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Biografía
Bragg became interested in music in his 20’s as a member of the punk rock band Riff Raff. He took a break from music to join the army in 1981, which only lasted the three months of basic training. He gave music another shot and began composing music under the musical alias Spy V. Spy. Bragg assertively sought the attention of DJ John Peel and convinced him to play his demo song “Life’s A Riot with Spy V. Spy” on the radio.
Bragg’s smart move garnered the attention of Virgin Records and he soon became managed by Peter Jenner. “Life’s a Riot” was re-releaesd in 1983 and the album “Brewing Up With Billy Bragg” debuted in 1984. The album was chalk-ful of political songs and was inspired by the Clash’s Rock Against Racism concert Bragg attended in 1978. His sophomore album “Talking With the Taxman About Poetry” charted in the Top 10 in the UK and featured additional instruments like the horn and piano. The title refers to a poem by Russian Vladimir Mayakovsky.
Throughout the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s Bragg has stayed true to his original style of mixing politics and music. His album “Mermaid Avenue” released in 1998 was a commercial success both in the UK and the U.S. and even earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Album. Bragg declares “You can’t change the world through music, but you can give people a different perspective on the world.”
Críticas en vivo
The legend that is Billy Bragg paid a visit to Holmfirth’s Picturedome this June. Since the venue was only a couple of hours from home I snapped up a ticket. Who could pass up the opportunity to see the original song-writing, left-wing activist, punk folk singer? If not to hear his crafted lyrics, then to marvel at how a man with a voice like a foghorn can sound so good! Bragg took to the stage at the old cinema, which dates right back to 1913. An obscure, intimate venue in heart of Yorkshire suddenly seemed the perfect site to witness this performer. Billy spoke easily and conversationally with the crowd. We quickly hushed between songs, keen to hear him explain a little of the personal resonance of each track and, of course, listen to his opinions on class, social equality and the evils of the incumbent Tory-led coalition. As he introduced a cover of Woody Guthrie’s ‘I Ain’t Got No Home’, Bragg lamented that ‘this song could have been written any time in the last five years’ as a comment on recent socio-economic hardships. Which brings us neatly to the must-anticipated rendition of ‘The World Turned Upside Down.’ We immediately began to sing along to the communist take on Winstanley’s famous Digging enterprise, proclaiming in unison that ‘this earth was a common treasury for everyone to share.’
Musically enchanting, politically stirring, this intimate gig was typical Billy Bragg.
Han93
A British institution and revered figure in the genres of folk, punk, rock and almost everything else, Stephen William "Billy" Bragg continues to record and tour now almost 40 years since he appeared on the scene. A sharp lyrical tongue and a gift for social commentary has seen Billy affectionally named the 'Bard of Barking' as many have followed his messages through the years and he has gone on to inspire outspoken musicians of today including Frank Turner and Beck.
Although he is now approaching his 60th birthday, the man is still spritely and energetic onstage. You cannot perform the seething 'No One Knows Nothing Anymore' without that aggressive passion that is synonymous with this great artist. His musicianship is not wavering in age as his hands move briskly over the guitar to thrash out the melodies and lead on his polished live band. There is still a bubbling sense of anarchy and in a time of political upheaval the dissatisfied masses look towards voices like Billy to stand up for them and be their voice. This means that the music of Bragg will be timeless and forever applicable to social and political unrest.
sean-ward
A rather special event to have been part of. In this intimate space above the Lexington in Kings Cross and with fantastic support acts provided by Cooking Vinyl, it was amazing to witness Billy Bragg completely at ease, joking and laughing with the audience. It was a rare outing for some of his early material particularly from his first two LPs "Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy" and Brewing Up with", much of which has not been performed live for many years. Technical glitches, spontaneous swearing and passionate political outburst all mixed beautifully with the tender and sensitive lyrical mastery of the often overlooked Bragg love songs. A unique and special evening, a real privilege to have attended.
CuriousHour
Easily one of the best gigs of my year. I went in expecting to hear them play they're new album in its entirety but instead I got a bit of everything. Billy played some of his songs and so did Joe as well as tracks of the new album. It was also great to hear them vent about the weeks news and how the American election and Brexit are very similar.
The venue was fantastic too. It fitted the mood of the performance and the seats we got were phenomenal.
I got to meet the two of them after the show which meant a hell of a lot to me as Billy is the most important living songwriter in my life and getting the chance to speak to him is an event I'll never forget.
Overall rating: 5/5
knightj200
Billy Bragg or Sir William of Barking, as we know him, fully deserves his XFM inspiration Award.
First saw him in 1988 with his famous jiggly guitar. Over 25 years later he is stil going and his songs seem as relevant as ever. His set was short but he treated to To Have & To Have Not and sing-a-long version of A New England including the extra verse in Kirsty MaColl's version. He gave a special mention to Kirsty.
25 years later he can still cut it. He is more polished.
Note to The Queen: BB really should be Sir William of Barking. Tho he would probably turn the award down.
graham-jons
I've been a huge fan since the late 80's. My dream of meeting one of my musical heroes came true last night and I even received a "Solidarity Hug". It was simply the best! The show was amazing. I love his fearlessness in sharing his views on our world. I hope everyone felt as inspired to go out and make change in our world.
The most powerful thing he said last night, in my opinion, is that the reason people/politicians fear being empathetic is because they know that, "Empathy + Activism = Solidarity." Go Billy!
alicia-bennett-1
Absolutely friggin' brilliant! Great music, superb ad libs, wonderful anecdotes, and really relevant social commentary, presented by two really good mates who are at the top of their musical and entertaining powers!
It was a privilege to be in the audience!!!
Ken Bardell.
KenBardell
Billy Bragg is a true legend, he's a man with a conscience who despite the serious nature of his songs manages to put on a fun and enjoyable show with plenty of laughs. He played a 2 hour set which was a privilege to watch.
steven.sheldrake
Still a Political catalyst A chaotic journey through some of his songs off his albums of the early nineties a thoroughly pleasurable evening of anecdotes and meaningful lyrics which always deliver a message.
paul-jenner
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