Billy Bragg: A People's History

Billy Bragg ? A People's History is an oral history of the British singer-songwriter and political activist. It's the story of the Bard of Barking in the words of over 700 people who have been moved by his music, either seeing Billy in concert, on a demonstration or on TV. Whether singing about love in 'A New England', domestic violence in 'Levi Stubbs Tears' or political activism in 'There is Power in a Union', Billy Bragg has been inspiring fans through his music and sparking political debate with his opinions for more than 40 years. With over 400 images including memorabilia & photographs from Billy's personal archive and contributions from the man himself, Billy Bragg ? A People's History spans Billy's career in music, from his days with the punk-inspired Riff Raff through to the present day. The book includes anecdotes from fans, friends and collaborators of seeing Billy in concert or encountering him as an activist, as well as Billy's reflections on his long career. Contributors include Juliet Wills (Billy's manager & partner), environmentalist Chris Packham, childhood friend & sometime road manager Wiggy, actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, Cara Tivey, Dave Woodhead, Grant Showbiz, Neil Spencer, Martin Goldschmidt (Cooking Vinyl), Sid Griffin (Long Ryders), Nora Guthrie and Jamie Webster and an introduction by stand up comedian Phill 'Porky the Poet' Jupitus. AUTHOR: Whether singing about love in 'A New England', domestic violence in 'Levi Stubbs Tears' or political activism in 'There is Power in a Union', Billy Bragg has been inspiring fans through his music and sparking political debate with his opinions for more than 40 years. The Guardian has described his songs as 'the perfect Venn diagram between the political and the personal', he's had a No.1 single, shaken hands with the Queen and appeared at Wembley Stadium. Billy Bragg is from Barking, Essex. 430 colour and b/w images