Billy Bragg is dubbed the Bard of Barking by his numerous fans.

His shows in the North East always attract big crowds, and tonight's gig at Newcastle Opera House will be no different.

Bragg's catchy blend of pop music, politics and Cockney wit made him one of the music industry's most unlikely household names.

An ex-punk-turned-squaddie, Bragg bought himself out of the Army for &#xA3;175 after serving the minimum 90 days - and walked back into Civvy Street fired with a new enthusiasm for music.

True to his musical roots, he penned hard-hitting, punk-inspired songs of love and life that soon struck a chord with the public.

His 1983 debut album, Life's a Riot With Spy vs Spy, seemed to capture the spirit of its time; raw, sparse and full of righteous indignation.

It shot to the top of the independent charts, selling 250,000 copies in the process.

Another hit album, Brewing Up With Billy Bragg, quickly followed a year later.

Hit singles such as Days Like These, Between the Wars, Levi Stubbs' Tears and Greetings to the New Brunette ensured the boy from Barking became a permanent fixture on Britain's radio airwaves.

Bragg was quick to use his fame to champion political causes, such as the striking miners and Artists Against Apartheid.

He became a familiar face in the North East, playing numerous fundraising gigs and was regularly seen on the region's picket lines.

Tonight's Opera House gig will see him team up with The Blokes, and much of Bragg's new album English, Half-English, will be given an airing.