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| The new album from Billy Bragg and The Blokes, England, Half English, was released on March 4 in the UK and Europe • March 5 in the USA • March 12 in Canada • March 30 in Japan (with two bonus tracks) • April 15 in Australia (with one bonus track). |
| Biography Billy Bragg is a British singer songwriter who first came to prominence in 1983 with his debut album, ‘Life’s a Riot’. Since then he has become one of the country’s best known and best loved popular musicians. Dubbed Britain’s finest rock poet by the British music paper, NME, Billy’s high quality songwriting shuns the glossy values traditionally associated with pop music. Between 1983 and 1993 Billy toured extensively across the globe, much of the time as a solo performer. During those years he released several Top Ten albums and numerous Top Twenty singles in many territories. He has collaborated with The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, 10,000 Maniacs’ Natalie Merchant, Peter Seeger, REM, and Wilco. Those who have recorded songs written by Billy include the late Kirsty MacColl (‘A New England’), Paul Young (‘Man in the Iron Mask’), and Dubstar (‘St Swithins Day’). Apart from his music and his sense of humour, Billy is also well known for his personal commitment to political and humanitarian issues. He says he was politicised by Margaret Thatcher, and his experiences while actively supporting the British mining communities during the Miners Strike of 1984/85 proved a strong early influence. This later led him to create a coalition of musicians, Red Wedge, which offered critical support for the UK’s Labour Party during the 1987 General Election. He has been a longstanding and vociferous campaigner against racism and has lent his solidarity to many international issues in many ways, including performing to raise funds. In 1993 Billy became a father and curtailed his rigorous touring schedule in order to spend time with his family. Working mostly in London, he wrote music and songs for several films, including ‘Walking and Talking’ and the BBC’s ‘Safe’ and the feature film ‘Mad Love’. While his musical career is the most important aspect of his work, he manages to find time to work as a broadcaster and writer discussing social and political issues which are close to his heart. He has written extensively on such subjects as Englishness and the reform of the House of Lords, for both broadsheet and broadcasting media. He added his support to the successful campaign to get Ken Livingstone elected as Mayor of London. |
| The Blokes Billy Bragg's current touring and recording band, The Blokes, feature the great talents of Ian McLagan who plays Hammond Organ and Piano. In a previous life he has played with The Small Faces, The Faces, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and every other musical legend you can think of. Ben Mandelson plays Lap Steel Guitar and Bouzouki. He is a very close associate of the 3 Mustaphas 3. Lu Edmonds plays Electric Guitar, Saz and Cumbus and sings. He has played with The Damned, Pil, The Mekons and Shriekback. He is a close associate of the 3 Mustaphas 3. Martyn Barker plays drums and occasional backing vocals. Martyn has played with Shriekback among others. Simon Edwards plays bass and has spent many hours with Fairground Attraction, Talk, Talk, Kirsty McColl and Shriekback. |
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| My autographed Billy Bragg photo! |