I wouldn’t ordinarily write a post about a specific part of a project before it’s completed, but our interview with Billy Bragg is worth mentioning, for several reasons.

Firstly his thoughts on the closure of the London Astoria for our ongoing documentary project were fascinating – he shared his memories of the beginnings of the ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ movement, which were launched at the venue, his early career playing The Astoria back in the 1980′s on to his last appearance there with Kate Nash. 

We met Billy at the opening night of a series of gigs for the charity he is involved in – Jail Guitar Doors. Taking it’s name from a Clash B-side, the charity works in prisons and young offender institutions, donating guitars and teaching songwriting to inmates. The audience heard songs written and performed by Billy and singer/songwriter Kieran Leonard along with one of the former beneficiaries of the programme, Jonny Neesom. 

A very worthy organisation, we at Zebra Crossing fully support the work these guys do and are very grateful to Mr Bragg and his colleague, Alan Miles, for their time.