Tom Morello has spoken about his recent time spent as guitarist for Bruce Springsteen, saying that it is an “honour” to play with the E Street Band.

Rage Against The Machine guitarist Morello joined the E Street Band three months ago to cover for Steven Van Zandt, who is filming his show Lilyhammer at the same time as Springsteen is touring Australia. Morello admitted to Rolling Stone that he has been tested by Springsteen’s four-hour shows. “I learned about 50 songs in three months for the tour, and every night, 90 minutes till soundcheck, Bruce will text me with seven or eight songs we’ve never played before. And then during the show, he’ll call up songs we’ve never even discussed – some I’ve never even heard!”

Morello added: “Our band plays very differently night to night. It’s not a repetition, it’s a renewal. If you’re doing it right, that’s how it feels. Every night, there’s six to eight songs I have literally about a nanosecond to prepare for. But it’s fun. Now that I know that’s the gig I’m like, ‘Let’s go!’ Make it clear – I’m not asking Bruce to stump me. I would love to play ‘Thunder Road’. But it’s been a really fun challenge.”

However, Morello was full of praise for the band, saying: “It’s been great. It’s been really an honour being on stage with one of my favourite bands – one of the greatest live bands of all time,” Morello said. “I’ve been to a lot of Bruce Springsteen shows, but I’ve never been to four consecutive ones. And every show isn’t just a different show – it’s a completely different experience.”

Bruce Springsteen and Kasabian have been confirmed as headliners at this year’s Hard Rock Calling festival. The festival, which takes place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London, runs on June 29 and 30 and will see Springsteen headline on the second night.