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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.
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.
Billy Bragg is a smart, talented man with a great voice and stage presence.
Once again Billy Bragg was fantastic. He can transport you to places you forgot you have been. Love love him
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.
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.
Billy's the man!!! Billy's the man!!! It was a great show would recommend it.
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!
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!
inspiring evening Billy connects with everyone well worth my time
You can always count on an entertaining evening whenever Billy Bragg comes to town. This show was particularly fun with some witty banter with the audience, and conversations on peer-to-peer file sharing and digital media rights, local politics, and how much the band The Clash shaped his political direction. Playing a good array of songs from Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy up to the most recent release Mr. Love and Juctice, and a few songs from the Mermaid sessions, the audience was treated to the personal and political side of an amazing singer-songwriter. If you get the opportunity to go to see him play don't pass it up.
once again, it was an excellent night with bill bragg. he does not disappoint.
A great show. I was looking forward to it, but it surpassed my expectations. Never had seen Billy live - waited awhile to see him. So worth it.
One man, a complete show! He entertained with songs and stories.
Great show all around. From the opening act of the Skydiggers to Billy's almost solid 2hours of showmanship I don't think that anyone coudl have any complains about this one. Although it was a sit-down venue with no service bar, the show was more enjoyable than the last time I saw him at the Capital. Merch table left a bit to be desired but what can you do when all your distributor does is send you t-shirts. I'd recommend to anyone and go see it again and agian.
Great venue. Great show. Great sound. Billy is a consumate showman and funny as hell but still packs that "fight the power" fire in his belly after all these years. Nice to see.
Billy Bragg played with passion and conviction, his political commentary was insightful and inspiring even if I didnt neccesarily agree with all he said. I have to say I wish he had played more and talked a bit less. The only downside had nothing to do with Bily Bragg, but rather with the venue management. The ticket said the show started at 7 PM. The reality was doors opened at 7. I stood in the rain for a hour, then waited inside until 8 when the opening act began. They should have let us in sooner or had been more specific on the ticket.
I went for a concert, but got 30 minutes of anarchist standup, some of it ok, some of it not so much. Skydiggers lead singer's dancing was entertainging though, he really went for it.
What a voice! He's still got it. And those fabulous flying fingers on the guitar were mesmerizing to watch. His banter between songs is witty and thoughtful - a brilliant balance of political comedy and rock and soul. His songs are still in my head.
In 1985, I went to see the Echo and the Bunnymen show in Kitchener. Loved that band since the early 80s, and I even had a bird's nest haircut like Ian. The opening act was Billy Bragg. We waited for the band to go onstage. No band. It was just a solitary man. At first we didn't pay much attention, focusing on the beer instead, until he sang "The Saturday Boy" and my friends and I shut the hell up and listened. We've been listening ever since, and we listened again last night to vintage Billy Bragg. The show was amazing, his storytelling top notch, the politics inspiring, and the music superb. Only one thing missing: I wish I still had enough hair for a bird's nest.
Billy put on a good show. Great set list although I can't 't recall the order they were in. All the songs were my favorites from older albums. Glad he wasn't trying to flog new songs without playing any old ones. Only bad part was the seating was too tight. I thought we were going to have a table to sit at, but the show sold out so they stuffed us in chairs. Maybe he should have played at the Hamilton Place not the Studio Theater. Didn't help that I had to sit beside a fat person and I'm fat too. No alcohol at your seat made it a little uncivilized.
