Tom Morello “House Gone Up In Flames”

Some of our On The Road trips are to big, well know Festivals. But some are to events that aren’t really open to the Public. That’s where I met Tom Morello.

Every year, radio stations similar to mvyradio, go to something called The Non-Comm---it’s a Convention for Public Radio Stations to get together with their friends from the Music Labels. There are discussion panels, and good face to face meetings with people you talk to on the phone. But mostly it’s about the music.

If an artist has a new record, then their label brings them to the Non-Comm, for a performance in front of the very folks who are deciding what records are essential listening for their audience. It’s often a little awkward and a little less than glamorous, to see a legendary someone like T-Bone Burnett, sit in a hotel conference room, at 11am on a Friday, in front of a bunch of bleary-eyed radio folks spread out on folding chairs, eating lunchmeat sandwiches.

Even more strangely intimate, is what WE ask the artists to do. We invite them up to Barbara Dacey’s hotel room, where we’ve set up our On The Road recording scheme. Nestled in every nook and cranny is a person and some gear---recorders, laptops, microphones, video camera, etc.

The artist will sit on Barbara’s bed, or a chair in the corner, and we’ll ask them to perform their stadium-ready anthem for an audience of 4.

But Tom Morello is a pro. A super-pro.

When we met him, in a hotel room in Louisville, he couldn’t have been more gracious and sweet. He was out promoting his first solo record as The Nightwatchman. He was about the best interviewee you could ask for. He was chatty, he was effusive, he gave thoughtful, articulate, extensive answers. He was like my best buddy.

Then he played.

I’d heard the record, so I can’t say I was shocked, but it was still really remarkable to see this positive, thoughtful human being, become this tense, angry, righteous, singer-songwriter. His whole body language changed, as he spun some dark, violent tales. Then the song would end, and he’d go back to being my buddy Tom.

He played Newport Folk a few months later, and I got to introduce him, before he led a near-riot of hyped up fans under the Harbor Tent.

He’s back this year, and I can’t wait to see my buddy Tom, AND the angry Nightwatchman.

Hear Tom Morello “House Gone Up In Flames”

See the Interview and Performance, Here