Richard Thompson - Wall of Death

[@peterguglietta5260]

This is an outstanding performance. Thompson and Collister's voices are incredible and the guitar playing is mesmerizing.

[@SouthCoastMackem]

Astonishing to think that he was only 18 when he started out with Fairport Convention back in 1967. Truly the guitarists' guitarist, he's been turning out top quality music like this for so many years now, I think he's past superlatives. The man is a wonder, pure and simple.

[@bevisbenneworth7172]

I remember Richard Thompson introducing this song in Oxford, A girl had asked him to play that song about the Water Bed. I don't do a song about a water bed he replied. Yes you do, the one the goes " Let me ride on your water bed one more time".

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

After a second listening.. yes, it sounds exactly like "Ride on your waterbed one more time". Don't know how I missed that.

[@sueharrison3200]

And I suppose 'the sixpack will make you crazy" too?

[@goodun6081]

WeWereYoungandCrazy, John Prine had a similar experience when a woman asked him to play "that song about the Happy Enchilada"......when the correct lyric is really: "it's a half an inch of wattah and ya think yer gonna drown...."

[@alistairewen9558]

Most underrated man ever.

[@ragayomama]

This is the most hilarious thread I've ever read. I wonder what he thought of the mishearing.

[@garywhitt98]

Christine Collister's harmony cuts like a warm knife. What beautiful harmonies!

[@Baci302]

What a band! Thompson, Gregson and Collister! Man, I love Christine's voice so much.

[@dunebillyofswanbeach4294]

Christine and Greg are both treasures.

[@robg8074]

'Shoot Out The Lights' may well be the greatest album of all time...and so few have even heard a single song. Smh

[@incongra]

Although the Folk fraternity generally take ownership of Mr. Thompson I would respectfully suggest he is also the greatest Rock'n'Roll guitarist the UK has ever produced.

[@MatthewMuhammad]

Richard & Linda Thompson are the best duo ever. Nothing will change my mind.

[@stephengarrison9572]

Greatest Richard Thompson Band of all time?

[@winritzert3310]

Christine

[@craze227]

Stomping tom, that has nothing to do with him I just found it funny

[@sharonmccrea8892]

I can't stop listening to this

[@MrGinger62]

It’s Christine Collister. She’s currently a member of Daphne’s Flight.

[@winritzert3310]

Christine Collister's a powerhouse

[@Valencenliberty]

me too

[@stupendor1]

also

[@elizabethstone5009]

BEST version of this song - EVER! Her voice is a powerhouse!!!

[@winritzert3310]

absolutely!..

[@bobhowyousay]

The joy on Christine's face is simply beautiful!

[@JStarStar00]

Bob Comtois: Well, she was like 23-24 in this video, so that helped too. Although she's still very nice looking in her mid-50s now.

[@jamesmcquarrie3329]

I've met RT loads of times. You can read as much as you like into the songs, but basically he is just a great songwriter who takes us on a journey into his own life and therefore our own. He is foremost a great translator, a great journeyman and essentially a great human being who can make a guitar speak words that humans can't voice!

[@MissChrissyM1]

James McQuarrie exquisitely put. 🙋🏻

[@yippeyoyo5151]

I saw him recently and was simply blown away, total unique and like nobody! What insane talent and as stated a fine man. May I say great Trio?,

[@elicarley1031]

You've met him Like face to face?

[@scrapheapofshame]

@@elicarley1031 played a gig in seattle some years ago as a tour rehearsal. about 50 people where there. we hung out after the show. he just came out later and asked if he could join us. talked for about 30 minutes. ok, he told jokes for thirty minutes then has to go. nicest person you ever meet

[@elicarley1031]

@@scrapheapofshame Wow you're lucky

[@georgecav]

So this is Christine Collister? Absolutely perfect harmony to RT

[@mjlewis104]

Without doubt, the best guitarist, songwriter, singer I have ever come across.

