Episode 7: The Internationale
The Berlin Wall comes down as Billy tours the States with Wiggy and the rest of the Red Stars. Relieved at the bloodless overthrow of a repressive police state, but dismayed by the West’s crowing, Billy decides he should examine more closely some of the Communist and socialist ideals that had been expressed in song. And so The Internationale mini-album came into being - which included The Red Flag and Blake’s Jerusalem among other uplifting songs.
He also describes the background to the DVD ‘Here and There’ that accompanies the re-issued Internationale and Billy Bragg Volume 1 boxed set.
The songs on these podcasts feature on the Billy Bragg Volume 1 boxed set, available from the Billy Bragg Shop here.
3 Responses to “Episode 7: The Internationale”
By Steve on Apr 15, 2007
On cable via PBS in America, there was a BBC special, if I am not mistaken, with Billy Bragg doing a documentary on Bolivia. At one point, he is with striking miners. He explained that he was a musician in Britain, and I remember them asking him if he was like Mick Jagger. In any case, none of the Billy Bragg sites seem to reference this work with the BBC. Was this a once off? Has he done other documentary work? Was this just to pay bills, or does this somehow fit into his overall political views? Especially now, with Morales now firmly in charge in Bolivia, what does Billy think of this turn of events?
By penny less on Apr 26, 2007
No relevant and deep questions here. But if EVER there was a euphamism for the name Billy Bragg, it would be BLOG. Bloggin’ Billy. My pleasure to read it.
By annie_e on May 23, 2007
as an old, old billy bragg fan i’ve really been enjoying listening to these podcasts and am wondering when the next installment will be ? billy was in southend, my home town, as part of his reading tour last week and it would have been great to see him. unfortunately i am now living in cairo. any plans to visit the land of the pharoahs, bill ?