Billy Bragg

Musician and activist

Billy Bragg is an alternative rock musician who has become well-known for his political activism. Born in 1957, he first formed a band called Riff Raff in 1977. After achieving little initial success, he briefly joined the British Army in a tank regiment before buying his way out. He then began a tireless period of gigging before securing the release of his first album, Life’s a Riot with Spy Vs. Spy in 1983. His music often deals with polticial issues, and he famously attended rallies during the miners' strike of 1984-85. He released his highly successful third album Talking with the Taxman About Poetry in 1986. Bragg has continued to combine music with political activism and most recently attacked bankers' bonuses by refusing to pay income tax. He regularly features on radio and television broadcasts and contributes to the Guardian.