[@bobzubb]

Christine Collister and Clive Gregson in fine support! Brilliant phase of the maestro's career.........

[@charlesbrewer4747]

This is a superb version, the two voices match perfectly.

[@del5158]

How sick is that guitar solo? Incredible. So short. So perfect.

[@granthurlburt4062]

For those who don't know, the Wall of Death is a fairground attraction. Inside a circular, drun shaped building about 30 feet (10 m) across, professionals ride a motorcycle on the inside of a circle wooden wall. They are basically horizontal and centrifugal force stops them from falling. Hopefully. I used to see them at the summer exhibition in Edmonton, Alberta. You can see how this fits into the other images in the song, and of course RT is using it as a metaphor.

[@FrancoS59]

A very spectacular version is that of Mrs. Nanci Griffith in "Other Voices Too", show in Glasgow, 1998 - Is on You Tube. It's the first song on the Show.

[@66smashy]

*Added to Favourites* Richard Thompson with Christine Collister

[@drstevie]

Fantastic.

[@guidokahuna]

I was so fortunate to see Christine Collister sing with RT on Wall of Death, my favorite song in 1986. She is so talented. Ten years later, he was playing solo and asked the crowd what he should play & I shouted "Wall of Death!" to which he began strumming and laughing for a few minutes!

[@rwbullock4197]

This is a great performance. Share it with friends. The official (not live) video is hilarious by Modern North American Standards, you get to see "the wall of death!!....... I am not kidding you!

[@PhalainaBelgium]

Excellent song with outstanding vocals of Christine Collister !! Phalaïna

[@susannevacek2769]

I saw the Richard Thompson band with collister Greg’s on snd John Kirkpatrick per form wall of desk in 1986 memorable

[@elicarley1031]

Richard Thompson is a very talented person

[@rigelmoon9030]

REM does the greatest cover of this, the coolest song ever. Whenever I feel down, I take a big ride on the "Wall of Death".

[@mattmcdonald6202]

Great cover - but Rt is king

[@anthonydavies8459]

Amazing singer songwriter , amazing song .

[@pwwatson8888]

I still get goosebumps listening to this. I t is excellent driving music!

[@garethwynne-williams]

Genius! Love this line up.

[@petericeman100]

I saw him with Loudon Wainwright in Australia in the 80s and still love his music.

[@AndrewAheadSnare]

Christine Collister is a great singer in her own right. Fell in love the first time I saw her live. Several examples of her performances on here

[@ron8637]

Excellent, excellent, excellent !!

[@johndaniels1923]

this song is awesome Richard is a brilliant songwriter one of the best guitarists in the world I love this song. I saw him and Linda in 1980 at Theatre Royal in Stratford East London a stones throw from Hackney where Linda Was born

[@piccalillies]

I think it's my favorite song of yours, Richard. Got to watch my daughters on it this September over at the Champlain Valley Fair & could hear this playing

[@fjbdc]

You can waste your time on the other rides This is the nearest to being alive God it's so good to see all the other die hard RT fans here. I've seen him 3 times acoustic...never electric. The depth and passion of Richard Thompson are something to behold. I've always believed that there is Richard Thompson and Beethoven...and everyone else!

[@schleifMets41]

Dr. Fred Blum Don't know where you live, but he's touring w/an electric right now. Seen him both acoustic and electric, totally different, but always amazing. That's what happens when you play guitar w/three 6-fingered hands.... :)

[@schleifMets41]

electric trio, I meant

[@barbaravonschlegell8355]

Amazing song, brilliant performance. Amusement park at state fair as a kid had The Rotor ride (Wall of Death without motorbikes)

[@nonameinfl]

That is a great little song and man, what a great strat tone.

[@TheBham54]

Would love to see him do something with Mark Knopfler, that would be something...2 of the best guitarists on the planet, both with unique vocals...heaven

[@SoCali_Surfer]

I agree! Have you listened to the version sung by John Doe (of the punk band X) and Mare Winningham? Definitely worth it! I think John's harmonies are beautiful!

