Billy keeps rocking
by Two on 9/24/24Neptune Theatre - SeattleRating: 5 out of 5Such a great show. Billy Bragg keeps it real and rocking. Compassion with a punk riff.

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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.
Over the course of their career, Billy Bragg has played at venues such as the Buckhead Theater in Atlanta and have brought places like Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut to maximum capacity.
Such a great show. Billy Bragg keeps it real and rocking. Compassion with a punk riff.
He just gets better and better. Really loved his stories and his singing voice was in top form. Loved this show.
I've seen Billy Bragg perform a handful of times around New England, including the Somerville Theater and the now defunct Port City Music Hall but I had never been to Aura before. The venue was the perfect size to lend a feeling of intimacy to the show, and the sound was clear and clean. Billy put on a wonderful show, as always, with a delightful mix of old and new songs, and his signature banter between. As per usual, Billy kept his songs fresh by updating a few lines here and there, most notably in his "big hit"Sexuality. It was refreshing to hear "just cuz you're a They, I won't turn you away."Hard to imagine he's 66, as he sounds just as good, if not better, than his younger years. I left feeling energized about the future, and ready to tell all those Fascists that they're bound to lose!
Billy Bragg never lets you down! If you have seen him, you already know this. If you haven't, you Should. The songs are first class and Bill has a wonderful way of explaining complicated issues and putting them in simple terms...even a fool like me can understand. Just Brilliant,cheers!
Very energetic and drew from the packed crowd feedback. A lot of passion (and humor) in his songs and words. Played an extensive set spanning his career. Don't miss him if he comes your way! The Aura venue is a great place to see any artist up close.
Inspirational solidarity and fun. Best show I’ve seen in a long time.
Initially walking in and hearing Woody Guthrie songs was inspiring. Being introduced to newer younger music groups is expected and understandable but sets were a bit too long and the last music group was HORRIBLE especially the lead singer who was continually flat and loud ...so much so that I had to think of other things or go to sleep as it was torture listening to her. But Billy was fantastic as expected. I appreciated him saying how music doesn't change the world but would have appreciated more emphasis on how it helps to give people sustenance to struggle onward. Yes, his plea for folks to vote against the anti democratic forces was sobering and I think all who were there totally appreciated it.
Town Hall is a great venue and surrounded by Broadway theaters and of course Times Square. Restaurants around it close early so it's in your best interest to eat BEFORE the show. TH is not huge and holds about 1,600 people and so it's a perfect place to see a performance as you're not a million feet away like some monstrous venues such as MSG. The theater is a beautiful and historic building with a long list of incredibly talented people that have been there. Sometimes, if you're lucky you can catch the performer leave and very lucky when they stop to say hi and take a picture. They do serve drinks! The bathrooms have limited stalls so there can be a long line at times. Best to get there early, grab a drink, relax, and wait for the show!
Billy Bragg never just pulls into a town and runs through a set-list. At nearly 65, Billy continues to be a musically vital and politically energizing force. And while he taps into the anthems of sweeping societal movements, his songs and his patter address the need for attention and action at the local and even personal level. And he does all this without preaching. He delivers some of his best and most familiar material (including some with updated lyrics – very much in keeping with the folk tradition) with humour and passion and tenderness in turn. This straightforward line-up with himself on guitar and a single backing musician providing rhythm, keyboard textures and vocal harmonies kept things lean and highly effective. I've seen Billy Bragg many times over the years – from the steps of Queens Park to the checkerboard floor of the Horseshoe to a Harbourfront Centre festival but I kind of think the Danforth Music Hall is practically made for the Billy Bragg experience.
A great singer, a poet, an activist. Billy Bragg is a generation compass.
What a great and intimate venue. And totally appreciate the box office being able to print my tickets when I couldn't get into my Ticketmaster app. Billy put on an amazing show. They only bad thing is the night had to end.
Such a great night. Billy Bragg never disappoints!
Billy still gives his all for music, politics, love, and poetry. Even at 62, Billy doesn’t mail it in. He’s as passionate and committed to changing the world as he was in the 1980s! In a two hour show expect one hour of music and one hour of Billy’s insights into the world! You’ll leave the show looking for a cause to get behind or something to protest!!
Show was excellent and he played great mix of songs. Hope he comes around again soon. Opening act was also excellent
Great show, full of great deliveries and even better socialist musings. No complaints, but the usual: The Town Hall has the MOST uncomfortable balcony seats in NYC.
Aloce Phoebe Lou was great opener. Ive been loving YouTube videos of hers for a while, but didnt really appreciate how good her voice was until i saw her solo. Billy Bragg was someone i listened to in college (1980s) bit was glad i saw him live. He was a very interesting guy in addition to his songs (which isnt really a surprise). Overall a VERY enjoyable concert!
The Carolina Theatre is always awesome, the ticketing process fine, and the show?…..I hadn’t seen him live in 20 years, and am SO sorry I haven’t! Was seriously considering following him up to DC for Friday’s show! We heart you, BB!!
What a great performer. I love that he strives to remain relevant (his words not mine) whist continuing to put on a great show.
Billy was awesome, lots of witty banter and wonderful song that the audience took over the singing! A cracking great time!
Opening act was warm and enlightening! Billy crushed a 2 hour set mixed with old and new songs. Wrapped it all up with Milk Man Of Human Kindness which was the perfect song for the times! Last saw and photographed him at the Newport Folk Fest where he did a few duets with Natalie Merchant! She signed some of my images back stage of her from a previous gig with The 10,000 Maniacs! But after almost 20 years Billy Brag sounded fantastic and was still full of spit and vinegar! Wish everyone could have and should see him perform his songs of peace and harmony!