Glastonbury Festival

Billy Bragg Interview

Glastonbury Leftfield troubadour Billy Bragg has been coming to the Festival for more years than most of us can remember. What he doesn’t know about the Glastonbury experience probably hasn’t happened, yet. Speaking exclusively to the website, Billy reveals some of his strange acquaintances, his love for the Leftfield and some sound advice on the rain…

What would be your most memorable Glastonbury moment and why?

Taking Boris Johnson around the site in 2000, because it was like being on an acid trip but without the comedown. We got henna tattoos, crashed the stage in the poetry tent, got hair braids and had a brief encounter with some nude protesters. And Boris really loved it. Bless.

What aspect of the Festival are you particularly looking forward to this year?

The last couple of years I've had gigs elsewhere on the Saturday of Glastonbury weekend, so my festivals have been a bit disjointed. This year I'm there all three days and will be camping with the family.

Is there still a place for politics in music given Blair’s ‘new’ apathetic Britain, Pop Idol and the Big Brother culture?

More people marched against the war than ever took to the streets against Thatcher in the 80s. Every year I make a pilgrimage to Green Field to recharge my faith in creating a better world.

Will you ever play the Pyramid Stage again or are you happy in the Leftfield?

The great thing about Glastonbury is that everyone eventually finds a place where they belong. I have played on most of the big stages but the Leftfield is where they keep alive the radical spirit on which the festival was founded. There are main stages at every festival but there is only one Leftfield and that’s what makes Glastonbury so special for me.

And finally, what do you do when it rains?

Make sure my amp is covered!

Billy Bragg will be playing the Leftfield Stage at 7.30pm on Sunday 27th June.

Billy Bragg was interviewed by Jon Andriessen for the Official Glastonbury website, June 2004.

Leftfield's Website

Related Areas

News Stories

General Links

PlayLouder