Earlier this month, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, hosted Tom Morello’s inaugural Power to the People Festival, bringing together artists from rock, punk, hip-hop, and folk. The lineup featured established performers alongside younger artists, creating collaborations that crossed musical genres. With themes of community, love, and civic engagement at its core, the festival offered a day of music ranging from tributes to rock legends to unexpected artist pairings.
Grandson opened the day with his blend of hip-hop and rock, setting the tone for what followed. Bands like The Last Internationale, State Radio, and The Linda Lindas represented a younger generation of rock and punk. Meanwhile, Cypress Hill delivered its signature mix of hip-hop and rock, while Killer Mike brought his commanding presence to the stage with a message of compassion and support for those less fortunate. Each act brought a distinct sound to the lineup.
Jack Black brought his trademark energy to a tribute to Black Sabbath, celebrating one of heavy metal’s most influential bands. He appeared onstage wearing a shirt that simply said “OZZY” in remembrance of the late Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. As Jack Sabbath launched into the legendary intro to “War Pigs,” they brought out original Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, connecting the performance to the band’s history. It was a highlight that underscored Black Sabbath’s lasting influence on generations of musicians.
The Suns of Soundgarden performance featured The Pretty Reckless lead singer Taylor Momsen on vocals alongside longtime Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and founding Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron. The supergroup powered through Soundgarden hits like “Loud Love,” “Outshined,” and “Rusty Cage,” delivering the heavy riffs and distinctive sound of one of Seattle’s defining rock bands. Momsen commanded the stage with grace and power, putting her own stamp on the vocals of the late Chris Cornell, while McCready and Cameron brought a direct connection to the early ’90s Seattle grunge scene.
Festival creator Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, was joined onstage by his son Roman Morello for “Soldier in the Army of Love.” To say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree is an understatement. Playing jaw-dropping solos while maneuvering his guitar over and behind his head, Roman proved himself a guitar virtuoso like his father. Tom also welcomed a lineup of notable rock and hip-hop artists. Serj Tankian, frontman for System of a Down, lent his vocals to the Audioslave song “Like a Stone,” while hip-hop legends Public Enemy performed “Fight the Power” and “Prophets of Rage.” The set sent the energy of the 20,000 fans soaring.
Dropkick Murphys delivered one of the day’s most intense sets. Their mix of punk rock and Celtic influences translated well to the festival setting, and the crowd responded with an almost overwhelming enthusiasm that matched the band’s relentless pace.
Foo Fighters brought more than 30 years of rock history to the stage. Opening with fan favorite “Times Like These” felt appropriate given the festival’s focus on the world we live in today. The set featured classics like “All My Life,” “My Hero,” “The Pretender,” and “Best of You” before closing with “Everlong.” The performance turned the venue into a massive celebration and set the stage for the night’s final act.
Seeing Bruce Springsteen live carried personal significance for me. Watching him perform was a dream come true, and having the opportunity to capture the moment through my camera made the experience even more meaningful. Springsteen has spent decades connecting with audiences through songs about everyday life and shared experiences. His performance alongside Joan Baez, a defining voice in American folk music, brought together two artists whose careers have connected music with broader social themes. Their rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom” was a fitting moment. Tom Morello joined Springsteen for one of my personal favorites, “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” before Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl joined them for a cover of Neil Young’s anthem “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
By the end of the performance, Springsteen was joined by nearly all the performers for Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” and John Lennon’s “Power to the People.” For me, the day was about more than photographing another legendary performance. It was a reminder of music’s ability to bring people together and the need for more love, peace, and justice in the world.
GALLERY: Power To The People at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland (October 3, 2026)
Bruce Springsteen
Cypress Hill
Dropkick Murphys
Grandson
Jack Sabbath
Killer Mike
The Linda Lindas
Soundgarden & Taylor Momsen
State Radio
The Last Internationale
Tom Morello
