Richard Thompson performs "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" at the 2012 Americana Music Awards

Richard Thompson performs one of his best known songs at the 2012 Americana Music Festival. His performance and many others recorded at the Ryman Auditorium will air as part of "ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival" November 10th on PBS. http:acltv.com

[@liegebricking]

Nothing beats Richard Thompson and a Vincent 52 and his awesome guitarpicking. Love him

[@Denzilfabricant]

hes not that great a guitarist.Yes hes a solid player but hardly in the same class as Pierre Bensusan or Martin Simpson.And i don't know why he plays in such an 'American' style.Hes meant to be an English folk musician but ive always thought he was far too influenced by American music.Roy Harper or Ian Anderson are way better as lyricists,songwriters and guitarists.And they write in a genuinely English style unlike Thompson.His country licks spoilt Fairport Convention imo. I much preferred Pentangle because they really did have a genuinely British style.

[@patrickmorgan4006]

@@Denzilfabricant You are insane.

[@GreatRecordings]

This is the best performance I've ever heard that Sir Richard recorded of his song. Perhaps one of the most perfectly crafted, greatest story songs written; worthy to outshine any of the traditional Highland ballads sung hundreds of years ago in the misty hills..and proof that real, pure heart-felt music still trickles down from where we yearn to rise to.

[@petersavage5539]

Damn well said.

[@neilbridgeman5391]

👆ditto

[@stevewales9911]

Literally had me in tears

[@richardbrucemusic]

2023 and I was just thinking the same thing. A perfect example of song craftsmanship combined with one of Richard's most unique and powerful performances.

[@AntonyFleck]

Only discovered this amazing musician recently! And I'm obsessed! This has got to be one of the most Poinant love songs ever written?!!.. Tell me if I'm wrong, please!!.....

[@chemicalcowpoke307]

Old school scots-Irish folk music… a lot of it is pretty murderous.

[@jimbeamm36]

The very BEST EVER song about a motorcycle and a love affair. I always get emotional, nearly in tears when I hear this. Well done Sir Richard Thompson.

[@SveninColorado]

This is the epitome....the absolute best rendition I've heard. There's not many performances that raise tears in these old eyes. This is one!

[@FreemTutler]

My God, this song is magnificent. The story itself is enough to place it at the top of the list. The craftsmanship puts in a realm few can achieve.

[@stevewales9911]

Classic update of the romantic ballad of a highwayman come to a bad end, and dies in the arms of his love. In ways, more moving than Marty Robbins stellar classic "El Paso". Much as I think "El Paso" is one of the greatest story telling songs ever.... I never was literally brought to tears by "El Paso"

[@jillmatthews2937]

Great

[@dorothybobo5157]

Oh. Yeah.

[@HWS2]

@@stevewales9911 👍 Your comparison of this ballad to El Paso is very apt. Like you, I love both songs. But El Paso has never moved me to tears. This classic, in the other hand... my eyes tear up every time I hear it. RT is an absolute treasure to the English language and the acoustic guitar.

[@HWS2]

@@stevewales9911 I agree with you. I've listened to El Paso my entire life, and it never moved me to tears. The penultimate line of this song ("... and he gave her one last kiss and died...) moves me to tears every time I hear it, and I've played this video literally hundreds of times. He is simply incomparable.

[@chesterfield53]

Seen him play this a few times and he somehow manages to find different solos in the middle. One of THE best guitarists ever.

[@josephspagna2829]

Yep. Never quite the same. How the hell?

[@Mooseman327]

Yup. A real musician.

[@skontch1]

The word "magnificent" comes to mind

[@MrCrispytoad]

This may be my favorite song in my 57 seven years of listening to songs I’m going to a small club on 96 street Manhattan to see him on February 8 the Setlist was decided by us the ticket buyers We all requested a particular song when we bought the tickets and that’s what he’s going to play It’s going to be a holy grail concert.

