Tom Morello, the guitar virtuoso best known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, ignited Mumbai on December 19, 2025, with a powerful performance that spanned his illustrious career. The concert, part of his maiden three-city India tour, was held at the Fairmont Hotel and produced by BookMyShow Live. Morello's performance was a vibrant mix of rock anthems, instrumental showcases, and heartfelt tributes, leaving the Mumbai crowd in awe.
Morello, who has waited over 30 years to perform in India, expressed his excitement to be playing for the Indian audience. He opened his set with classics such as "Soldier In The Army of Love," "One Last Dance," "Let's Get The Party Started," and "Hold The Line," immediately captivating the audience with his energy. The setlist was a comprehensive journey through his musical history, featuring iconic Rage Against the Machine tracks like "Killing in the Name," "Bulls on Parade," and "Know Your Enemy". He also included songs from his solo project, The Nightwatchman.
A particularly poignant segment of the night was Morello's tribute to his former Audioslave bandmate, the late Chris Cornell. He honored Cornell by performing instrumental versions of "Cochise" and "Like a Stone," leaving the microphone stand empty with spotlights on it to symbolize Cornell's presence. Morello shared that he wanted Cornell's spirit to be felt in the room, creating an emotional atmosphere as the crowd sang along to "Like a Stone".
Adding a personal touch to the concert, Morello was joined on stage by his 14-year-old son, Roman Morello. Roman showcased his impressive guitar skills with a five-minute solo piece, leaving the audience astounded. The proud father beamed with joy, cheering on his son and reminding the crowd of Roman's young age. Together, they performed "Mr. Crowley," also paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
Throughout the night, Morello's performance was more than just a display of technical brilliance; it was a reminder of rock music's power to unite and inspire. The concert served as a powerful statement, described as loud, political, deeply personal, and unapologetically human. Morello's Mumbai debut resonated deeply with the audience, creating an unforgettable experience. Following the Mumbai show, Morello was scheduled to perform in Bengaluru on December 21.
