# Tom Morello's 4 Musical Failures

> Tom Morello reveals how his four biggest musical failures shaped his career.
- Title: Tom Morello's 4 Musical Failures · Loudwire | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: tom morello, rage against the machine, audioslave, musical failures, guitarist, geffen records, lock up band, 22 records, music, Loudwire
- Source: Loudwire — https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-musical-failures
- Published: 2026-11-05T10:56:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tom morello, rage against the machine, audioslave, musical failures, guitarist, geffen records, lock up band, 22 records, music
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Tom Morello credits his four career failures as the foundation for his success with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.