In a move that’s already electrifying fans, Tom Morello — the legendary guitarist best known for his work with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave — has been officially announced as a special guest performer for every show of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s upcoming Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour in spring 2026.
The news, confirmed on February 24, 2026, means that Morello will be joining Springsteen and his longtime band for selected songs at every stop of the 20-date U.S. arena trek. The tour kicks off on March 31 in Minneapolis and closes on May 27 in Washington, D.C., making this one of the most anticipated runs on the live circuit this year.
For Morello, it’s a return to familiar territory. His connection with Springsteen stretches back nearly two decades — he first appeared with Springsteen and the E Street Band in April 2008, performing “The Ghost of Tom Joad” with them live, a collaboration that excited fans on both sides.
He later toured extensively with Springsteen from 2012 to 2015, stepping in as a guest when longtime E Street guitarist Steven Van Zandt was unavailable and helping shape the sound on two Springsteen albums — Wrecking Ball (2012) and High Hopes (2014). Morello’s influence on that era was significant enough that Springsteen called him a muse, and the two have continued to cross creative paths since.
Morello’s involvement in the 2026 tour was reportedly inspired by their recent appearance together at Morello’s Defend Minnesota: A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance benefit, where Springsteen joined him onstage last month to perform Springsteen’s protest track “Streets of Minneapolis” and other songs. In announcing his tour commitment, Morello said that moment reminded him of “how important our platform is” and how much power music has to spotlight social and political issues.
But joining Springsteen come spring hasn’t come without adjustments for Morello. To make room on the calendar, he’s postponed or canceled several of his own solo shows and festival dates, including appearances at Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple and BottleRock Napa Valley in May — a tough choice, but one he framed as worthwhile for the moments he and Springsteen can create together.
Fans of both artists have reacted with excitement and speculation. Many hope Morello’s presence will mean new live arrangements of songs like “The Ghost of Tom Joad”, “American Skin (41 Shots)” and other politically charged numbers that have defined parts of both artists’ repertoires. Others are simply thrilled at the prospect of two of rock’s most influential guitar voices sharing the stage consistently across a major tour. (Based on fan discussion and social reactions.)
Morello’s addition to the tour lineup also underscores how Springsteen’s music — long rooted in themes of hope, working-class struggle, and democracy — intersects with Morello’s own activist-leaning approach to rock. Together, they’re positioning the Land of Hope & Dreams tour not just as a celebration of Springsteen’s catalog, but as a platform for music with political and social resonance.
For fans of Springsteen, Morello, and modern rock alike, this collaboration — built on years of mutual respect and shared history — adds a layer of unpredictability and creative fire to what is already one of 2026’s most talked-about tours.
