Billy Bragg: A People’s History – edited by Iain Key

Published by Spenwood Books

Released 24th October 2025

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The publication of this marvellous celebration of the legend who is Billy Bragg could hardly be more timely. As a singer, writer, social commentator and champion of the disadvantaged and downtrodden, Bragg’s observations have never been more pertinent, which, somewhat ironically, is something which will probably make him very sad.

But even if Billy claims he doesn’t want to change the world, he’s done more than most to try to make it a better place, and Billy Bragg – A People’s History is a fitting and well-deserved tribute to someone who would probably squirm at the description ‘national treasure’, but who demands it nonetheless. It also provides a lasting chronicle of the life and times to date of an artist whose contribution to political debate will be remembered long after that of most politicians, not least because they’re presented via the medium of some damn fine tunes.

Editor Iain Key, who is clearly a workaholic (or glutton for punishment), follows a similar format to that used in the epic tome All The Young Punks: A People’s History Of The Clash (the foreword to which was provided by a certain B. Bragg), but goes even bigger this time. As the title suggests, this is primarily a collection of insights and reminiscences from fans, colleagues, industry insiders, fellow musicians et al (not to mention a foreword from comedic pal Phill Jupitas), and what a fascinating and erudite bunch they turn out to be. The whole thing is brought to life by a plethora of photographic souvenirs to create a fascinating collage of Billy’s career. What make it even more of a must-have for Bragg aficionados are the fifty never-before-seen contributions from the artist himself, complete with pictures, taking us all the way from early guitar noodling with long-time cohort Wiggy to last year’s US tour, ensuring that this is a truly unique, authentic and collaborative document.

Much of what is covered here will give new insights to even the most ardent of Bragg admirers, and for those only familiar with his more recent achievements, the early tales of his involvement with the band Riff Raff prove particularly enlightening and entertaining. Some of the memorabilia, including a setlist on a scrap of paper, a DIY flyer and early live shots, are really evocative of the period, even for those unaware of the name at the time. There is also a fascinating insight from Billy into the demise of the band amid what he saw as punk’s loss of direction. Adam Sweeting’s Melody Maker review of his performance under the pseudonym Spy vs Spy picks up the story, and it’s this combination of contemporary observation and present-day reflection which keeps things so dynamic.

The first television appearance, performing A New England on The Tube, is featured, complete with a photograph taken alongside a cigarette-puffing John Lydon, and a touching and amusing contribution from Billy’s manager and partner, Juliet Wills, provides another highlight. The first tour of the States with Echo And The Bunnymen, pieces from the estimable Chris Packham and Julie Hesmondhalgh, appearing on TOTP with Between The Wars, the Red Wedge movement, The Roaring Forty tour – it’s all here, and so much more. There’s even a 2019 photo of Bragg meeting editor Key at Manchester Academy in 2019 when A People’s History was just a twinkle in their eyes. Of particular interest to the super-fans will be the extensive gigography, painstakingly compiled by Billy with help from the loyal online community in filling the inevitable gaps, interspersed with posters from the relevant tours and shows, which again provide splendid pictorial accompaniment to the text.

We’re all aware of what a profound difference the Bard of Barking has made to his fans, the inspiration he’s provided to other musicians and poets, and the unyielding way in which he has helped to make political debate and the fight for change more accessible to both his own generation and the youngsters who still draw inspiration to this day. What becomes increasingly evident the further you delve into this quite stunning piece of work is what an incredible life the man has led, the countries visited, the superstars, politicians and dignitaries he’s met, shared a stage with and called friends, and the countless magical days and nights spent treading the boards from Canning Town to Capitol Hill. Yet despite this, the feeling is that Billy Bragg remains a modest, down-to-earth and humorous chap, a man who’s never forgotten his roots or, for that matter, lost his accent. Inevitably with a book of such weight, both physical and figurative, you will find your own way to read it, be that from cover to cover (probably not in one sitting), dipping in and out, or examining your favourite periods of Bragg’s career – but if you count yourself amongst Billy’s legions of fans, then read it you must.

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All words by Robin Boardman. More writing from Robin on Louder Than War can be found at his author’s archive.