celebration of all genres of rock music.
