billybragg (billybragg)

Forty years ago today the Red Wedge tour kicked off at Manchester Apollo. A collective of musicians united by their opposition to the government of Margaret Thatcher, we toured Britain accompanied by Labour MPs seeking to galvanise the youth vote at the 1987 general election. We followed this launch tour with gigs and events across the country leading up to the election.I think it's fair to say that it was the most determined attempt to mix pop and politics in UK history and although it ended in the disappointment of Thatcher's re-election in 1987, those gigs were the most amazing events that I ever had the privilege to be part of. Here's a few photos taken by ace photographer Steve Rapport Photography of Andy,Johnny and me at the Apollo. I know they were taken during the soundcheck, The other picture of the finale was taken later in the tour at the De Monfort Hall in Leicester. Left to right: Paul Weller, Chas Smash, BB, Steve White, Junior Giscombe, Camille Hinds, Sarah Jane Morris, Jimmy Somerville.

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@billybragg It’s been a while, Montreal, but I’ll be back at Club Soda this summer. Keep your eyes peeled for more Canadian dates! Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

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