Tom Morello announced the passing of his mother, Mary Morello, on July 12, 2026. She was 102 years old.
Mary Morello was a former high school history teacher and lifelong activist who founded the anti-censorship organization Parents for Rock and Rap. Her activism spanned decades, beginning with feeding unhoused people during the Great Depression and supporting organized labor. She later opposed Jim Crow laws, aided anti-colonial movements in Africa, supported the United Farm Workers and Urban League, spoke out against apartheid and war, and volunteered with organizations assisting unhoused people, recovering addicts, and communities affected by conflict.
As a single mother, Mary instilled in Tom Morello the political consciousness that became central to his life and music. She frequently appeared at his concerts, including introducing Rage Against the Machine as the “Best Band in the Fucking Universe” before their set at Pinkpop Festival in 1994. She also co-hosted the show One Man Revolution with her son on SiriusXM.
Tom Morello wrote in an Instagram post: “Mary Morello is forever with the Rebels of Light & Song. (1923-2026).”
See Tom Morello live
Upcoming Tom Morello events with tickets available:
- Sep 18, 2026 — Mainstage At Cannery Hall, Nashville, Tennessee · Get tickets
- Sep 20, 2026 — The Rave – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin · Get tickets
- Mar 8, 2027 — EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan · Get tickets
Source: Consequence
