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Tom Morello says he has been relegated to rhythm guitar at home as his 11-year-old son “can shred circles around me”

 Tom Morello onstage in 2023
Tom Morello onstage in 2023

Tom Morello has revealed his son Roman can already outplay him when it comes to lead guitar, despite the fact that he’s only 11…

Speaking to Rolling Stone the Rage Against The Machine guitarist said that he was enjoying a “very fruitful period” since the band cancelled their remaining 2022/23 tour dates, following Zack de la Rocha’s onstage injury.

“I’ve been very inspired by my 11-year-old son,” reveals Morello. “I’ve been relegated to being the rhythm guitar player in my family now because my 11-year-old can shred circles around me. I’ve been inspired by him. He’s been writing some riffs, and I’ve been writing some riffs. It’s been fun.”

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Roman Morello recorded a solo that was very much in his father’s sonic wheelhouse on fellow child prodigy Nandi Bushell’s 2011 single, The Children Will Rise Up.

Later, Morello says he has also been inspired by Jack White (who, in turn, referenced Tom Morello last year, when discussing a heavily modded-Jazzmaster.)

“I saw Jack White play a small show recently in Los Angeles,” comments Morello. “We have something in common in that we’ve both been in a lot of bands.