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Billy Bragg

Folk

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. 

Reviews

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 51 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by Anonymous on 2013-05-06Bronson Centre - Ottawa

    A full four hours of songs relating to social issues. Homage to Woodie Guthrey and a great lesson in the power of music which is why WG had "This machine kills fascists." written on his guitar.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Billy Bragg

    by DipperD on 2013-05-05The Danforth Music Hall - Toronto

    A brilliant show! Billy Bragg was his usual acerbic, funny self with his between song political comments about Thatcher and finding good coffee. His new songs are reflective in an Americana/country style, while old favourites were sung along by a beer-fuelled audience. He's still got the passion that has always driven his work, even if he is traveling in a giant tour bus..

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Billy Bragg

    by Babymama8374 on 2013-05-05The Danforth Music Hall - Toronto

    Fantastic concert and such a nice touch when Billy came out to autograph and meet his fans. Staff were lovely and the venue was fantastic. We had dinner at The Globe, which was featured on the tix. Lovely meal. I would like you to feature on your website or tickets that there is an opening act and when the headliner will come on. We drove in from Waterloo and hit traffic. This bit of info would have been helpful for us. We were worried that we would miss dinner, but we instead skipped Kim, the opening act. First time at this venue and I will certainly seek it out again. Stellar! Thanks for a great evening. Get him back ASAP!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great again, second time around

    by Triniman on 2010-03-27Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg

    Great show! This time, he spoke heavily about how he wouldn't be a musician were it not for The Clash. He also played some Woody Guthrie tunes and spoke about politics and fascists, including the facist politician who is tried to get elected as an MP in Billy's home riding. He joked about how his three nephews in England are big into hockey and how they figured out ahead of time through the internet, which stores in Wpg he should stop in to buy them hockey gear.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    First experience

    by Camelius on 2009-12-02Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    My first time seeing Billy live. I know him best for his work with Wilco, but he is good in his own right. I do appreciate his music more than his stories.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Guitar, two chords and the truth............

    by RAL436 on 2009-11-29Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg

    One of the best and most engaging concerts I have seen in a while. one of many great moments: During his setup to Ingrid Bergman (which last several minutes) an unfortunate audience member shouted "get on with the it" to which Bragg replied in a witty and funny manner. "Have you ever been to a folk gig before mate. Its going to be a F*** long night if you haven't I tell you (Laugher and clapping from the rest of the audience). When Woodie Guthrie, my sponser, for whom I work for his corporation, first came to New York they gave him a half-hour spot on the bill of Carnegie Hall, he played two songs, both of them were two minutes long. OK now we know who we are (more Laughter)" Bragg provided an unconventional, and delightful insight of Woody Guthrie during the preamble to "Ingrid Bergman" - one that goes beyond the 2-dimensional politicized characterization of this iconic folk artist and one that will forever change the meaning of that wonderful "love ballad" from 1998's Mermaid Avenue.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Bragg shines in concert

    by Daedalus71 on 2009-11-29Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg

    Billy Bragg is at his best live. He makes a concert hall feel like a living room where a bunch of friends have gathered. His singing and guitar are passionate, his banter between songs is funny and incisive and hope-inspiring, and you can feel a genuine warmth coming off the guy. In this show you could tell that he really enjoyed being in Winnipeg in particular, and the feeling was mutual.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great Night

    by Willllllllllllllllll on 2009-11-29Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg

    First time seeing him, really enjoyed it. With a mixture of songs, stories and spoken word, Billy totally reinvigorated my faith in life and the political process. I'd reccomend his show and music to anyone.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Bragg pulls out the stops.

    by BigWooly on 2009-11-29Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg

    Billy Bragg put on a show to remember, and a show that provoked memories for those attuned to his activist roots. Playing from virtually all of his albums, Billy sang, played guitar in the way only he can, and spoke at length on his views and ideals, inspiring the intimate crowd to cheers and singalongs. Welcome back, Billy

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Absolutely one of the best performers out there!

