Culture 4 min read By Trevor Kendall
Tom Morello Adds Geezer Butler, Scott Ian and Mike McCready to Power To The People Lineup
Tom Morello has expanded the lineup for his Power To The People festival, adding Geezer Butler, Scott Ian, Mike McCready, Nathaniel Rateliff, Stephen Stills, State Radio and The Last Internationale to an already star-studded bill led by Bruce Springsteen and Foo Fighters. The October 3 event at Merriweather Post Pavilion will blend music with activism, voter registration and nonprofit advocacy.
Tom Morello has revealed a new wave of artists for his Power To The People festival, adding Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready to an already formidable lineup. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, and is billed as «a day of peace, love, justice and music».
The newly confirmed acts also include Nathaniel Rateliff, Stephen Stills, State Radio and The Last Internationale. They join a bill that was already stacked when the first wave of performers was announced in May: Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Joan Baez, System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Cypress Hill and Killer Mike, among others. Morello himself will also take the stage.
Beyond the music, Power To The People is designed as a gathering point for activism and civic engagement. The festival will feature a Freedom Village where attendees can interact with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, artists and community partners. A portion of all ticket sales, plus 100 percent of net proceeds from VIP tickets, will be donated to VoteRiders and HeadCount. VoteRiders works to eliminate confusing and restrictive ID-related barriers to the ballot box, while HeadCount will be on site to help fans register to vote and learn how to participate in upcoming elections.
In a statement, Morello framed the event as a celebration of collective action. «The Power To The People festival is about freedom, justice, equality and rock and roll,» he said. «It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community, and action. We’re honoured to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.»
The festival arrives amid a busy period for Morello. His new solo album, Everyone Gets Everything They Want, is set for release this Friday, September 25. The record includes a collaboration with Kneecap on «Unconquered» and features the recent single «Date Night».
Morello has long used his platform for political expression. Last summer, the guitarist, a frequent critic of President Trump, shared a «Fuck ICE» playlist and was among the entertainment figures who attended anti-ICE protests. In 2024, he spoke about the power of music to spark political change, telling NME that the first requirement of a great protest song is that it is a great song. «Nobody wants to hear a college lecture with a beat to it, there has to be an artistry there and an authenticity and a power and a chemistry behind it,» he said.
Earlier this year, Morello used his set at Download 2026 to send a message to British far-right activist Tommy Robinson. He also teamed up with Serj Tankian and his son Roman on the single «Adjourn It». Morello toured with Bruce Springsteen on the «Land Of Hope And Dreams» US tour this year, and Springsteen released a live video of his cover of Prince’s «Purple Rain» featuring Morello, filmed in Minneapolis. In July, Morello launched the Mary Morello Memorial Project following his mother’s death at 102, encouraging fans to honour her through «caring, service and action».
Tickets for Power To The People are on sale now, with further information available through the festival’s official channels.
