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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.
As per usual, Billy put on an amazing, sonically-powerful show. Great songs, great sound, great banter. Met him after the show for an autograph and a chat. Great guy.
Excellent show, would definately go and see him again.
Billy Bragg talked even more than usual on Tuesday night at the Phoenix in Toronto. Normally a good thing, last night he seemed a little tired and not as funny as he usually is. He was in fine voice, though the show lagged in the middle with Woody Guthrie songs that are not every fan's cup of tea.
I went to this event hoping for catchy and socially inspired music. I was not disappointed. Billy Bragg blends mirth and catchy tunes with some serious comments about the need to participate in social issues and the desperate fight against cynicism. He's an artist who makes you want to undetake meaningful action when you get back to your own world.
We had to leave after an hour ,due to the late start. Ok so maybe 10 o'cloclk isn't that late for it to begin, but for a mid week gig and work, in the morning, come on........ .We weren't the only poeple who left. Apart from that ,Billy still rules!
This is the second Billy Bragg concert that I've seen, and was as great as the first. Its refreshing to see an artist who is sincere and forgos the usual rock star bs. If you ever get a chance, go to a Bragg concert. From what I understand Billy Bragg talks to members of the audience after shows, but as both times I've seen him its been in Toronto on a week night, and I live about an hour and a half outside of the city I haven't been able to stick around, which is a drag.
Bill was amazing! The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto is a small pub-like venue with a 1,300 capacity, and it was full. He opened with The World Turned Upside-Down, so I knew right away we were onto a winner. He played (in no particular order) Greetings To The New Brunette, Levi Stubbs Tears, Power in a Union, The Warmest Room, Accident Waiting to Happen, Sexuality, Cindy Of A Thousand Lives, The Saturday Boy (yeah!), A Lover Sings.... He closed with the WHOLE of the Life's a Riot album as an encore, with (obviously A New England right at the end). I saw him just over a year ago (at the Harbourfront Centre), and he played loads of newer stuff, which whilst OK, wasn't really what I was looking for. This time it was like being back in Barking Town Hall, where I first saw him 25 years ago. He didn't finish until after after midnight, way past his (and my) bedtime. I was hoarse, in fact barely able to speak... Bill at his best...
Passionate Genius. A man, a guitar, a cup of tea - a spellbound audience. You must catch this guy on tour.
nice that some things have not changed - most entertained that I have been for a while.
