Billy Bragg and the Blokes, Norwich
In these days of Pop Idol, it was nice to see back in Norwich a genuine star in the shape of 80s icon Billy Bragg.
In these days of Pop Idol, it was nice to see back in Norwich a genuine star in the shape of 80s icon Billy Bragg.
True, his voice, is not the smoothest to ever hit the charts — “the political fellow with the mellow bellow” was his favourite description of himself.
But although his rougher edges may have been smoothed out over the years, Bragg still packs a punch. And is not afraid to state his point of view. Who else would come out with a song called “No Power Without Responsibility”?
Bragg is the one-part polemicist, one-part comedienne and one-part singer.
But it is that final third that raises him above the rest. Whether it be new songs such as his single St Mondays or other material from his new album English, Half English, or crowd pleasers such as his past hits New England or Sexuality, Bragg delivers.
His 60s band add real soul to his performance and the 80s hang heavily over a show which is never less than entertaining.
Most Read
- 1 Norfolk deli owner suffers severe spinal injuries in Ibiza diving accident
- 2 Revealed: Where dangerous parasite has been reported in Norfolk
- 3 Driver died in crash with tractor after misjudging corner on rural road
- 4 Possible foot and mouth disease case investigated at pig farm
- 5 Train evacuated after hitting horse on Norwich to Diss line
- 6 Care home which has sat empty for four years to be revived by new owners
- 7 Highways bosses reveal when A47 dualling work will start
- 8 7 dogs looking for new homes in Norfolk
- 9 Traffic delays after car plunges into underpass in Yarmouth
- 10 Bid to build five industrial units in Norfolk village
True, not everyone comes to gigs to listen to please to support Nicaraguan-made ethical T-shirts or support a living wage in Tower Hamlets, but the sincerity is all part of the package.
An excellent night out with a first-rate band, although for someone who has not been to the Waterfront for some time I have to say that neither the acoustics or the sight-lines have improved with age.