Review: Billy Bragg just gets better with age as he gives old favourites fresh resonance in Birmingham show

I was 14 when I first heard Billy’s voice; my older sister sat on me (this actually happened) until I listened to the whole album. Therefore, a disclaimer – I’m a fan of 34 years, so there is an aspect of bias in this review. I also took my 18-year-old daughter who is a new fan and has the passion and vigour of such. This enriched my enjoyment exponentially.

There was an unusual start to the concert, part of Billy’s Roaring 40 tour, with a short documentary showing footage from the archives giving the background to his 40 years in the business. As he commented, the hair and the outfits may cause a wry grin, but the music, craft and Billy’s voice have definitely matured with time. It put his work into context for his younger fans (11 years old the youngest spotted) and left the rest of us nostalgic. However, while the old favourites are present, they now resonate with new global issues, adapted to reflect the current world order. The best part of Billy’s work has always been his bravery to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most marginalised groups and to put this to a song we can all belt out (with varying degrees of success). He comments on war in the Middle East, climate change, the government, violence against women and most controversially (in some parts of the audience) trans rights issues, made my daughter and I proud to be in his gang. As the merch says, Empathy – good for you, good for me.

Anyway – the music. It may not change the world but watching a packed Town Hall join in a chorus of Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards was a thing of joy. CJ Hillman on guitar and keyboard and JJ Wilde on keyboard added depth and style to the performance. Hands were raised across the floor in solidarity for Power in the Union. Then just when you think it’s all over Billy hits the stage alone with his old trusty guitar for the encore comprising 17 minutes of his whole first album including classics such as The Milkman of Human Kindness and A New England. His voice deeper, stronger at 65. What more could we ask for?

The concert took place on November 25. Visit billybragg.co.uk/giglistings for future tour dates.