CT Exclusive: I Went To Tom Morello’s First Concert In India, And It Was A Life-Changing Experience!

What happens when someone like me, who usually has Bollywood songs on repeat, walks into a Tom Morello concert? Honestly, I walked in with a little fear. Fear of not fitting in, not fully understanding the music, and of being that person in the crowd who doesn’t quite “get it.” Last night in Delhi, I was standing among die-hard Tom Morello fans, and by the time I walked out, I was completely converted.

My Night At Tom Morello’s First Ever India Concert

From the moment Tom Morello stepped on stage, there was an undeniable aura around him. There was electricity in the air, the kind you don’t need to explain. Produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the night instantly felt bigger than just a concert. It felt historic. 

And then there was Tom Morello himself. Some artists don’t need introductions. They walk on stage and command your attention without saying a word. Tom is exactly that. Even if you don’t understand the technical brilliance behind his guitar work, you feel it in your bones. The way he plays, the sounds he creates, the energy he brings, it’s impossible to look away. 

Midway through the performance, Tom shared something deeply personal. He spoke about how, in his 30-year-long career, he had always wanted to perform in India—for his Indian fans. And last night in Delhi marked his first-ever show in the country. That realisation hit hard. This wasn’t just another concert. It was history being made, and the love in the room reflected that. The crowd poured their energy into him, and he gave it back tenfold.

In fact, even after announcing his “last song,” he kept going. One song turned into a few more, simply because neither the audience nor Tom wanted the night to end. The energy was too strong, too alive to end on schedule.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was when Tom Morello welcomed his son, Roman Morello, on stage. It was really special to see the two together. The audience cheered louder each time he performed. During those times, Tom was seen watching from the sidelines, obviously proud of his son and enjoying the love he was getting.

Also Read: Bengaluru Comic Con 2025 Brings Global Talent, Indian Illustrators, Cosplay Showcases, & More

A Night Of Talent, Energy, And Revolution

The set list was a tour of the incredible career of Tom Morello. “Bulls on Parade,” “Bombtrack,” and “Know Your Enemy,” among other Rage Against the Machine anthems, turned the stage into a sea of unified voices and raised fists. Apart from beautiful performances of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” there were some sections from his solo album, The Nightwatchman. 

Reflecting on the evening, Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow, described the concert as a defining cultural moment for rock music in India. And standing there, I understood exactly what he meant. 

As for me? I went in thinking I might feel out of place and walked out feeling grateful.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mallika Khurana