Sting, Bono and Tom Morello on Music and protest

From the moment rock and roll hit the airwaves, it has played a crucial role in politics and social movements around the world.

In 2017, two iconic museums – the Newseum and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio – partnered on a one-of-a-kind exhibit to explore the power of rock to change attitudes about patriotism, peace, equality and freedom.

“Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics,” showcased the intersection between rock and politics and examined how artists exercise their First Amendment rights, challenge assumptions and beliefs, stimulate thought and effect change. Through iconic artifacts and photographs, and multimedia experiences, the exhibit explored music’s influence on civil rights, the Vietnam War and gender equality, and covered such artists as Bob Dylan, U2 and Rage Against the Machine.