As the cofounder and guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and Prophets of Rage, and as a solo artist and collaborator with artists as diverse as Bruce Springsteen and Wu-Tang Clan, few musicians have been as groundbreaking as Tom Morello. Now, for the first time, Morello’s remarkable life as a guitarist, songwriter, singer, and political activist is captured in Whatever It Takes.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY

Whatever It Takes (Bookstore Edition)

'I dug deep into my garage and photo albums to find pictures that I hadn't seen in many years. Some of the photos show history in the making. Some are historically rocking. And some are historically embarrassing.' - Tom Morello

Morello's commentary is accompanied by a wealth of photographs, handwritten notes, and set lists, many of which are previously unpublished and come from the author's personal archives. Stunning images of Morello's heavily customized guitars complete this jam-packed photographic memoir, and the result, like his incendiary guitar playing, is fascinating, honest, and completely unique.

THE MANUSCRIPT

Whatever It Takes (Bookstore Edition)

'There's never been a successful social movement in the United States without a compelling soundtrack' - Tom Morello

Morello's original commentary documents his late start in learning the guitar and early bands, through to forming Rage Against the Machine, his transition into working with the melodic vocals of Chris Cornell in Audioslave, his solo work and collaborations, and on to Prophets of Rage. Throughout the book Morello reflects on how his 'calling' of activism drives his work. He recounts the protests and controversies that he has encountered in his mission to use his guitar as a means to share ideas worth fighting for.

THE AUTHOR

Whatever It Takes (Bookstore Edition)

'He's not only a brilliant musician, but he has a deep heart and a social conscience, just like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, or Jackson Browne. Tom is right up there with that gang. I think this excellent book helps prove why.' - Jann Wenner

Tom Morello is an American musician, singer, songwriter and political activist. He is living proof of the transformative power of rock'n'roll. Known for his heavy riff playing and inventive techniques on the electric guitar, he has continually pushed the limits of what one man can do with six strings.