Tom Morello Appointed as ‘Smart Justice’ Ambassador by the ACLU
Tom Morello — the Prophets of Rage guitarist and solo artist whose activism routinely intersects with his music — has been named an ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union's Campaign for Smart Justice, a crusade that aims to cut the U.S. jail and prison population in half while battling racism within the country's criminal justice system. As reported by Billboard, he's the first musician to take on such a role.
"I've been a longtime supporter of the ACLU, and in these troubled times, I want to do everything I can to tilt the fulcrum of justice in the right direction," Morello told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday. "For a century, the ACLU have been champions of freedom of speech, civil rights equality and justice and have tirelessly, in a nonpartisan way, stood up for principles. I'm proud to have this position."
The guitarist — also known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and his acoustic outlet, the Nightwatchman — berated the nation's judiciary while commending recent political moves by the State of California.
"Our criminal justice system is savage, brutal and unlike anywhere else in the sane world," he said. "Capital punishment means those with capital don't get punished. The fact that our governor has said there will be no more executions in California is a great step."
Previous ACLU ambassadors for various important causes include big entertainment names such as Alyssa Milano, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Amber Heard, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and many more, as pointed out by Billboard's report.
Morello hits the road this month in support of his recent solo album, The Atlas Underground. The trek includes a trio of dates in the United Kingdom supporting monolithic rockers Muse. See all of the upcoming shows below.
Tom Morello 2019 Tour Dates
May 3 – Jacksonville, Fla. @ Welcome to Rockville
May 4 – Chattanooga, Tenn. @ The Signal
May 5 – Asheville, N.C. @ The Orange Peel
May 7 – Asbury Park, N.J. @ Stone Pony
May 8 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Rex Theater
May 10 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Deluxe at Old National Centre
May 11 – Louisville, Ky. @ Mercury Ballroom
May 12 – Rockingham, N.C. @ Epicenter Festival
May 14 – New York, N.Y. @ Irving Plaza
May 15 – Norfolk, Va. @ The Norva
May 17 – Columbus, Ohio @ Sonic Temple Festival
May 18 – Buffalo, N.Y. @ Town Ballroom
May 19 – Columbia, Md. @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 1 – London, England @ London Stadium (with Muse)
June 3 – Nottingham, England @ Rescue Rooms
June 5 – Bristol, England @ Ashton Gate Stadium (with Muse)
June 8 – Manchester, England @ Etihad Stadium (with Muse)
June 15 - Tinley Park, Ill. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
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