Tom Morello ignites Mumbai with Rage Against the Machine anthems, honours Chris Cornell

Legendary guitarist Tom Morello brought his long-awaited India tour to Mumbai on the night of December 19, delivering a high-energy performance that blended his signature protest-rock with heartfelt tributes and unforgettable guitar work. The show was part of Morello’s maiden three-city Indian tour, which kicked off earlier in Delhi and will wrap up in Bengaluru later this week.

Before Morello took the stage, Indian rock band Swadesi, known for its genre-bending sound and socially conscious lyrics, opened the concert, energising the crowd with a mix of originals that set the tone for the night’s rock-charged atmosphere. Their performance drew enthusiastic applause from early-arriving fans and helped crank up anticipation for Morello’s headlining set.

Love for India

Morello shared that he has been wanting to perform in India for a very long time and had to wait 30 years to perform here. He expressed his excitement and shared his love for the Indian fans and the audience. He also added that he would love to return to India and hoped that he would not have to wait another 30 years for that.

A setlist spanning eras and emotions

Once Morello stepped on stage, the audience, a sea of black T-shirts and guitar fans, erupted in cheers. The 61-year-old guitarist delivered a career-spanning setlist that included iconic Rage Against the Machine anthems like “Killing in the Name,” “Bulls on Parade,” and “Know Your Enemy,” alongside selections from his solo work and his alter ego project The Nightwatchman. With the Rage Against the Machine setlist, Morello sent the crowd into a frenzy, and he also explained the origin story of Rage Against the Machine, drawing loud cheers and applause from the audience.

Morello also delivered rock classics from Bruce Springsteen (“The Ghost of Tom Joad”) and Ozzy Osbourne (“Mr. Crowley”), showcasing his deep appreciation for the broader lineage of electric guitar music.

Tribute to Chris Cornell

One of the most moving portions of the night came during Morello’s tribute to Audioslave, the band he formed with the late singer Chris Cornell. Opting to leave the microphone stand empty, Morello played “Cochise” and “Like a Stone” as instrumentals, explaining his desire to create space for Cornell’s presence in the room.

“His music is forever with us and will never be outshined,” Morello told the crowd, drawing an emotional response from many in attendance.

Adding to the night’s personal resonance, Morello’s son, Roman Morello, joined him on stage for a performance of “Soldier in the Army of Love,” delivering a standout moment that bridged generations of rock expression. The 14-year-old even played the guitar, holding it on the back of his head, drawing admiration from the audience.

Mumbai responds with enthusiasm

The Mumbai show drew fans from across the city and beyond, many clad in vintage Rage and Audioslave gear, eager to witness a historic first performance on Indian soil. The palpable excitement extended beyond Morello’s set, as the crowd cheered loudly for every riff and sing-along.

Morello’s India tour, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, reflects the growing appetite for international rock acts in the country, offering a rare chance for fans to experience a guitar legend live without travelling abroad.

What’s next on the tour

Following Mumbai, Morello will take his tour to Bengaluru on December 21, bringing his blend of classic rock, political edge, and personal storytelling to another packed venue. Fans in the region are expected to turn out in similar numbers as the guitar god closes another chapter in a career that has spanned decades and influenced generations of musicians.