All musicians start out with ideals but hanging on to them in the face of media scrutiny takes real integrity. Tougher still is to live up to the ideals of your dedicated fans.
Billy BraggI never met a politician who didn't want to be a guitar player in a rock band. I've got the opportunity to say what I believe in.
Billy BraggWhat happened on September 11 wasn't the first act of war, it was the most unspeakable act of murder and terrorism. But it was construed by a very small group of people - there is no army out there in the dark waiting to take over America. It's like being stung by a bee and going out and smashing up a beehive, and thinking you've solved the problem. There are more beehives out there; more bees will come. But they're bees. They're not grizzly bears.
Billy BraggI think if you're going to make political art, you have to engage at some level. You can't just write about politics, you have to try and be politics as well.
Billy Bragg