Billy Bragg - Waiting For The Great Leap Forward (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Billy Bragg performing "Waiting For The Great Leap Forward" live in the KEXP studio. Recorded 3/14/2013.
Host: Troy Nelson
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Shelly Corbett & Scott Holpainen
Editor: Scott Holpainen
www.billybragg.co.uk
kexp.org
mellowjohnnys.com

[@mikehaywood5718]

One of the greatest wordsmiths ever to grace a stage . This guy just gets better .

[@MrMacadam777]

No, just no.

[@fredh1720]

@@MrMacadam777 wow, that's a compelling point

[@JWOHALL]

@@MrMacadam777 well when you put it that way...

[@morganfarr5886]

I'm a WoW player, as well as a point-blank revolutionary socialist, and a medical pharmacologist by trade. It's one of my few pleasures. LOVE this man's work.

[@joeytwosubs]

Morgan Farr How much does a medical pharmacologist make? If you made less more people could get prescription coverage! You should be ashamed of yourself!

[@morganfarr5886]

joeytwosubs hahahahahaha Where in this did I specify i'm American?! Here in Britain prescription coverage is extended to all. And MOST of us earn very little especially compared to those who actually get the breakthrough. So, put down your tye-dyed American flag, the joint of hash and realise (That's how it's actually spelt) that actually most of the people who worked bloody hard to bring you the drugs your life would be far worse without earn at max 40-50k p/a. So if you have a problem please contact the lawmakers who allow AZ, GSK Phizer and the others to run up extortionate pill prices. Sit down son. You just got taught to think before you post shit on-line.

[@tellsitlikeitis123]

Morgan Farr Comrade, I am an American (unfortunately) and that is by birth, not by choice. Please excuse the ignorant ramblings of joeytwosubs. Here, in this plutocracy-corpocracy, proletarians are manipulated into being both divided and ashamed of their class more so than anywhere else in the world, although even that tactic is finally beginning to fail the capitalists. However, as with any evolutionary period, some are lagging behind. Even in the US, the prices of medications are obviously not set by pharmacologists, but rather the corporate slave drivers. Again, please excuse Joey's ignorance and understand that he does not represent the majority of your American comrades... not by a long shot. WORKERS OF THE WORLD; wherever we are from, whether we are pharmacologists or farmers, mechanics or factory workers, cooks or midwives, we are all ONE class! We all need each other. Together we are the engine of ALL the economies. We must unify and inflict a synchronized worldwide workers strike to eliminate capitalism once and for all. It's like spraying for roaches. You can't do one room at a time. It has to be the whole house all at once in order for it work. For that, we need unity. Please do not attack other comrades, as joeytwosubs has done. Put the blame for the economical problems we face on those who are actually controlling such things. It is unjust and counterrevolutionary to blame fellow workers and plays right into their hands. The revolution is the door through which we must walk, however, unification is the key to opening it! POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

[@morganfarr5886]

Dude, THANK YOU!!! Live together or we die alone. Hope my comment wasn't excessive. I believe that capitalism will end eventually. But until then I'll wear the shackles to provide for my family.

[@tellsitlikeitis123]

Morgan Farr I completely understand, comrade... absolutely. I wouldn't call your reply "excessive". Some people are still waking up and need to learn more before they speak... especially as critically as Joey was speaking. I agree, it shall eventually end. Capitalism is cannibalistic by its nature and is now rotting like a fallen fruit. One way or another, it shall eventually collapse. In the mean time, we can't just let our loved ones starve AND we must prepare. If you can make more money than I, go for it. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'd much rather that extra money go into a comrade's hands than the bourgeoisie, by far. You'll do the right things with that money. Workers need to end seeing things like race, geography, beliefs, sexuality differences, and other such things as being a divider. There is strength in our diversity, not weakness. The revolution is coming and I am with you, Comrade Morgan!

[@deannilvalli6579]

He really is a smooth strummer. And he can improvise pretty damn quick, can't he?

