It was a different world the last time Tom Morello picked up a guitar in Madison, Wis. In mid-February, passage of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill and its controversial provisions stripping public unions of their collective bargaining rights was far from assured. During the heady early days of massive protests against the bill, the occupation of the Capitol was but ten days old, and The Nightwatchman – urged on by his very pregnant wife – had arrived to rally the cold, shivering masses gathered on the snow-covered Capitol Square.

Nearly seven months later, on Labor Day, Morello made his return to Madison, performing this time at the Barrymore Theatre before what felt like a house full of old friends reunited. Billed as “The Justice Tour,” Morello was again accompanied by fellow union supporters Tim McIlrath of Rise Against, and Wayne Kramer of MC5.

Entering to the now-familiar lilt of the Madison Pipes Brigade, Morello enthusiastically greeted the crowd, “It is a pleasure to return to the greatest union city!” Despite no current elections and the legislature currently in recess, Morello called for continued action against corporate media and austerity.

“This is about more than just collective bargaining!” he proclaimed, before leading a rousing rendition of “Solidarity Forever.”

As McIlrath took to the stage next, at times a reflective hush fell over the crowd. Opening his set with “Which Side Are You On?” the mood was contemplative and borderline somber. Momentarily silent were the chants and vuvuzelas that, as in February, had punctuated the trio’s performances.

Breaking the reverie, Kramer reappeared on stage and happily noted how much warmer he was than during his previous Madison performance, leading with “Broken Promise Land” before launching into a spacey, tripped out guitar jam that segued seamlessly into an intense blues session.

The flawless performance by the three troubadours rolled on, peppered with union standards, covers like “Ghost of Tom Joad,” and catalog classics such as “Kick Out the Jams” that brought an appreciative audience to its feet. Morello projected genuine appreciation and determination, at times commenting on the urgency and fluidity of February versus the current need for sustained action.

“Madison is ground zero for labor in the 21st century,” Morello said. Describing Madison as a union town with a seemingly magnetic pull, he beamed as he recalled how he considered naming his child born in February “Madison” if it had been a girl.

As in February, the show drew to a close with Morello and company inviting audience members to join them on stage. Like before, a diverse mix of fans gathered close, filling the air with spirited song and defiantly clenched fists, this time sans clouds of frozen breath and frostbitten fingers.