THE 50-year-old folk rock singer-songwriter is under no illusions about how he is perceived for his forthright political views.

While discussing the corporate sponsorship of musicians, he announces: "I should be backed by Marmite, because you either love me or..."

As a floating voter in this election, I was yet to decide, but attended the North-East gig of his national tour with an open mind.

Bragg, from Dagenham, Essex, came on to Leon Rosselson's World Turned Upside Down, before launching into the anthemic England Half English.

Bragg famously sings in his native Essex accent, which should be a plus for a folksy protest songwriter singing about England and how he sees it.

Although he has wonderfully witty lyrics, to the uninitiated it can be a bit grating at times and there were points when he came across a bit like a cool geography teacher who plays guitar.

He acknowledges that people don't come to hear him sing and his popularity lies in the left-wing messages that make up most of his material.

Swapping his electric guitar for an acoustic, Bragg tips a nod to one of his heroes, Bob Dylan, by inviting the crowd to call him Judas and someone obliges.

The evening progresses with favourites from his extensive back catalogue, such as Sexuality, I Keep Faith and Power in the Union.

A rousing version of New England for the encore earned Bragg a well-deserved standing ovation from an appreciative audience.

He is supported on this tour by Irish newcomer Wallis Bird, who sings like Janis Joplin and plays acoustic guitar like an angry KT Tunstall.

Bird's stage persona is sugar sweet and endearing, and her short set contrasted well with Bragg, who is, like the savoury spread, more of an acquired taste.