[@Giantcappuccino]

This is Billy Bragg at his finest to me. Just him and an acoustic guitar.

[@TomTomTomTom538]

Completely agree

[@09selah]

How am I just now seeing this?! Loved this man since high school, and that was in the 80’s!

[@vaporosoez]

Me too! Billy Bragg made me aware as a teenager, of political issues/human issues.

[@alastairmacgregor3529]

So much to say that is so true.

[@Tigerpuffer]

Billy Bragg reminds me of the UK's version of Bruce Springsteen or Bob Dylan, but I think he's honestly a bit smarter and more politically passionate than those two. I think that might be selling him a bit short. He's got some Strummer in there, too.

[@jaramoneja]

Well, I wouldn't agree on being more politically passionate than Bob. His career was much more divided. Altogether, I would say Billy is more politically charged, but can he beat 63-64 Dylan? Don't think so.

[@liambateman6388]

I agree Johnny that Tiger has sold Bob short, Bob Dylan more cryptic than Bragg but the message pings similarly from both. Both incredibly smart men, creating ways to express the thoughts of so many of us. Bob Dylan is so wise though, one of the most poetic geniuses to walk the earth, so I have to comment to defend him. Great version this is, absolutely love it.

[@ianinstone800]

+RoadRover .RoadRover know head

[@alanstrom2221]

More like Woody and Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger etc. Bob Dylan is a turncoat and traitor.

[@johns3106]

I love how Billy combines the best elements of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Joe Strummer...all passionate singers for social justice!

[@DonovanMann]

"a bit of the old time religion". Beautiful.

[@berndgruner8510]

Danke nochmal fürs Senden ❤❤😂😂🎉❤Danke

[@jima6801]

Billy has always been an inspiration. Since the Peel Sessions (RIP JP), immediately after which none of my local record shops had even heard of the first album, I have always thought that BB has been spot on on so many issues. I wish there were more people who thought the same way!

[@yesbenio]

That crowd though. I guess they are just listening in respectful silence but if I was there I'd be going fucking mental.

[@butterbean4633]

almost photoshopped kinda there.

[@abmackay]

I'd be laughing my ass off, this version is hilarious as well as inspiring :D

[@SunflowerSocialist]

They don’t have a microphone

[@daniellesnelleman2022]

Same! I’d be going nuts.

[@stevem9776]

Great tune. And love the new lyrics. The bard of barkin’ rules!!

[@cfcolly]

I think this is the best version out there

[@daveclassen5013]

So fucking do i!!!

[@cfcolly]

@@daveclassen5013 your comment just brought me back here and I'm literally in tears that this is all even more true now

[@daveclassen5013]

My pleasure. Have a nice evening

[@boweewowee]

Love you sir. Thank you

[@for111]

Can't believe this was a decade ago...

[@blackie75]

I'm listening to this while playing World of Warcraft hahaha ;)

[@pigshitpoet]

billy is the voice for our times, love you man!

[@chainsawshack1979]

Amazing song , great twists , got me teary , what a talented bloke , love this version

[@johnmartineau9564]

I get a tear for this one too

[@gil.gosseyn4786]

I'd like to hear the 2020 version.

[@joejackson6453]

Love ya Billy 🤛🏿

[@roelhoremans5887]

The updated lyrics are nothing short of brilliant.

[@jiveandswing]

The Bard, Love this guy, Billy, Come round for supper some time, i'm only in Gloucester UK.

[@izpozpeeps]

2020 relevance wow love you Billy

[@backcombed2559]

I have always admired Billy a superb human whoi hugely respect ,but imagine you are going through the motions and nothing inspires you,then just yesterday i came across this forthe first time you hear this a negative then turns in to a positive i feel inspired and touched now x

[@kevindale1808]

Only me and Corbyn are old enough to get the Mott the Hopple reference

[@TemakiTom]

LOVED that!

[@albertomontanari6286]

thank you so much Richard Parker. I really appreciate your availability and kindness. Now,I will go throught the words you've written to me and enjoy more Billy Bragg...

