Legendary guitarist Tom Morello finally brought his revolutionary sound to India with a high-voltage debut performance in Delhi on Wednesday night. Taking the stage at the HUDA Gymkhana Club, the opening show of his three-city India tour was raw, political, and deeply emotional, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable run across the country.
The packed crowd was treated to a career-spanning setlist that included iconic Rage Against the Machine tracks such as Killing in the Name, Bulls on Parade, and Know Your Enemy, alongside songs from Morello’s solo project The Nightwatchman. Known for blending activism with music, the 61-year-old guitarist delivered a performance that felt both defiant and personal.
A standout moment of the night came during his tribute to Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell. For Cochise and Like a Stone, Morello left the microphone stand empty, choosing to perform the tracks instrumentally. Addressing the audience, he shared that the silence was intentional, allowing Cornell’s presence to be felt rather than replaced. The crowd responded by singing along, creating one of the most moving moments of the evening and underlining Audioslave’s lasting legacy.
Morello also paid homage to rock legends with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s The Ghost of Tom Joad and Ozzy Osbourne’s Mr. Crowley. Adding a personal touch, he invited his son Roman Morello on stage for a performance of Soldier In The Army of Love, marking a generational moment that resonated strongly with fans.
The Delhi show marked the first stop of Morello’s India tour, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live. He is set to perform next in Mumbai on December 19, followed by Bengaluru on December 21, where audiences can expect the same blend of political fire, guitar mastery, and emotional storytelling.