It's time for Americans to get informed, get angry and get active," says Audioslave's Tom Morello, who joins forces with Steve Earle and Billy Bragg on the politics-meets-music Tell Us the Truth Tour, which kicks off in early November.

The Truth shows will feature acoustic and spoken-word performances by the artists, who hope to shed light on issues from media reform to global trade. "We need to provide an alternative worldview to the one that is squeezed through the very narrow blinders of Fox News," says Morello, who will be playing without a band.

On the surface, the three may seem an odd match with their disparate musical backgrounds. But according to Morello, they share a passion for activism. "We all have punk music coursing through our veins."

With the 2004 presidential elections on the horizon, Morello is hoping this tour will encourage younger rock fans to think more about larger issues facing the country. "I maintain my childlike faith that music can change the course of history," he says.

Tell Us the Truth tour dates:

11/7-8: Madison, WI, National Conference on Media Reform
11/10: Chicago, Park West
11/11: Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak Music Theater
11/12: Indianapolis, The Vogue
11/14: Nashville, The Trap
11/15: Asheville, NC, TBA
11/16: Atlanta, Variety Playhouse
11/18: Tampa, FL, TBA
11/19: Miami, People's Gala for Global Justice
11/21: Philadelphia, Keswick Theater
11/22: New York, Webster Hall
11/23: Boston, Berklee Performance Center
11/24: Washington, DC, 9:30 Club

DAVID SWANSON
(October 10, 2003)