[@christopherallen9580]

I have now listened and their version is excellent

[@MyMaracana]

I just love this!

[@papajohnloki]

one of his best with some of his best

[@MaabudZ]

A perennial great song. One of Thompsons finest IMHO. I did like the version he did with Linda but this is a true pleasure to watch and hear.

[@aprilglaspieable]

RT plays electric rock guitar without patterns, even on solos. It's astounding and you couldn't mistake him for anybody else except Tom Verlaine or Richard Lloyd.

[@hans-jurgenandresen1542]

Das ist ein richtig guter Song, herzlichen Dank!

[@mixrmandd]

God I miss the 80s

[@johndaniels1923]

This song is pure magic brilliant!!!

[@Matt63491]

Great stuff ! I think RT has said in the past that the song's about a reminder to himself not to play it safe and taking chances....

[@nhgumbah]

effortless perfection...

[@petermillar6583]

Glorious!

[@marysagar]

At 2:52, dizzying and in perfect control. Practice is how you ride the Wall of Death.

[@GrezH]

Saw this lineup at Leeds Town Hall in 1985 and they were stunning. Great night out!

[@goriajk]

Kick ass song from one hella of a guitarist

[@nealhall5997]

Love her singing.

[@baszman]

From what I can remember this was from like1983-1985 saw the tour very incredible show!

[@kaewonf8]

Agree w/leisure suit. Also envious about seeing him tour ... never had the pleasure. Funny how you can date his tours by hairline and ensemble!

[@pmfzero]

@uberpills - I saw the band with Clive and Christine and you are right - they were perfect partners for RT

[@Kagami101]

This song was on a Time-Life anthology I bought years ago and it has been a favorite of mine ever since.

[@MrRazorblade999]

Amazing. I love the sound of his guitar.

[@davidseslar5798]

The Wall of Death probably referred to in this case is an amusement park that is comprised of a vertical cylinder that can spin around the vertical axis. Riders stand against the wall of the spinning cylinder and the floor falls away leaving the riders held up by centrifugal force and friction.

[@sueharrison3200]

Uhhh, I think this is meant to be metaphorical, but interesting info!

[@earlmcpherson6913]

Great song 🎵

[@JohnGreen_US]

Caught Christine and Clive on their last US tour at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Also, try to attend each swing RT makes thru the state Fantastic, timeless, cherished talents.

[@writer1990]

Shawn Colvin often performed this live, back before her first album in the mid 1980s...sad that it wasn't on "Cover Girl"

[@WorkmanJohn]

FYI. Recorded at Barrymore's Club in Ottawa, Canada. In its heyday was one of the greatest clubs in Canada

[@deluge71]

Arrived here because I've always loved the Dax Riggs' cover of this song on 2007's "We Sing of Only Blood or Love." This is pretty great, in its own right.

[@ianbadg]

The most unique soloist Ive ever heard. Awesome!

[@pelotontherapyy]

Twisters movie brought me here

[@JStarStar00]

The words aren't silly -- it's a metaphor for the twists and turns of life. Now I love Seger, and I like his songs, but RT is in a whole other league as a writer.

[@jbcatl]

This is a fantastic performance of this song.

[@tedcrum]

The wall of death is a sideshow attraction where motorcycles ride inside a wire cage, going up the vertical sides. RT is a rider down to his soul, using lots of motorcycle imagery, like the "spokes" in Misunderstood. Ride and live like there's no tomorrow!

[@uberpills]

Of all the times I"ve seen Thompson, this tour - his '87 tour, with Collister and Gregson - was the best.

[@paulmarsteller6422]

Saw it, too, at The Bayou in D.C.

[@TheoZoffrok]

It was right up there - although he's always toured with superb musicians: Danny Thompson, Pete Zorn, Michael Jerome, Shawn Colvin, Judith Owen, his son Teddy, etc etc. That said, Christine Collister is my favourite singer ever. Her records solo and with Clive Gregson are glorious.

