Billy Bragg
Bristol Colston Hall
24th April, 2008

View: stalls, centre

Back on the road promoting Mr. Love & Justice, Bragg continued the trend of the past few years by performing solo. Kicking off with World Turned Upside Down, he embarked on an infectious mix of songs and banter, gradually warming up the appreciative crowd. Englishness is a theme returned to throughout the evening and provides continuity of thought. Although serious, he maintains a sense of humour and likens himself to Marmite, while admitting it’s tough being a “50 year old rock star”, but it doesn’t stop him. New songs such as O Freedom and I Keep Faith snuggle up nicely with favourites like Levi Stubbs’ Tears and Power In A Union. However, he has to wait for the traditional finale of A New England before the crowd relaxes enough to join him on the chorus and end the evening on a high.

Reviewed by Ian Templeton
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