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John Aizlewood's rating
, Bragg still has bite
By
John Aizlewood
9 Dec 2008
Labour’s coming to power in 1997 and his own domestic contentment blunted Billy Bragg’s songwriting edge. Coasting after his move to the Dorset coast, this year’s Mr Love And Justice has finally re‑engaged him. Last night Bragg mixed staples (bar Between The Wars), covers and new material.
Admirably, Bragg — 51 this month — was wholly alone aside from cameos by Kate Nash, sultry on The Shangri-Las’ Give Him A Great Big Kiss; Damon “Badly Drawn Boy” Gough, who strummed Walk Away Renee as Bragg talked of teenage love and support act Otis Gibbs.
More admirably, Bragg’s charm did not pall over two hours. Between songs he was heroically funny whether mining a seam of Tony Hadley gags, musing about the unlikely possibility of being covered on X Factor and the humiliation of meeting George Osborne and discovering the Shadow Chancellor is a huge fan.
Elsewhere, he was deadly serious discoursing on The Clash and racism and the evening often had the air of a revivalist meeting.
Yet, for all he was preaching to the converted, Bragg’s oratory was mesmerising. Indeed, it’s a wonder he’s never embarked upon a Tony Benn-esque speaking tour. That day will surely come.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (2)
Brilliant! This was everything you wanted from a Bill Bragg concert. Revitalised by a new album and a new political dawn in America, the old classics were effortlessly complimented by the new songs. By his own admission Billy Bragg is not the greatest singer in the world, neither is he the greatest guitarist (highlighted by Badly Drawn Boy's beautifully played cameo), he is however an honest performer, wholeheartedly believing every word that comes out of his mouth. You may not agree with everything he says, however you can only respect him for how passionately he relays it. There was a lot of love in Shepherds Bush Empire last night.
- John Miles, London, England, 09/12/2008 14:50
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Bragg was fantastic last night. I never get tired of hearing his music, and could listen to his witty, prescient musings all night. He is the only act I have ever seen who's chat between songs is as good a reason to see him as the songs themselves. Inspiring!
- Londonlass, London, 09/12/2008 13:58
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