October 10, 2007 14:16

Billy Bragg goes back to school for Love Music Hate Racism

The folk-rock legend visits his old school to kick off new campaign

Billy Bragg visited his old school, Barking Abbey, yesterday (October 9) to kick off a new Love Music Hate Racism campaign.

Bragg gave a talk to students about racism and music, and encouraged the schoolchildren to organise anti-racisms gigs. The students plan to organise an event of their own next year.

“No-one can tell me what music I can listen to, and who should and shouldnt be able to get up on stage and sing, rap or play guitar,” said Bragg. "Today's fascists are still peddling their big lie about immigration and playing on people's fears.”

See next week’s issue of NME - on UK newsstands from October 17 - for a free Love Music Hate Racism CD, featuring the likes of The Enemy, Lethal Bizzle, Bloc Party and Dirty Pretty Things.