Tom Morello's tour is going off the rails – but this time it's not due to some epic guitar solo mishap. The Rage Against The Machine maestro has been forced to cancel his remaining European dates, including two festival appearances, after his 102-year-old mum Mary was rushed back into hospital. With a heavy heart and a prioritisation of family above all else, Morello is jetting home to be by her side.
The axe is being wielded on his shows in London and Paris – rescheduled for June 29 and 30 respectively – and refunds are now up for grabs. Fans who snapped up tickets for these gigs can get their dosh back at the point of purchase. Morello's cancelled appearances also include a slot at Tons Of Rock Festival in Oslo on June 26, with The Hellacopters ready to step into his shoes.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media on June 25, Morello expressed his gratitude for the UK and European gigs he'd just wrapped up – but it was clear where his priorities lay. "My dear mum, Mary Morello is back in hospital and I'm headed home to help look after her," he wrote, adding a poignant touch to an already tough situation.
This isn't the first time Morello's mother has forced him to hit pause on his touring schedule – and it's clear family comes first for this globetrotting guitarist. Just days ago, he'd taken to the stage at Pinkpop in the Netherlands, Nijmegen, and Copenhell in Denmark, bringing the house down with his signature energy.
The 'Power To The People' festival is just one of many irons in Morello's fire – a star-studded extravaganza that promises to bring together some of music's biggest names. With collaborators like Bruce Springsteen and Foo Fighters on board, this is an event not to be missed.
Festival organisers are already scrambling to find suitable replacements for Morello's cancelled slots. BBK Music Legends Festival has announced a supergroup – Beat – will extend their set by 20 minutes to make up the difference. It's a logistical challenge, but one that promises to bring an added layer of excitement to these already hotly-anticipated events.