Billy Bragg - Live Review

Billy Bragg is more than just a singer-songwriter. He is also a political activist, a social commentator, a cultural icon and a voice of hope and resistance. For nearly 20 years, he has been supporting the HOPE not hate campaign, which aims to combat racism and fascism in the UK. He had spent the previous evening at London’s City Hall, where he picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award from HOPE not hate for his anti-fascist activism.

On Friday night, he took to the stage at the O2 Academy Oxford for a special show in solidarity with the cause, joined by rising indie-rock star Tom A Smith as the support act.

Showtime was already early tonight at 8.15pm - but in a welcome move Bragg took to the stage at 8pm, and played right up to the 10pm curfew - minus a small medical interlude in the middle. You don't get many acts doing that. Opening tracks 'A Lover Sings', 'The Million Things That Never Happened', 'All You Fascists Are Bound to Lose' were played before a break for a chat.

Looking around the room, the range of ages was vast, all joining together with a common goal. It was great to see youngsters in the front row singing every lyric, some so moved there were tears.

Firing into 'Sexuality' had the first big singalong of the evening, before launching into 'Mid-Century Modern' which was proceeded with a chat about chaps not being able to be cool and hip anymore, but they can be relevant. A good life lesson.

A mid set cover of The Smiths 'Jeane' to mark the passing of bassist Andy Rourke announced earlier in the day was a lovely touch. Bragg regaled a story of when they had played together previously.

Not long after we had one of the more powerful moments of the evening where Bragg put down his guitar to sing the song 'I Will Be Your Shield' which had the audience silent. After finishing Bragg made a joke about not knowing what to do with his hands.

Bragg’s performance was not only musical, but also conversational. He engaged with the crowd with his humour and charisma, sharing stories and insights about his songs and his views on current affairs. He also encouraged the audience to join him in singing along and clapping their hands, creating a sense of community and solidarity. He also praised Tom A Smith for his talent and his support for HOPE not hate, saying “He’s going to be a big star”.

Towards the end of the show Bragg brought out the big hitters 'The Milkman of Human Kindness', 'To Have and to Have Not', 'There Is Power in a Union', 'The Internationale' before fiting into 'A New England'. The crowd are well up for it now, before Bragg goes off for an encore.

He comes back on and there are a few requests from the crowd. Bragg responds that it's alright for everyone to shout songs out, but he's 65 now and has to remember all the words and chords. It's not so easy.

Bragg ended his set with 'Never buy the Sun' and 'Waiting For The Great Leap Forwards', which are both iconic and anthemic songs.

Billy Bragg's performance was a testament to the enduring power of protest music. Through his emotionally charged delivery, he reminded us that music has the ability to ignite passion, provoke thought, and foster unity. As the evening drew to a close, the audience left the venue with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Billy Bragg's songs continue to serve as a rallying cry for change, and his live performance only strengthened their impact. It was a night that won't be forgotten - an unforgettable experience that reminded us of the transformative power of music.