Staying true to his reputation for mixing politics and music – a tendency forged through his time with Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and Prophets of Rage – the video for ‘Every Step That I Take’ feat. Portugal. The Man and Whethan conveys a modern take on the story of Joe Hill, a labor activist whose execution in 1915 inspired uproar from prominent figures around the world.
“Revolutionary labor troubadour Joe Hill was murdered by a Utah firing squad for a crime he did not commit,” said Morello. “They pinned a heart and crosshairs to his chest so the firing squad wouldn’t miss. His ashes were mailed to the four corners of the world and from those ashes generations of new revolutionaries continue to rise.
“The Atlas Underground sprang from those ashes as well and is proof that ideas, songs and struggle are bulletproof.”
Morello has partnered with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) for the release, teaming up with John Gourley of Portugal. The Man for a Facebook Live fundraiser in honour of the worthy cause.
Get to know the gear behind Tom Morello’s sound in our Gear Rundowns, Part One and Part Two.