[@rp2055]

No problem! Just a favour from one fan to another. I love the way Billy Bragg mixes pop and politics. Most rock/pop music is really pretty boring but Bragg gets out there on the stage and makes his fans think about what is going on in society, and that's important.

[@noblefrost]

He must have tuned the guitar down a whole step to put the capo on 5th fret, so in standard tuning its capo on 3 to play along with this.Long live Billy!

[@mattcoily6281]

I wish I had the support I needed in the UK. Still I wish i had it.

[@jimi666]

mR Bragg Thanx! I have listened to ur recs for so long!

[@DieReweEmskirchen]

This whole concert is just AWESOME

[@keironkeightley]

Can any artist do this that good? Awesome bragg...

[@abmackay]

"... and take my advice, don't feed the trolls!" Sage words, Billy... :P

[@tomdg13]

I love this man.

[@bigby1976]

Love you Billy!

[@JMFERIA1]

It's amazing. Rock and roll and political inteligence joined in a song.

[@andrewsnyder1187]

Love that angle from behind Billy. Great vid, as per usual.

[@yamanylon]

Really great time watching this :)

[@michaelkleinegesse4717]

So lange her....sah dich live....Deine Stimme....Deine Gitarre....mache ich meine Augen zu heute....Du bist vor mir....für immer....real english man....

[@blackhope]

Listening to this in business class to keep me sane.

[@davidwhirled6024]

beautiful Billy, awesome audience,love it and wish I had been there

[@JaquieDanielsMusic]

I just heard a clip of this on Desert Island Discs as one of the choices of Maria Balshaw, director of Tate. On form as ever, Billy is one of the great political voices of our generation and has probably influenced my songwriting.

[@stevenalmond4180]

Billy is spot on, as usual.

[@talesofcanterbury42]

Just Brilliant.

[@andrewbedell-thepassingstr3746]

Brilliant.... Everyone needs to listen to Billy Bragg.. 🙂

[@ba7926]

Billy, You rock!!!! you are such a good song writer.

[@beetay2732]

*Goosebumps*

[@aussieevonne7857]

Dude's a massive legend,

[@tinghitiano]

love love love.......BILLYYYYYYYYYY...... whatever it takes!

[@judgejules8709]

I love you Billy! Fuckin legend!

[@ozwallodiamond8597]

amazing that is all simply amazing

[@mattcoily6281]

I love this dude. A true patriot of the Englishman . He really represents my men. His lyrics some times make me wish so hard I'd never been taken from my homeland

[@JDG-hq8gy]

Imagine being a nationalist, cringe. This is man a socialist not a national socialist.

[@JabrOoOxXx]

i love this song

[@Golf36]

That was great!!

[@andypandy8569]

Love love love!

[@quoileternite]

Love him!

[@gamingtime9957]

Legend!! love ya uncle Bil

[@noelwilson5960]

He's different class...Champion

[@sanchopanzam8]

Frickin' AWESOMEWNESSSSSS! BB for PM!

[@MrBowww1]

amazing!

[@thomasdungl8493]

So much great song and strong performance ... I am so happy. That I have found this song and others, which I have found 8 years before ... as I started with w view own little sessions with Home Front of you, but arranged by Master Robert Hiller ( ~ sen. partner and teacher ... ) and with my onw words in Vienna slang ... I have asked AKM because of a few words almost very similar to your song ... And of course I have not only one tape of this ... We even have not pressed any tapes for ( illegal ... ) saling ... I am so happy to find you befor more than 30 years, because of my mother ... I wish you still a good luck !!!

[@BillyKnight748]

Top man Billy. Important music, We are all born equal me old mate..

[@Marktewk]

and six years later still very relevant

[@TheWerecatboy]

The USA needs a president like him.

[@gerardmcnally]

Shouldn't matter what he owns....he worked getting the message out....what have we done?

[@TommyRobertsMusicChannel]

awesome!

[@alancornelius1ghf]

Excellent.

