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Billy Bragg Tickets

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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. 

Setlists

    1. 1.The Milkman of Human Kindness
    2. 2.Must I Paint You a Picture?
    3. 3.The Wolf Covers Its Tracks
    4. 4.There Is Power in a Union
    5. 5.All You Fascists Bound to Lose (Woody Guthrie cover)
    6. 6.St. Swithin's Day
    7. 7.She's Got a New Spell
    8. 8.California Stars (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    9. 9.Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    10. 10.Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
    11. 11.The Boy Done Good
    12. 12.Sexuality
    13. 13.I Will Be Your Shield
    14. 14.A New England
    15. 15.Levi Stubbs' Tears
    16. 16.Which Side Are You On? (The Almanac Singers cover)
    17. 17.Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
    1. 1.St. Swithin's Day
    2. 2.She's Got a New Spell
    3. 3.California Stars (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    4. 4.Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    5. 5.Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
    6. 6.The Boy Done Good
    7. 7.Sexuality
    8. 8.I Will Be Your Shield
    9. 9.A New England
    10. 10.Levi Stubbs' Tears
    11. 11.Greetings to the New Brunette
    12. 12.Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
    1. 1.St. Swithin's Day
    2. 2.She's Got a New Spell
    3. 3.California Stars (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    4. 4.Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    5. 5.Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
    6. 6.The Boy Done Good
    7. 7.Sexuality
    8. 8.I Will Be Your Shield
    9. 9.A New England
    10. 10.Levi Stubbs' Tears
    11. 11.Greetings to the New Brunette
    12. 12.Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
    1. 1.St. Swithin's Day
    2. 2.She's Got a New Spell
    3. 3.The Buck Doesn't Stop Here No More
    4. 4.California Stars (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    5. 5.Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (Billy Bragg & Wilco cover)
    6. 6.Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
    7. 7.The Boy Done Good
    8. 8.Sexuality
    9. 9.I Will Be Your Shield
    10. 10.Levi Stubbs' Tears
    11. 11.Greetings to the New Brunette
    12. 12.Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
    1. 1.The World Turned Upside Down (Leon Rosselson cover)
    2. 2.To Have and to Have Not
    3. 3.The Lonesome Death of Rachel Corrie
    4. 4.She's Got a New Spell
    5. 5.The Buck Doesn't Stop Here No More
    6. 6.Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
    7. 7.The Boy Done Good
    8. 8.Sexuality
    9. 9.I Will Be Your Shield
    10. 10.There Is Power in a Union
    11. 11.Levi Stubbs' Tears
    12. 12.Greetings to the New Brunette
    13. 13.Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
    14. 14.Between the Wars

Reviews

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 59 reviews
  • Excellent show

    by Sue on 2024-11-20Massey Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    This is the best Billy Bragg concert l've seen in the over 30 years that l've liked the guy-which is interesting because he's older now but just as talented and politically astute. I'm looking forward to the next Billy Bragg concert!

  • a great night with Billy

    by Aud on 2024-10-14Massey Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    Another amazing show by Billy!! He never disappoints! Steven Page opened the show and was fabulous!! Will be watching for his next solo show!

  • Great show Billy

    by Gary on 2024-10-14Massey Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    Hadn’t seen Billy since 1991, we were able to get some last minute tickets and so glad we did. Love the messages he puts out there. Hoping his message is listen to down in the US. We need the women of the US to unite and keep Trump out.

  • Legend

    by Glasgow Dave on 2024-10-14Massey Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    Brilliant gig, thought provoking and also a celebration of music and the human spirit. Nice bit of chat and banter too. Played about of iconic songs.

  • Exceeded expectations

    by Breeze on 2024-10-14Massey Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    I’ve seen Billy Bragg a few times in the past at smaller venues. One time he was actually sick drinking tea on the stage with a scarf around his neck. But, his shows have always been amazing. This concert was no exception, except he seemed to be above and beyond his usual amazing self with wonderful energy telling great stories, with great humour, and talking about life in all its forms with solidarity and power for the people always a priority. And, playing his music with great energy and power connecting with the audience and giving me chills sometimes from songs I grew up listening to as a teen back in the 80’s. The opening act was a nice surprise to me. Steven Page had great energy and him and his guitarist and cellist put on a hell of an emotional, fun show. But, then Billy Bragg opened his set with a blast of awesome energy with the best song (my favourite) Levi Stubbs Tears! With that song I knew the evening was going to be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen of him or any artist. And the crowd was into both artists singing along with some songs with great energy. Thank you for a wonderful evening full of great music, stories and laughs connecting with wonderful artists. And tears did stream from my eyes a few times Billy, thank you.

  • Excellent Show, Expensive Venue

    by Eblack on 2024-09-23Commodore Ballroom - VancouverRating: 5 out of 5

    I am a huge Billy Bragg fan and seeing him live did not disappoint. Terrific musicianship, great lyrics and intellectual honesty. He is absolutely true to himself, his beliefs and to his audience. Having said that, the only sour note was The Commodore‘s (the venue) price gouging. $28.00 for two glasses or beer, really!!?? Ridiculous profiteering and not at all in keeping with the performer!

  • Billy great, no support!

    by Louise on 2024-09-23Commodore Ballroom - VancouverRating: 4 out of 5

    The tickets said 7pm start, probably knew that wasn't going to happen, but maybe 7:30, because there were 3 support acts supposedly?....what happened to them? No mention, no apology? Sitting around for an hour drinking over priced drinks, no beer on tap anymore...what's happening to the Commodore?.

  • Not slowing down!

    by clem on 2024-09-23Commodore Ballroom - VancouverRating: 5 out of 5

    Billy still has the same infectious energy and ability to connect with the crowd that he did in the mid-80s when I first saw him. He is a genuine performer, who relates to his audience with superb musicianship, thoughtful and topical lyrics, often hilarious anecdotes, and a natural self-depreciating sense of humour. He played a full and varied 2 hour set, accompanied at times by his Henrik Sedin lookalike keyboard player. I would highly recommend catching his tour if you're a Billy Bragg fan, either new or old. I thoroughly enjoyed the concert!

  • Billy Bragg

    by s. k. on 2022-10-17The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    My 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

  • Billy never fails to entertain

    by Bragg Fan on 2022-10-16The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    Another 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!