Billy Bragg
by s. k. on 2022-10-17The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoMy first time seeing him… I went with my wife ( a big fan) so I knew some of his tunes.. he blew by me away!.. great , engaging, funny and musical
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About
BILLY BRAGG IN CONCERT:
British folk-punk icon and all-around agitator Billy Bragg has been rousing fans with his biting wit and galvanizing protest songs since the late '70s. The line between art and politics has never concerned Bragg – he's an outspoken left-wing activist, and he makes no apologies for using his music as a platform to share his message with a wider audience. In concert he keeps things simple, strumming his guitar and delivering songs like "Whose Side Are You On" and "Take Down the Union Jack" with a cheery attitude that belies their weighty themes. Bragg is a man with a message, but he's far cry from a humorless pedagogue – whether he's railing against fascism, promoting a multi-racial Britain, or simply singing a love song, he manages to do it all with a warmth, humor, and poetic sense that leaves ticket buyers wanting more.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Essex-born Stephen William "Billy" Bragg started writing poetry and playing guitar in his teens, but it wasn't until he saw The Clash perform at a 1978 Rock Against Racism event that he developed an interest in social causes. Merging his love of poetry with his newfound political passion, Bragg began penning protest songs and performing them on the streets of London. He managed to get a demo tape to an exec at Charisma Records, and in 1983 the label issued Bragg's debut album Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy. Featuring seven politically charged songs and clocking in at just over 15 minutes, the record wasn't expected to be a hit, but listeners loved it – the album cracked the Top 40 on the UK Albums Chart and ultimately went Gold. Bragg followed up with a string of Top 20 albums including Talking with the Taxman about Poetry (1986) and Workers Playtime (1988), the latter of which spawned the No. 1 hit "She's Leaving Home." Since then Bragg has remained both musically and politically prolific, supporting various leftist movements and releasing more than a dozen albums including 2016's Shine a Light, a collaboration with American folk hero Joe Henry.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 5 out of 5 Billy never fails to entertain
by Bragg Fan on 2022-10-16The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoAnother fantastic show from Billy Bragg. I have been going to his shows since 1985. He is funny, entertaining and engages in thoughtful discussions with the audience. His new music from his latest album is really good and he includes lots of his classics. Thanks for playing A New England!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great music, great venue
by PaoloWidower on 2016-10-07The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoSome beautiful songs highlighting life and rail. An emotional performance. Billy was wasted singing bass back-up to Joe on many songs, Billy is a much bigger talent and should be booked again for solo concerts - this one sold out because of him and he is well-loved in Toronto and Ontario. We bought the Shine a Light album filled with some memorable classics from the past. Danforth Music Hall is a rustic beauty, intimate venue and we look forward to next opportunity to attend.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Two men, four guitars
by Doozer1 on 2016-10-07The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoThese two powerhouses complimented each other extremely well and their duets were beautiful.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Billy Bragg and Joe Henry were simply brilliant!
by BullyweeClyde on 2016-10-07The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoEvery time I see Biily Bragg he never disappoints... The addition of Joe Henry is a brilliant bonus to any concert .... A must see show!!! 5 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5 Billy Bragg never disappoints
by slojo on 2013-05-07The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoMy 10th BB show. Not the best or the longest, but still well worth it. Great to see that he still has his humour and engagement after all these years. Truly inspiring. Was great that he played partly with a band, and partly solo like in the old days. Nice blend of nostalgia and current relevance. After the show, Billy was in the foyer signing autographs, shaking hands and giving fans some sincere appreciation. If you have never seen a Billy Bragg show, you definitely should. The venue was great, but the security was way over the top considering it was a not-huge crowd of mostly sedate 40-60 year olds.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Very much enjoyed
by Doug09 on 2013-05-06Bronson Centre - OttawaBilly Bragg in Ottawa at the Bronson Centre. Billy's performance was great and as expected. I have been listening to him for years but for some reason this was the first time that I have seen him live. The breadth of his style and the depth of his material was great, he could have gone on for another 2 hours! Overall I enjoyed his commentary. Given that he talked about things that have happened on the tour it was better than a set piece that you hear too often (e.g., Welcome... uhhhh... Ottawa.. you're the best). Given that his current album is relatively apolitical I wasn't expecting that much political commentary, but that's OK, that's him.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Biily Bragg Great Artist and Human Being
by BernieR on 2013-05-06Bronson Centre - OttawaThe Biily Bragg show was excellent both for the performance and particularly for the human content. His message is extremely important for our society and us individually. His opening act was talented also. The only downside was the lack of air conditioning at the Bronson Centre (very hot) as well as the lack of assigned tickets. Both are definitely repairable. Having said that, I would still go see Billy at the Centre.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Billy Bragg at Bronson Centre, Ottawa
by aleczdad on 2013-05-06Bronson Centre - OttawaAs usual, Billy Bragg performed a solid set, with a twangy country twist, his band including pedal-steel and lap-steel guitar player. The opening act , young Aussie 1-man band, Kim Churchill, gave a very powerful performance, playing guitar, harmonica and keeping the beat on a bass kick drum. The physicality of his set was impressive, and his easy charm appealing, but there was a certain sameness to the songs in his set, that although probably a necessary evil as a result of not having a backing band, did start to make me wishing for a bit more variety (and perhaps that I had bought one of the pairs of earplugs for sale in the lobby). This is the second time I've seen BB play at the Bronson Centre, and I must confess that I am sorry to have missed his performance several years ago, where he played in a Byward Market bar. Bronson Place's performing space (the former Immaculata High School's auditorium) is not particularly conducive to getting up and dancing (as does the lack of a liquor license, although some in the lineup beforehand were busily priming themselves). The sound also seemed muddy, which I presume is not the fault of those runnign the sound board, but rather, the scholastic acoustics of the venue.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Billy Bragg - Bronson centre
by Littlebitleft on 2013-05-06Bronson Centre - OttawaThis review is less about Billy, and more about the venue. Billy was his usual engaging self with a good mix of old and new material. He didn't play a couple of my favs but there's only so much time. The new stuff is a little soft for me personally - soulful and melodic - but unfortunately lost in this venue with the appalling acoustics. Bronson Centre in truly the venue that fun forgot. It's a depressing reminder of how awful Ottawa is for live music venues. You would think that an old Catholic high school might have some quirky charm - no, it doesn't. It has terrible acoustics, no bar, crap lighting, no atmosphere and .... it's all seating ... how about a stand-up gig folks?! How about a dance around? How about a bit of energy? How about a decent venue ... please !!!! Billy Bragg - please come back, but please have them book you at another venue.