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Over two electrifying, sold-out nights at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, Tom Morello delivered a fiery and heartfelt performance that blended political fury, personal triumph, and musical legacy. Supported by opening act Snotty Nose Rez Kids, both evenings felt like much more than just concerts – they were celebrations of resistance, unity, and family.

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Snotty Nose Rez Kids set the tone with their hard-hitting verses, commanding presence, and proud Indigenous identity. Their sets on both nights ignited the crowd early, mixing beats with messages that resonated deeply in a city grappling with its own social struggles.

When Morello took the stage, the energy surged. Armed with his arsenal of signature guitar wizardry – pedal-driven chaos, turntable-like scrapes, and squealing harmonics – he ripped through classics from across his sprawling career. Medleys of Rage Against the Machine staples like “Testify,” “Freedom,” and “Bulls on Parade” hit with full force, while solo-era songs like “Hold the Line” and “One Man Revolution” brought thought-provoking interludes.

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But what made these shows unforgettable was the presence of Morello’s son Roman Morello. Roman joined his father onstage for multiple songs each night, and absolutely stole the show. Playing with skill and confidence well beyond his years, Roman’s guitar work was precise and passionate – and when he and Tom broke into synchronized moves mid-song, the crowd roared in delight. Roman often glanced at his father with visible admiration, while Tom beamed with pride, looking the happiest he’s ever appeared onstage. Their shared joy and connection was genuine and powerful.

“Power to the People” and “Killing in the Name” were crowd anthems, with Roman holding his own like a seasoned veteran. Tom’s decision to bring his son into the spotlight wasn’t just a sweet family moment – it felt like a symbolic passing of the torch, a glimpse of the next generation of rebellion in the making.

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The setlists were nearly identical both nights (with only minor variations), but the energy never dipped. Morello closed with “Kick Out the Jams,” joined by Snotty Nose Rez Kids, uniting the night’s voices into one final thunderous roar.

Two nights. One stage. Generations united by music and resistance. Tom Morello didn’t just perform – he inspired.