Geezer Butler, Scott Ian, and Mike McCready join Morello’s line-up


Finding the Power: Tom Morello Leads ‘Power To The People‘ Festival for Justice and Music

In a celebration of music as a catalyst for change, Tom Morello is curating the upcoming ‘Power To The People’ festival, a vibrant gathering dedicated to peace, love, justice, and rock and roll. Scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, the event promises to be more than just a concert; it aims to bring together artists, activists, community leaders, and fans to celebrate the power of collective action.

The festival’s mission is deeply rooted in social responsibility. Attendees are invited to engage directly with nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups in the Freedom Village, where they can connect with organizations like VoteRiders, which works to strengthen democracy by removing restrictive ID barriers, and HeadCount, which helps fans register to vote.

The event is designed to ensure that the celebration of music is intertwined with meaningful action. A portion of all ticket sales, plus 100 percent of the net proceeds from VIP tickets, will be donated to these crucial causes, amplifying the festival’s commitment to good works.

The lineup is already boasting a powerhouse mix of legendary and contemporary acts. The initial wave of performers includes established names such as Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Joan Baez, and System Of A Down featuring Serj Tankian. Adding depth to the bill are essential figures like Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, Scott Ian of Anthrax, and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam. The festival will also feature acts like Nathaniel Rateliff, Stephen Stills, State Radio, and The Last Internationale.

Morello himself will be taking the stage, embodying the spirit of the event. He views the festival as a platform for music to inspire change, stating that the goal is to bring together artists, fans, and community leaders for an unforgettable day celebrating creativity and hope.

This focus on activism is central to Morello’s career. Throughout his work, he has used his voice and music as a battering ram for social justice, sharing powerful messages through his art. His work often reflects a deep commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for a more equitable world.

Beyond the music, Morello’s commitment to action is evident in his broader endeavors. He has participated in protests, shared powerful playlists addressing issues like the “Fuck ICE” movement, and has collaborated with artists like Serj Tankian on powerful new music, demonstrating that the act of creation can be a profound act of resistance.

As the festival approaches, Morello continues to share his vision, emphasizing that a great protest song requires not just a beat, but artistry, authenticity, and undeniable power. The ‘Power To The People’ festival is set to be a landmark event, proving that music can indeed harness the collective energy of humanity to inspire positive, lasting change.

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