GIG REVIEW – Billy Bragg: Mar 16 at Sydney Opera House

The iconic British left-wing protest and folk singer is back in Sydney – just in time to rant a bit against Abbott and sing a little at the March in March rally attended by 12,000 people in Sydney on Sunday.

Bragg’s gig at the Sydney Opera House was vastly different to his usual agit-pop hardness, with a more relaxed and folksy vibe. The audience didn’t seem to mind, especially since Bragg was in a particularly chatty mood and backed by a talented full band.

The socialists quipped, “That wasn’t like it was in the 80s,” but Bragg made them laugh and cry like he always has. His new tune No One Knows Anything Anymore was heartfelt, and his oldies like Way Over Yonder and Take Down the Union Jack had the audience exalted.

Bragg’s latest tour is one not to be missed. Any chance to see him is, for that matter. He is fantastic live and inspires relief in a climate of cynicism. (MH)

Mar 18, Manning Bar, Manning Rd, University of Sydney, $56.10+bf, manningbar.com