[@jasoncamp7244]

one of my favorite songs. love the story, the emotion and the poetry of this tune. Every time I hear it I get goosebumps.

[@GregM-r8z]

He played this on 10-24-2024 in Evanston, IL. It was every bit as good as this but with the added benefit of being right there. Grateful to have had the experience. A great performance by him and his full band.

[@rosewoodltd]

Towering talent. Timeless story. Immortal lyrics. Moves me to tears every damn time I hear it.

[@Mollop93]

I was named after this song! - Molly :)

[@markhanson6563]

Good golly! I have a younger brother named Sussudio... Have a great day - Marrakesh Hanson.

[@dogsterooni]

Molly Palmer wow thats awesome

[@WriterMikeMonson]

I was named after Michael Row Your Boat Ashore

[@hamstersniffer]

I was named after an actor my mom had the hots for, Brian Keith. How creepy is that?

[@rachelwatkins3374]

Lucky girl to be named for such a great song🙂

[@michaelstull1695]

In an age of autotune and other such nonsense we have a man and a guitar playing and singing a song he wrote the playing is extraordinary the singing is great the song tells a wonderful story the audience is enthralled, this is the Grand Old Opry, they don't enthrall easily There is no question that Sir Richard Thompson is one of the best Bonus Points: anyone that has seen Richard Thompson live has also witnessed a great wit and sense of humor

[@stevewales9911]

Autotune is about the WORST thing (next to rap/hip-hop!) that ever happened to real music! Yeah, looking at YOU BIEBER!! 5 years in choir here. If you can't sing IN KEY, ON PITCH without computer correction then YOU ARE NOT A SINGER! GTF off the stage!!

[@shelflife3867]

There is none better

[@ludovica8221]

He has an OBE He has not been knighted and so is not "Sir Richard" just Richard Thompson OBE

[@sciencehlogic]

I saw him do this last Sunday night and it was like a religious experience.

[@randyhair9851]

I just saw him in concert two weeks ago and this song (& Beeswing amongst others) are just phenomenal from a man with extreme talents. He has never been as fully appreciated in the USA as he should be.

[@GaryBonar]

Vincent and beeswing are 2 of my fave songs of all time.

[@1369vmsmith]

Sends a chill up my spine listening to this song, and I'm a Harley guy. Richard Thompson is an amazing talent.

[@mondocjp]

+1369vmsmith Nortons, Indians and Harleys won't do, they don't have the soul of a Vincent '52

[@AryanQueen]

Not only brings chills, but a tear to my eye.

[@energyideas]

@@mondocjp Can't quite make out all the brand names in this version, but he starts with Triumphs. He varies the bike brands for various performances.

[@Jonepk]

@@energyideas Triumphs and Nortons and BSAs(Beezers). The angels come down on Ariels.

[@energyideas]

@@Jonepk not always the same brands and when he sings that song he mixes them up

[@JesseTheLawyer]

Now, if anyone asks why did Rolling Stone name RT one of the top 20 guitarists ever, they can listen to this. So awesome.

[@harrypalmer7169]

His intro on Fairport's version with Cathy Denny of Who Know's Where The Time Goes is a master class with a pinch of understated genius for good measure.

[@vegetableman5062]

harry palmer Sandy Denny did a good version also. 😜

[@lonestar3]

His guitar sounds like an orchestra, he's truly amazing.

[@ohnoyoudint123]

And his playing on ELECTRIC guitar is just as incredible!

[@ostrichman]

also play them a sailors life and then show them what beauty is with Time has told me - Nick Drake

[@caribbeanman]

This Was A Feature 13 years ago on a CD accompanying the Total Guitar Magazine. Richard Thompson alone in his room performing this song. It became instantly a favorite, no other friend knew it... Now years later I still come back in my quiet time, I feel the emotion. Thank you Richard

[@kaewonf8]

One of the greatest folk songs ever written; never ceases to hit me.

