Tom Morello shares message for Tommy Robinson at Download 2026

Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, used his June 14, 2026, set at the Download Festival to target British activist Tommy Robinson. Morello displayed the message “FUCK TOMMY ROBINSON” on the back of his guitar, which appeared on the Opus Stage big screens at Donington Park.

Why did Tom Morello target Tommy Robinson at Download Festival?

Morello’s action follows a pattern of targeting right-wing British figures during his performances. He later shared a photo of the guitar message on his X account.

The guitarist played a set of politically charged songs, including “Killing In The Name” and “Soldier In The Army Of Love.” He also performed Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mr. Crowley” and John Lennon’s “Power To The People.”

Did You Know? In 2018, Rage Against The Machine branded Nigel Farage a “pissweasel” after he named his podcast “Farage Against The Machine.”

What is Morello’s history with British political figures?

Morello has previously targeted Nigel Farage. In 2019, while supporting Muse, Morello taped a sign to his guitar that read “FUCK FARAGE.”

Regarding Farage, Morello stated in 2018 that he was “open to accidentally giving Nigel a dry slap” if they met on the tube. Rage Against The Machine previously described Farage as “the machine” for peddling “inane, blame-heavy bullshit.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Morello’s transition from targeting political figures like Farage to activists like Robinson demonstrates a consistent use of the guitar as a visual protest tool to engage large UK crowds.

What happens next for Tom Morello?

Morello is curating the Power To The People festival in Maryland this October. The event is described as a “non-partisan celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music and community action.”

The festival lineup includes Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Joan Baez, and System of a Down’s Serj Tankian. Morello may continue to use his platform for political commentary, as he did during his recent US tour with Springsteen, where they performed “Purple Rain” and “Chimes Of Freedom.”

In a 2024 interview with NME, Morello highlighted the power of music to spark political change. He cited “Imagine” by John Lennon, “Biko” by Peter Gabriel, and “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy as favorite protest songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Tom Morello’s performance take place?
He played on the Opus Stage at the Donington Park festival during the Download Festival on June 14, 2026.

Who is scheduled to perform at the Power To The People festival?
The lineup includes Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Joan Baez, and Serj Tankian.

What did Morello write on his guitar for the Download Festival?
He wrote “FUCK TOMMY ROBINSON” in large letters on the back of the guitar body.

How do you view the use of musical instruments to deliver political messages during live performances?