Billy Bragg
Majestic Theater
Detroit, Michigan
10 October 2024
This was the perfect moment in history to be in the presence of Mr. Billy Bragg. Few artists have written protest songs and love songs with equal brilliance, powerful enough for his voice to often be accompanied only by the sound of one guitar. Billy’s passion for social justice has given voice to humane and equitable causes that elevate the working class and call out the cynicism of the plutocracy.
I’ve been a fan since 1982’s Life’s a Riot with Spy v Spy. (His busking pseudonym was ‘Spy vs Spy’ from the Mad magazine comic strip.) I’d never experienced his live show, so ever since the Mermaid Avenue project he did with Wilco earlier this century, setting previously unreleased Woody Guthrie lyrics to music, I’ve had him high on my priority list.
Seeing this Englishman in the heat of the American campaign season, with bullshit and factionalism threatening to tear the heart out of the American experiment, gave me hope. Billy exuded the authentic anti-fascist communal spirit of Woody Guthrie. It was a welcome respite to be in this enthusiastic crowd of compassionate, like-minded folk who believe in the power of the people.
Stephen Page, former frontman of Barenaked Ladies, opened the proceedings, performing with his Trio, which features a second guitar and cello. Page hasn’t lost a bit of his signature voice, offering up great new tunes, as well as revisiting the tasty hits he sang on with BNL.
Billy played as I hoped he would, mostly solo, alternating on acoustic and electric guitar. He also had a keyboard player, JJ Cooney, adding some lovely textures on the more tender-hearted bits. There was plenty of passionate and eloquent commentary in between tunes. He had an earful for libertarians and anyone else who supports the right-wing extremism that threatens to significantly alter the foundation of life in America and the world.
But mostly this night was packed with Billy’s mighty riffing, potent lyrics, and his message of strength in the collective power of folks who share the common goals of a better life and equitable treatment before the law for all. And tuning… lots of tuning. He was like, “I don’t know what’s happening here tonight. I’m working on it.” As he looked down, presumably at his tuning device, he quipped, “Actually I’m looking at the football results from England.”
There’s no better way to experience Billy Bragg than to hear him sing & play. I’ve compiled a bunch of bits that I recorded at the Majestic. Ain’t nobody who can sing like him.
BONUS BILLY ALERT!
I was surprised by the beauty and fragility of a new song, 2021’s “I Will Be Your Shield,” that thoroughly swept me away. Lest anyone think my man is slacking in the latter stage of his career.
Definitely make it a point to catch his act while he’s still young and warm and wild and free.
Keep up with Mr. Bragg on his website, billybragg.co.uk
