Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello to Play on Bruce Springsteen LP

Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello to Play on Bruce Springsteen LP

2012-01-19

Story by Anne Erickson

Rage and Nightwatchman performer will lend his talents to Springsteen’s latest release

Bruce Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau has revealed that Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello will appear on Springsteen’s upcoming full-length. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Landau divulged that Springsteen’s forthcoming, 17th studio album will feature appearances by a long list of outside musicians, including members of the E Street Band, Morello and possibly even former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Chamberlain! The record, titled “Wrecking Ball,” will reach stores and online outlets March 6.

Ron Aniello — who has recorded with ‘90s alternative band Candlebox, Christian rockers Jars of Clay and the last LP by Springsteen’s wife, Patti Scialfa — is producing the album. This marks the first time Springsteen has worked with Aniello, making this album, “an experimental effort with a new producer,” Landau said. “Bruce and Ron used a wide variety of players to create something that both rocks and is very fresh.” He says to expect a “big-picture piece of work. It’s a rock record that combines elements of both Bruce’s classic sound and his Seeger Sessions experience, with new textures and styles.”

Landau added that the upcoming album has “social undertones,” although it was taped before the Occupy protests began. Knowing that, it makes sense that Morello would play on the set, since the Rage and Nightwatchman performer has long used his talents to draw attention to social causes. Add to that the fact Morello and Springsteen have been friends for nearly a decade.

While Rage is on hiatus, Morello is keeping busy with his solo moniker, the Nightwatchman. Speaking with Audio Ink Radio, Morello explained how the project is a way to give back to the community: “I always approach this Nightwatchman thing as a missionary deal. When I do this, it’s not, ‘Hey, I’m coming in to win American Idol.’ I’m out there, fighting the good fight and telling the truth as I see it, with three chords. So, since those early days at the coffee shops, I’ve played hundreds and hundreds of shows for various charities and benefit causes, and it really feels like it’s a good day’s work when I do a Nightwatchman show.” (Courtesy photo: Sean Ricigliano.)

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.