Tom Morello Announces Power to the People Festival With Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Joan Baez and More

Tom Morello picked his moment. On the closing night of Bruce Springsteen’s “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour at Washington, D.C.’s Nationals Park on May 27, Morello stepped up to the microphone and announced Power to the People Festival — a one-day all-star event near the nation’s capital, timed to arrive exactly one month before the midterm elections.

The festival takes place Saturday, October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Per Stereogum, the lineup is headlined by Bruce Springsteen (in a “special guest” billing), Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes. Rounding out the bill: Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black (performing alongside Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma, and Hugo Weiss), Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless, The Linda Lindas, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, grandson, and The Neighborhood Kids. Shepard Fairey, the artist behind the iconic Obama “Hope” poster, will contribute artwork and perform a DJ set.

Morello, who co-founded Rage Against the Machine and has spent decades as one of rock’s most outspoken activists, told The Washington Post the vision is straightforward. “The mantra of the show is a very clear one,” he said. “It is a show about peace, love, justice and music.” In a press statement, he put it more succinctly: “The Power to the People festival is about freedom, justice, equality and rock and roll.”

The Context Around the Show

The announcement lands at a charged moment. Morello has been visibly active in recent weeks — he was photographed singing at an anti-ICE protest in New York in May — and the Springsteen tour he joined has been described by multiple outlets as politically charged, with the Boss directing pointed commentary toward the current administration throughout the run.

The festival’s website describes it as “a non-partisan celebration,” but the timing and the guest list tell a more specific story. The October 3 date falls exactly one month before the midterm elections. The lineup reads like a greatest-hits of artists who have been outspoken during the current political moment — Springsteen, Killer Mike, Joan Baez, the Dropkick Murphys. Morello framed the event in broader terms: “It’s a concert about the power everyday human beings have when they come together — through music, art, community and action — to shape our country and our planet.”

Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 30 at 10 AM ET. A presale opens Friday, May 29.