Tom Morello

Few rock guitarists in the 1990s were as groundbreaking as Tom Morello, who incorporated myriad different styles into his own playing, which spread across a number of bands and solo projects into the 21st century. His trademark style, elastic slapping, atmospheric distortion, and effects that resembled turntable scratching, was a crucial component of Rage Against the Machine's rap-metal sonic attack in the late '90s, helping launch Morello and the band to Grammy-winning, multi-platinum success. After that influential outfit entered an indefinite hiatus in 2000, Morello's signature guitar could be heard in supergroups Audioslave, Prophets of Rage, and Street Sweeper Social Club. Additionally, Morello is also a vocal political activist and solo artist who performs as the Nightwatchman.