TOM MORELLO RELEASES POWERFUL NEW PROTEST SONG AND VIDEO “PRETEND YOU REMEMBER ME”
Tom Morello, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and activist, has returned with a searing new solo single and video titled “Pretend You Remember Me.” Known for his fierce political voice and genre-defying guitar work, Morello delivers one of his most emotionally charged and direct pieces to date—an anthem rooted in protest, grief, and defiance.
“Pretend You Remember Me” opens on a haunting note and builds into a powerful reflection on the trauma of family separation, the cruelty of ICE raids, and the dehumanizing realities faced by immigrant communities across the United States. The song is both a lament and a call to arms, channeling Morello’s deep anger into something raw, melodic, and unforgettable.
The video, directed by Morello himself, begins with a powerful clip of Native American activist Leonard Peltier stating, “No human being is illegal.” From there, it weaves together emotional footage of immigrant families in Los Angeles, protest scenes, political soundbites, and powerful visual juxtapositions that underscore the song’s urgency. It’s not just a music video—it’s a mini-documentary, a sonic protest piece in motion.
Backing the song is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), with proceeds and awareness efforts tied to ongoing advocacy for immigrant justice. Produced by Zakk Cervini, the track showcases Morello’s signature guitar work—raw, distorted, and defiant—but it’s his vocal delivery that hits hardest. Earnest and unflinching, his voice cuts through the noise, grounding the track in human pain and moral clarity.
This release marks a bold step forward as Morello gears up for his first full-length solo rock album on Mom+Pop Records, expected in 2026. Following last year’s “Soldier in the Army of Love,” which featured his son Roman, “Pretend You Remember Me” doubles down on both message and impact. It’s not just a song—it’s a line in the sand.
In an era of performative allyship and hollow activism, Tom Morello remains the real deal. “Pretend You Remember Me” doesn’t ask for your attention—it demands it. It reminds us that the fight for justice isn’t just political—it’s deeply personal.