Tom Morello has announced the passing of his mother, Mary Morello, at the age of 102.
Read More: Tom Morello: “In the past, I’ve wanted to use music as a battering ram for social justice”
The Rage Against The Machine guitarist shared news of her passing on social media Sunday night (July 12), writing: “Mary Morello is forever with the Rebels of Light & Song. (1923-2026).” His post was met with an outpouring of well-wishes from names across the music industry, as well as fans paying their respects.
Commenting under his post, Garbage‘s Shirley Manson wrote: “What a woman. She raised a fine son too. Loving comforts to you. Your mum is with the angels and the resistance fighters now.”
As Morello proudly discussed in a 2021 essay for the New York Times, Mary’s activism spanned several decades, and her work saw her fiercely oppose Jim Crow laws, aid anti-colonial movements in Africa, support the United Farm Workers and Urban League, as well as speak out against apartheid and the Persian Gulf War.
Her work volunteering from organisations assisting unhoused people, recovering addicts, and communities affected by conflict instilled in Morello a political consciousness that’s become central to his work and music.
Speaking to NME in 2024, Morello discussed the power of music in sparking political change, saying: “Nobody wants to hear a college lecture with a beat to it, there has to be an artistry there and an authenticity and a power and a chemistry behind it.”
Other tributes to Mary came from System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian, who said: “We will all miss Mary dearly. She was an inspiration,” and Metallica, who commented: “Much love to you and your family, Tom.”
Nikki Sixx also sent his condolences, writing: “So sorry for your loss. What a warrior,” Nova Twins said they were “so sorry” to hear the news, sending love to his family and saying: “Her warrior spirit will live on!”
DJ Premier also looked back to 1999, when Gang Starr opened for RATM, and Mary introduced them to the stage. “I’ll never forget her in Chicago in 1999,” he wrote. “So EPIC! Sleep Peacefully QUEEN. May she enter the universe with open arms. Hold Your Head Tom. She’ll guide you the rest of the way.”
News of her passing follows Morello cancelling a series of festival appearances last month. He had been due to continue his UK and European solo run, but confirmed that he would be heading home to help look after his mother.
The axed festival slots followed Morello previously postponing shows in London’s Electric Brixton and Paris’ Bataclan due to his mother’s ill health.
“I am sorry I had to miss a few shows due to my mom’s health,” he wrote at the time. “The incredibly resilient, indefatigable Mary Morello at 102 is now feeling somewhat better and has ordered me back into the fray, charging me with rocking you and fighting fascism six strings at a time.”
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