[@andyking7621]

I've moved from liking this, to being in awe, to just being so very grateful that it exists. This would be wonderful if it was him singing and a couple of great guitarists providing the music. magnificent.

[@moonbeamchaos]

Are you nuts? What “great guitarists” are greater than Richard, please?

[@viennesewaltz7453]

This is the single most laughable comment I've ever read on this website. Congratulations, Andy.

[@zackhenderson4995]

This song is just ridiculously well-crafted, like many of Richard's other songs. There isn't a note or word or phrase out of place. I think it's the best one I've ever heard.

[@snafujag100]

This is the best music video on You tube. This guy makes me cry every time I here him sing this song

[@ersp1]

The first time I heard this, what stood out for me was the way he sings "rrrrrrrrIIIIIIIIIIIde." Reminds me of the sound of a motorcycle winding out at the top of a gear. Almost no one covering the song seems to get that.

[@volkerke5315]

Great Britain you have such great musicians! Greetings from Germany

[@StumbleMuse]

This song... the lyrics, the story... the guitar, the vocal performance... just really "unmatched" in quality compared to most... This song is a masterpiece.

[@ricklee3084]

Absolutely breathtaking--when music reaches into the heart and lifts one away. . .

[@danielmcadams2510]

28 years ago or so, a machinist let me borrow a Richard Thompson CD. Been walking on a wire ever since. I'm so fortunate for that music relationship. I'm not sure how one can discover him, but so brilliant.

[@HWS2]

"...and if fate should break my stride..." What a great line. but there are so many in this song. He's incomparable.

[@peterguglietta5260]

Just a great song by one of the greatest songwriters and guitar players to ever walk the earth.

[@bayoutech555]

Just love the imagery of this and sheer exhilaration of this song!

[@brianreg]

That song still gives me chills 20 years later...Saw him live in Pittsburgh PA in a small cafe called Rosebud and he was magical with the guitar.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

I miss The Rosebud. Saw many shows there, but never RT. Dave Alvin, Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, Graham Parker and others. Good memories.

[@banzospod]

A knot of pure passion involving a rebel biker,a biker girl and a seriously great motorcycle.not a single wasted word,just a brilliant performance.

[@leftie4822]

This song deserves 10 times the number of views.

[@johnIZaUWL]

Ten THOUSAND dammit & then some!

[@paulmartin3725]

I've just made it a measly 1,000...

[@Jubal918]

As a minor part of the Texas Music Scene, I can only give great Kudos. My friends Townes Van Zandt, B.W. Stevenson, and Alan Damron would love this music... Tim.

[@philipwilliams5808]

Great to hear how RT's voice has matured and improved. He really sings now!

[@goodpa]

With much humility and admiration for Richard, I have had an entertainer guitar player singer for 40 years. I learned this song with the Capo up and the correct shooting he uses. I practice it for over a year and headed down pretty good then I blew out my left finger on my left hand paralyzed. Such great guitar work

[@ntleaver29]

I can't stop playing this! Man, what a superb song!!! The first time i saw this i was looking for the other guitarists !☺👌🎸

[@sup393]

This has to be one of the most beautiful love songs ever.

[@vegetableman5062]

Susan Predis Makes me get grit in my eye every time!!

[@goodun6081]

@@vegetableman5062 , improbably, Thompson's "BeesWing" is even better IMHO.

[@Anhorish]

@@goodun6081 Dimming of the Day

[@goodun6081]

@@Anhorish , true, Dimming of the Day is a beauty, a timeless classic which many other people have tried to cover but few have come close to doing it justice ( I have heard some lackluster versions that are pretty enough but not heart-renching like the original version with Linda Thompson). I've not heard anyone try to cover Beeswing, it might just be a bridge too far for most singers and guitar players! "Just the Motion" is another one from Richard and Linda that merits consideration.

[@stevewales9911]

"Red hair and black leather, me favorite color scheme'. Who cannot relate?