[@mattcoily6281]

If Utah ever says Billy isn't England then the fury of angels again .... And Orleans again ..

[@NiceGazette]

A hero!

[@butterbean4633]

brill. great change in the all lyrics. brng it billy! A for effort, performance. F for audience.

[@beetelgeuze]

great!

[@staceyfriedrich2273]

Let's GO!!!

[@timsalmon3832]

Immense!

[@vadermasktruth]

Sweetness.

[@ugosegalini4223]

Che dire di una canzone così? Che bisogna ascoltarla e poi ancora riascoltarla.

[@hueyavery9738]

He would just be the best mate

[@neilsailing]

Bloody hell ..2019 July, Boris Johnson about to be PM of GB......Wake me up Billy...

[@astronomenov99]

It's now 4 weeks until the election. I'm still not sure how it will go. Strange times. I hope the Tories don't get a majority.

[@nigeljames6017]

ForTheMany * Sigh *

[@izpozpeeps]

Look at us now.

[@backcombed2559]

see you in Glasgow next year 2021 buddy canny wait ,thats if we are not dead x

[@hiranurozdemircraing3974]

Great song- mint hat and lovin the beard....:)

[@grantlynch1728]

I love Billy's music and he has a lovely castle......

[@raymondashton3607]

I'm 54 now loved billy thought was a bit of a inspiration never sold out . Sexuality brilliant just be yourself fuck everyone else but that could be any record think you might be a early conspirator billy

[@marktalbott3835]

How could a person give this a thumbs down? 95% Republicans I'll wager.

[@kristiramos4975]

Yeah!!!!!!! Freeeeeeee Pusssssy Riiiioooot!!!!!!!

[@JesusWasHomelessBand]

Spettacolare.

[@mutualbeard]

There has to be a better way. Billy still holding the light of possibility high.

[@ggforeigner]

sweet ;}

[@michaelvance1118]

Billy bragg is a true punk rocker who wants fucking JUSTICE!!!

[@yurtle1851]

I would've been moshing in that crowd

[@mattcoily6281]

ENGLAND!!!

[@nixieNICLA]

There's always room for a good leap forward in finding understanding of each other for all our differences, why we do what we do and how we can move together hand in hand in love and forgiveness .... cute hat Billy :) X

[@jonathanmillner]

few people willing to write a song saying anything about politics these days. nice to see he's not scared of the topic

[@ChippsChippendale]

How much of this was ad-libbed? He's so good at making stuff up on the spot... and out-heckling the hecklers.

[@antonydyatlov5651]

None, and I love Billy, but I wish he wouldn't.

[@JustinFromMD]

“Let em starve” On the nose. We all gonna be doing that if we try to repeat the Great Leap Forward

[@PaulWalker-lk3gi]

The revolution's just a drop-handlebar racing-bike away

[@THEWolfmanSteve]

Don't feed the Trolls !

[@adamrest7428]

Be a mate, gizza sandwich, will ya.

[@hamasmillitant1]

aww but i like feeding trolls, lol awsome song i was looking for his older version but this ones awsome to

[@benbrewster27]

If Billy gives you a tip, gamble high

[@avefiggy2128]

ok he's v strident/righteous but fcukin best song 🌺🌺🌺

[@tributeact6995]

hail morrissey.

[@katiecoleman4927]

'Don't feed the trolls - let them starve!' 'The twilight of the capitalist system.'

[@tonyves]

"The twilight of the capitalist system." Bugger, no more food, no more industries, no more hope for the third world desperate to lift themselves out of poverty (as most of Southern Asia has done via capitalism). Still, at least Billy will be happy (in his Dorset mansion ...).

[@powerofthetime]

"if you got a black list i want to be on it " kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3PCeKtmabCYlbM

[@Z110571]

Where would you suggest he sing his songs then ? In the backstreets of fulham or darkest Birmingham ? What good is that ? What use is his wisdom to people who have no voice ? So let me ask you, do you have a better message we can hear ?