From Loudwire · · 1m 10s
Tom Morello's 4 Musical Failures
Tom Morello reveals how his four biggest musical failures shaped his career.
In brief
Tom Morello reveals how his four biggest musical failures shaped his career. Tom Morello credits his four career failures as the foundation for his success with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. Originally reported by Loudwire.
First Musical Failure
Tom Morello quit guitar at age 13 after failing to learn Led Zeppelin's 'Black Dog' and KISS's 'Detroit Rock City'.
“I failed and I quit guitar. I told my mom, 'Music is not for me'”
Second Musical Failure
Morello spent a year trying to fix an overpriced guitar that felt and looked terrible, leading to the Arm the Homeless guitar.
“I was spending too much time worrying about tone and not creating”
Third Musical Failure
Lock Up band was dropped after 15 minutes of their record release, leading to Rage Against the Machine.
“I failed my quest. I vowed to never play another note of music I didn't believe in”
Fourth Musical Failure
Morello couldn't keep Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave together, but this led to his current success.
“T hat opened a door to some of the greatest musical experiences of my life”
Lock Up Band Experience
Morello signed with Geffen Records at 27 but was dropped after 15 minutes, leaving him with $400.
“We were summarily dropped and we walked away with about 400 bucks”
22 Records Journey
Morello made 22 records after his first failure, following his vow to play only music he believed in.
“I'm going to play the music I want to play, make the music I want to make”
Current Touring Plans
Morello released the album Everyone Gets Everything They Want in 2026 and tours Canada in March 2027.
The bottom line
Tom Morello credits his four career failures as the foundation for his success with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