[@mimsy42]

I can never hear this song, played by Richard, without weeping. It is just so beautiful and powerful.

[@pippi9928]

Magnificent, and then that beautiful smile at the end. ❤

[@HWS2]

Yes... that wonderful smile. He just exudes humility. An incomparable artist.

[@haidner]

That guitar opening alone is worth it. Wow! Gotta find the music and learn this.

[@grandcanyonmaster]

genius. he has the pure white lite flowing thru him and he gives it all back.

[@glassmarky1]

Fantastic classic song and one of the greatest guitarists on the planet! Wonderful performance.

[@todddaugherty110]

The pin on his beret is from Cayamo, a week long festival on a Caribbean cruise. Sir Richard is a frequent and beloved artist among many other greats like Brandi Carlile, Steve Earle, John Prine, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Shawn Mullins and others who have as much fun on the cruise as the guests.

[@patlatorres7000]

It's sad to read this comment, knowing, at the beginning of 2022 that some of those listed are no longer with us.

[@thebrubud]

Best MC song ever!!! "Angels on Ariels in leather and chrome".... PERFECT!

[@maryfinelli9390]

How can anyone not love this video? What are they, nuts?! I love that great smile he flashes at the end.

[@lantzkeefer8674]

Seen him do this song at the barns of Wolftrap,he sounded great that night.Started listening to him because of my father,and i soon knew he gave me a great gift of music.Thxs for the the songs.☆

[@JamieMonk]

Amazing performance

[@rebeccabalboa6354]

It has to be my favorite song ever,

[@junglejim007]

poor state of the music industry, when the lip syncers have millions of hits, and a master like this can't get 6K

[@deancalvinchallam630]

Today's music is soulless meant for people without souls

[@mikegallagher4388]

I hear you but I don't think he really cares. :D

[@neilbridgeman5391]

Totally agree 👍

[@michaelnoeldner3279]

Ya and I doubt those lip syncers could get a standing ovation like that.

[@bodgertime]

234,035

[@hyooieyooie]

Fine motorbike........ and even finer picking. Recently saw him electric & acoustic in aberdeen for first time though we covered his songs 35 yrs ago. A great night of quality music with only 3 in band - quality tells......

[@cpmgreen0404]

My favorite guitarist. Dude is so amazing

[@patlatorres7000]

I remember seeing my first Vincent back in 1969 or '70 and then seeing Richard live for the first time twenty some odd years later, performing this song (he was opening for Joe Jackson). I went out the next day and bought Rumor and Sigh. I've seen him a number of times since and the impact is no less as the years go by.

[@samgrigg6921]

Astounding playing. Thank you.

[@ReverendSoupbone]

Song perfection. Love it!

[@nerowingnews]

Wow. How come I never heard this one before ? Brilliant.

[@sfbayareagirl]

Beautiful guitar playing. Thx to David Corn and Rude Pundit for turning me on to this guy's music.

[@jkrzc]

Heard this song yesterday, walking in a park, asked what was, bought the track. An amazing artist and song, great live performance..

[@tomokra]

I love the way the Ryman audience does its best to show him the love for the guitar solo and I love the way he responds in kind with the vocals at the end ...

[@theoone2829]

A classic!

[@ClipMan27]

what a performance! what a song and what lyrics... magnificent. f

[@hubcitymn1]

There's never been or ever shall be another such as Richard !

[@sharlonbarnes8977]

I agree!

[@stramasher2953]

Steg G on Sunny Govan Radio was requested by DJ Smell Yer Maw to play this this morning. And he did. Never heard it or of Mr Thomson before. Astounded. Listening to it again here tonight and sharing it with my missus and it's brought a tear to my eye. Funny what gets you innit? Ride on.

[@loushky619]

5 minutes of magic 🎩 ✨️

[@buckonews]

Didn't know of this song till I heard Reckless Kellys' version. Thank you Richard Thompson!

