Tom Morello was the latest guest to make an on-stage appearance during Bruce Springsteen’s current U.S. tour. The Rage Against the Machine guitarist, backed by Springsteen & the E Street Band, dazzled with an extended solo during the band’s performance of “The Ghost of Tom Joad.”
After “Working on the Highway,” Bruce made the introduction: “I’ve got a close friend of mine here with me tonight, gonna come up and do a song — Mister Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine!” And the crowd goes wild. “Tommy also makes great acoustic records, as The Nightwatchman,” Bruce added, but there was little acoustic about this premiere of “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” It was a pounding, full-band electric arrangement, featuring Nils on pedal steel, Charlie Giordano on accordion, and Morello on guitar (to put it mildly) and vocals. Imagine a combination of RATM’s “Joad,” which they released in the ’90s, and the E Street Band’s take on “Youngstown.” Or heck, hear it for yourself. Bruce and Tom traded vocals — Bruce taking the first verse, Tom the second, and they split the third — and here was a case of a guy who was prepared for his guest spot. Morello nailed it. On the six-string, Morello was no slouch at all during the song, but for the climax it was just a massive, words-fail-us solo, in his inimitable style. The band was focused on Morello as he played, one of the few times you’ll see them watching something other than Bruce. The highlight of the show, and one of the the highlights of the tour, for that matter.
[...] Springsteen is no stranger to surprises. From impromptu performances with Arcade Fire to “Ghost of Thom Joad” guitar fun with Tom Morello, you never know you’re going to get when an opportunity to see the Boss presents [...]
arrangement, featuring Nils on pedal steel, Charlie Giordano on accordion, and Morello on guitar (to put it mildly) and vocals. Imagine a combination of RATM’s “Joad,” which they released in the ’90s, and the E Street Band’s take on “Youngstown.” Or heck, hear it for yourself. Bruce and Tom traded vocals — Bruce taking the first verse, Tom the second, and they split the third — and here was a case of a guy who was prepared for his guest spot. Morello nailed it. On the six-string, Morello was no slouch at all during the song, but for the climax it was just a massive, words-fail-us solo, in his inimitable style. The band was focused on Morello as he played, one of the few times you’ll see them watching something other than Bruce. The highlight of the show, and one of the the highlights of the tour, for that matter.
Tom Morello = GOD
how cool! it still doesn’t compare to when The Arcade Fire joined Bruce on stage to play “State Trooper” and “Keep the Car Running”
Aug 25th, 2008 at 9:10 am
[...] Springsteen is no stranger to surprises. From impromptu performances with Arcade Fire to “Ghost of Thom Joad” guitar fun with Tom Morello, you never know you’re going to get when an opportunity to see the Boss presents [...]