[@stephenw181057]

Great song...my favourite version was The Bushwhackers live back in the day. (Sung with a great Australian accent.)

[@stephenw181057]

If I want to hear it now have to dig out the vinyl: "Lively!"

[@clifffurnald]

The female vocalist is Christine Collister, the guitarist in the shades and hat is Clive Gregson.

[@geoffreygaletti2614]

The original video for this is pretty outrageous

[@flairbird1965]

Holy crap! That's good!

[@thefrisquette]

Happy birthday MM,superbe concert ensemble(dans une autre vie)

[@RYRocker]

Christine Collister on vocals and acoustic guitar with RT...from the "Shoot Out The Lights album.

[@Lynwoodco]

Came here because this song closed out tonight's episode of Banshee. Hadn't heard it for such a long time. Sounded different (a solo) but I still enjoyed this version!

[@mickpowell6958]

me too

[@MightyTimYoung]

This is a great band for this great song.

[@janiceohara7667]

I wonder if Richard's ever owned a motorcycle. He's got a couple of songs about them, this being one of them. Great song. Love him.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Richard's voice is at its best when accompanied by a female voice, as here or with Linda in days gone by.

[@billtaylor9931]

Include Shawn Colvin on that list.

[@densely]

And Emmy Lou Harris.

[@goodun2974]

@@densely , and Bonnie Raitt....

[@JStarStar00]

good 'un And daughter Kami.

[@whoopieman]

To me, Wall of Death will always be about a woman with whom I was in a relationship. It was the most exciting experience I could have ever imagined.

[@billdelfera8580]

Whos here after watching Twisters?

[@FergyGuitar]

Doesn't get much better, does it? RT, Clive Gregson, Christine Collister going at it like that. Pure music gold.

[@Subversion_dnb]

Stellar song, Dax Riggs cover is incredible as well

[@tintriumph]

one of the few who sound GREAT live ,or recorded

[@Joanna-il2ur]

I can proudly say I saw RT with Linda Peters and Simon Nicol at the Railway Tavern in Portsmouth in November 1973. I also saw R&LT on the tour for I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight tour with Sour Grapes, and so in right up to their final UK gig at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield in 1979, the one where Linda poured a drink over Richard and stomped off stage. A lifetime favourite. I do like the R.E.M. cover of this song. Just yesterday I heard for the first time the Pointer Sisters version of Don’t Let a Thief Steal into your Heart, which was actually very good.

[@pauldover1403]

Personally, I think that the high point of Chrissie Collisters career was when she was singing with Clive in Gregson and Collister and appearing with Dickie Thomo in his band.

[@garywhitt98]

This.

[@MisterJaeg]

Outstanding!

[@OxbowisaMstie]

Such a sweet song....with such a brutal title! rock! \ ,,, /

[@YooperG]

Excellent idea!

[@daf827]

@Coltrane48 Agree! I saw this lineup several times in the mid '80s and they rocked. Christine is RT's best backing singer, by far. Great harmonies.

[@johnbarry1965]

Richard Thompson like Ray Davies should be taken over by the National Trust because they are both national treasure's!!!!!

[@carlcruysberghs2298]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sharonmccrea8892]

Can't stop listening

[@filmerado]

Thanks!

[@mobydoug]

@gaspode18 Now that you mention it, I do smell the fried onions.....and a wall of portapotties, as well.....

[@cullenski4313]

this is a guy who will breathe his last on stage, the turn into a zombie and carry on playing

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Clive Gregson and Christine Collister (?), if I am not mistaken.

[@Fexobs]

I was just thinking the same thing !

[@fearrginicehole]

Christine Collister

[@zhanay]

Yes indeed, Christine and Clive. First time I ever saw RT was with this band. And the last time I saw him in Los Angeles she sat in for a couple of songs. She is fabulous and they sound great together.

[@abbieharris2425]

Yup!

[@industry65]

They have been mentioned! Now, Bass and Drums?