[@34hedgehog]

Staggeringly wonderful!!

[@djf71104]

I guess 12 people hit the wrong button!! Incredible that the man who can plays this at that level wrote it!! Genus

[@paullevine1813]

Either that or they just realized they will never be able to play this well .

[@sixpakshaker88]

I love this song more every time I hear a different version

[@sthtemp2]

Can't get enough...

[@kiltedbill7594]

A PERFECT SONG. I COULD NEVER HEAR THIS TUNE TOO MANY TIMES...

[@AntonyFleck]

My God , what a tragic/beautiful love song!!!....

[@rickmayo977]

This beats "Born to be wild" as the best biker song ever...

[@52guild]

it happens to be one of the best ballads ever written .....

[@vegetableman5062]

A rebel song with love and black leather.

[@goodun6081]

@@vegetableman5062 , there's also a lovely biker-themed song called "Harley" by Don Henry (that's Henry with an R, and NOT the Eagles guy). From an album titled Wild In the Backyard, which I recommend (be sure to give a listen to Beautiful Fool from the same record).

[@amanjha637]

@@goodun6081 many a thanks for the recommendations ! Cheers !

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Hah, No comparison.

[@ol-np8sy]

Simply brilliant

[@moecurlythanu]

This is what greatness looks like, folks.

[@durhamy]

Thank you Richard Thompson and to the many artists that have subsequently covered your classic song.

[@BlackieBelle]

Incredible!

[@vicksdad]

Nortons Beezers, Velos, Triumphs were my transport in the heady days of the 60's but the Vincent...aah the Vincent; yes it did have a soul.

[@daviddavis6291]

Beast recording ever--This man has it.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

The 1991 recording was played just a few times on a VERY free-form radio station in my hometown of Annapolis. It rapidly became the most requested song and continued as such for a few years. It still provokes an emotional response from myself and most probably many others.

[@tedecker3792]

Never rode a Black Lightning, but have ridden a Black Shadow. This song song sends chills up my spine, the way a Vincent originates it’s vibrations deep in its heart and sends them to the ends of the handle bars.

[@Frege100]

If he keeps this up he could be big one day. Seriously, though, he must be president of some galaxy somewhere.

[@WolffBachner]

This is sublime. What an amazing musician.

[@jmvlock1929]

No one's ever played the acoustic guitar like RT

[@harrypalmer7169]

The great man doing what the great man does best. Check out his guitar work on Fairports "Who Knows Where The Time Goes", it can bring a tear to a grown mans eyes.

[@ludovica8221]

That song makes me cry buckets every time...

[@Mark8395217]

Any riders out there? I"m sure there are. Any one of you ever seen a 52 Lightening? For any 2 wheel fan, that's something close to holy grail status. Regardless of your feelings for the Lightening, you simply must give it up for a song that gives ones most valuable possession to ones most valuable love.

[@richardcolton1009]

what a giant talent!

[@energyideas]

Doesn't get better than that performance for the best song on list of top 100 by TIME.

[@Roberto-bd9fq]

How Lovely!

[@nickinutzable]

its gotta be the best bike song ever

[@132jah]

Nicki, It is a great one. Another great bike song is the American David Wilcox's "Eye of the Hurricane". Check it out.

[@cbchannell]

Have heard him live twice do this song.

[@esauerkraut7360]

May I touch your ear?

[@peggyannbreathe]

love those dancin' fingers and love story

[@icitizenoftheplanet]

was suggested I watch and powerful entertainer

[@mattzzz3939]

legend, what a beautiful song

[@Stikibits]

Masterful!

[@smaarmy]

how does someone thumb that down? superb performance.

[@tinker3330]

Best motorcycle song ever!

[@randolphpatterson5061]

I can't say enough good things about Sunrise pickups! Especially in his capable hands!

[@jimbenson4139]

Anyone who does like this doesn't understand what music is really about.

[@w629opt2]

Genius