    by LaurafromtheMountains on 2009-11-26Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    Last night Billy Bragg blew me away. His performance was mesmerizing, and I didn't want it to end. Not only does Bragg still have a powerful voice as clear and as inspiring as any of his first recordings, even 30 years later, but he is one of the most entertaining performers I have ever seen. His witty story telling had the audience laughing and cheering. Bragg takes the time to talk about what inspires his music and his anecdotes taken from his real life made listening to his music all the more interesting and powerful. Bragg brought an amazing ability to not only breathe life into his own art but also into others. His interpretations of Woody Guthrie's catalog was well worth the listen. A fantastic show and truly great performer. I would go back again if I could and if you have a chance to catch a show on this tour, Do it!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    First time seeing Billy- very inspirational

    by Kaydawn on 2009-11-26Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    It was my first time seeing Billy Bragg in concert, after having listened to his cds since my boyfriend is a huge fan. The performance was very good. He played acoustically with no other musicians. Great, clear voice and meaningful lyrics about political activism, social issues and love. The best thing was his commentary throughout the concert when he told jokes and sent out some stories about each song. Also enjoyed the Woodie Guthrie tunes he put to music. Great opening acts too!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Billy Bragg was at his best

    by Londonbus on 2009-11-26Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    As we reminisced before the show about watching Billy Bragg and the Beatnigs 20 years earlier at MacHall Ballroom in 1988, it was with heightened anticipation that we entered the Jack Singer Hall to watch him perform again. Older, wiser and now a father - Billy Bragg has definitely grown up. And as he played and relayed stories interwoven with experiences of his youth, his early adulthood and career, his musical experiences, challenges raising a son, and his favourite football team (the Hammers!!!) - the rich tapestry of his story telling - through song and spoken word - created an evening not to be forgotten soon. Billy Bragg's message is definitely more succinct now as well - and as he concluded the evening with "I Keep Faith" - it was a fitting reminder of Billy's message that we all have a responsibility to make a difference in this world.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Billy Bragg and his opening acts were ON!!!

    by Anonymous on 2009-11-26Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    An amazing evening at the Jack Singer. Billy Bragg's collecion of old and new songs, interspersed with his wit and charm made for a delightful venue.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by Anonymous on 2009-11-26Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    Billy Bragg is a smart, talented man with a great voice and stage presence.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Billy Bragg is WICKED

    by delilah on 2009-11-26Jack Singer Concert Hall (ECPA) - Calgary

    Once again Billy Bragg was fantastic. He can transport you to places you forgot you have been. Love love him

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Worth the Wait

    by Signaller on 2009-11-23Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver

    The only drawback to the night was the very long time it took to actually get started. Doors opened at 8 pm and and hour later, still waiting for something other than the canned music. Opening act was ok and was a similar gendre to Bragg. Billy himself was in great form, kicking off the night withe the upbeat "accident waiting to happen". Lots of great comedy and commentary as he moved the crowd through upbeat and slower songs. My personal favorite came in the encore with "Thank Park Salute". (The encore also included A New England and Levi Stubbs Tears". Nearly all the favorites were there as well as some I wasn't as familiar with. Overall a terrific show by a great artist.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Billy Bragg was awesome

    by Bryant on 2009-11-22Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver

    Loved the way he interacted with the audience & told stories of his past, his son, his beliefs, Canadian football, our weather! Enjoyed everything he played.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Billy's the man

    by JG12 on 2009-11-22Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver

    Billy's the man!!! Billy's the man!!! It was a great show would recommend it.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    tea and politics made for a great night

    by dannno on 2009-11-22Bronson Centre - Ottawa

    I've been waiting to see Billy for 20 years and I was not disappointed. I brought my 12 year old son with me and even he thought he was cool!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Billy was inspiring!

    by Pinkbaby on 2009-11-22Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver

    As a social justice activist, I sometimes get disheartened. Last night's Billy Bragg concert was just what I needed to inspire me to continue to fight for what is right. I remember seeing Billy 26 years ago when he first came to Vancouver and, though we are all a bit older, he rocked it again! The sound was great. The lightning was perfect. And the crowd was there to be with Billy. Another great Billy Bragg concert!