Richard Thompson - They Tore The Hippodrome Down

[@sheilafern1011]

I love this guy. Just discovered him recently

[@jmorra]

Perfection in every aspect.

[@nickbradey1033]

Always excellent

[@widgeasha]

Lovely song.

[@Timberbanktunes]

Looking forward to this 3rd Acoustic set from Richard.

[@newteisenhower9402]

In 2019, Rt promoted a tour of South Africa with a young entrepreneur Matt Collins and his business venture Tourica Tours. (please Google it) This was to be an unbelievable chance to see South Africa with RT including 5 intimate performances. The cost was approx. 6k per person, not including flights, and I bought 2 tickets for my parents, lifelong fans who had seen him perform dozens of times over 30+ years, as a retirement gift. I saved for 3 years to do this. Covid, unfortunately post-poned the trip until 2022 when it was renewed to proceed. Then, a few weeks before the trip was set to go, the unimaginable happened, Matt Collins died of a sudden heart attack leaving his family, wife, and kids devastated. His father, a business partner with years of experience as a travel agent, assured RT and over 30+ fans/customers the trip was all paid for and garuanteed. Literally 2 days before the tour would begin, RT cancelled. No video apology from this millionaire musician but instead a pathetic "management" style excuse quoting him saying he had only cancelled 5 shows in his 55 year career, literally doubling that number with this selfish, egotistical, and disrespectful act. Along with Matt Collins father, my parents were left weeping, angry, and dismayed. How can this man, who has written and recorded such beautiful songs, be so ungrateful to his fans? He even claims to be a spiritual man, proselytizing multiple beliefs through out his career, all obviously a lie. His songs are nothing more than a deceptive tool for profit, his convictions are non but selfish. I've since read articles interviewing his first wife and Linda Ronstadt that he is a rather questionable narcissist. Frankly, it explains his obscurity in modern music history. To you RT... Your spirit will have to seek forgiveness from Matt, his family AND his father, and all the fans who were betrayed by you one day. I doubt this will ever reach you as celebrity is the sickness of this country but for those of you who have read this... This is not a hero who cares.

[@moonbeamchaos]

That is a fucking crime.

[@klaus3579]

Thank you for writing this story in such an even and factual manner. At first, I was sad and angered, too. As you wrote, RT besides his musical endeavours and career was also on a spiritual path (Sufism, if I'm correct). But then again, impv it does not take away from his musical inspiration and talents. Such is the world. Such are human beings. Sorry for your loss at the time. Wish you well.