Artist Reverend Billy And The Life After Shopping Gospel Choir
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Kate Schafer
A bizarre character who toggles between artful, performative excess and a real critique of consumer culture, Reverend Billy puts on shows that double as protests, and vice-versa. He’s been a presence in New York for years now, but his stock rose behind What Would Jesus Buy?, a documentary co-produced by Morgan Spurlock that follows Billy between onstage concerts and staged guerilla events, such as marches on Starbucks and Walmart. For his live musical happenings—like this one, part of his official run for mayor—Billy performs with his choir of backup singers, which helps to up the sweaty quasi-gospel ante.
Updated 10/27/2009
