Tom Morello has often used his art to advance political causes — as with his alter ego The Nightwatchman, his album “The Atlas Underground” and his involvement in the musical groups Rage Against the Machine and Prophets of Rage.
Music, of course, has played this vital role for as long as people have raised their voices in protest.
“We Shall Overcome” defined the civil rights era. Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” redefined patriotism during the Vietnam War. And Tom Morello’s acoustic guitar rang out as he performed at Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011.
If you’ve read Morello’s recent essays in his subscriber-only newsletter, you’ve heard the opening notes of his thoughts on music and the clashing of ideas that shapes the world today.
Join us for a virtual event, for only Times subscribers, as Morello dives deeper into these themes. He’ll revisit the protest songs that defined moments of change — and explore the music that subscribers say defines this uncertain moment. He’ll also welcome musicians from across three different generations for a gathering filled with music, conversation and ideas.
Take a virtual front-row seat as Morello welcomes Jackson Browne, the voice of change for legions of baby boomers; Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot, a band known for its potent mix of punk art and activism (which eventually led to its imprisonment by the Russian government); and the 11-year-old drumming prodigy, Nandi Bushell, who is already making waves on stages with the Foo Fighters and in songs that call for urgent action on climate change.
R.S.V.P. above for “The Sound of Activism with Tom Morello” on Dec. 15. This event will be moderated by Anna Sale, the host of the podcast “Death, Sex & Money,” and is free for Times subscribers.
What song do you think best defines our times? Become part of the event by nominating a song and telling us why you think it matters.
