Punk Rock Bowling 2024 – Billy Bragg Photos by Holly Homan

My First Day at Punk Rock Bowling 2024 Delights Me With Old Favorites and Introduces Me to Some Great New Bands, by Holly Homan

“The final act I saw on the first day was my beloved Billy Bragg. I’ve been a fan of his since the late 80s and always see him when he plays Seattle. It was just Billy & an electric guitar and that was fine. Billy is more a punk folk singer. He talked about the first time he saw the Rock Against Racism concert in 1978 and how we still need to speak out against racism, xenophobia & homophobia. This brought raucous cheers from the crowd (during the three days of the fest I noticed people walking around with signs saying register to vote. I hope they got a lot of people to register) He played the pro union anthem, Which Side Are You On, gave a shout out to Woody Guthrie before singing All You Fascists Are Born to Lose. With fascism an imminent threat all over the world, I was comforted to see so many in the crowd respond with enthusiasm. I noticed a young man who looked no more than 14 leaning against the barricade who was thoroughly enjoying the show. My own kids (now in their 30s) like Billy too. Ii’s always a treat to see Billy Bragg. If he played Seattle every year I would see him. Without fail.”