This Is Why You Need To Know Who Richard Thompson Is.

It is time. It is time to explore Richard Thompson together. He is one of all time favourite musicians and songwriters. Here is an introduction to some of my favourite songs of his and I'll explain why I think he is an artist everyone should listen to. What are you thoughts on Richard Thompson? Have you heard of him before or is this new to you?
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[@johncycling6299]

For those entirely unfamiliar with Richard Thompson, there is no harm in starting with the entirely obvious choices; 1952 Vincent Black Lightning and Beeswing. Because they are glorious.

[@StereoTyp0]

The closing riff of 1952 VBL is a perfect channeling of a motorcycle running off into the distance.

[@ericpeabody1555]

Absolutely the right songs for someone seeking to get a sense of Thompson's style!

[@philmus1]

Dad's Gonna Kill Me, Persuasion, he's written so many brilliant songs

[@pattidale7968]

The duo with Bonnie Raitt, Dimming of the Day, is a favorite of mine.

[@seanoneil277]

When the Spell is Broken should be with those two fine acoustic numbers.

[@castleofsong9620]

I rate Richard Thompson as one of the greatest musicians let alone guitarists and songwriters in history. Saw him live and he’s every bit as good live. An absolute living legend.

[@LeadMe2TheBliss]

Didn't him and Fairport Convention pretty much create the folk rock genre? Either way the man is an absolute Rock God in my eyes! It's so interesting too because you can call RT a rock God but he can still go to the mall on the weekends with his family and for the most part probably go unnoticed around 100s of people.

[@noelmajers6369]

I have been lucky enough to see Richard Thompson in three different lineups - once with Linda Thompson in a criminally under attended gig in Hull I was stood literally two yards away from him in the front standing row able to watch him playing these really astonishing electric guitar solos. Imagine getting that close to Eric Clapton ! The second time I saw him was in a now demolished movie theatre (the Art Theatre) in Upstate NY where I lived for a few years. There he was playing solo acoustic guitar and he closed out his set with a barnstorming version of Buddy Holly's Not Fade Away commenting before hand at how much he'd been influenced by American music. He brought the house down with that one. The last time I saw him was with a touring band in Cardiff. That was also good and I hope to see him again once of these days.

[@andrewsharpe2157]

I would say he’s even so much better live! Songs get so hard and the solos are insane - magnificent shows

[@BoulevardRecording]

He absolutely is.

[@arthurdent7509]

Richard Thompson is the whole package - writes incredible tunes with unforgettable lyrics which are dark, funny, poetic and deeply moving, delivers it all with top class musicianship in vocals and guitar. For me he is the best, no question.

[@roygavin8219]

Sorry mate, Richard and Danny are the whole package.

[@HighlandMike325]

Fairport Convention are one of the most beautiful musical collectives ever assembled and total respect to you Justin

[@dahliafiend]

I got to open for him when he did a solo show in my hometown. He was super good. The coolest part was sitting in the dressing room before the show and hearing him noodling around, even making mistakes. Definitely something you don’t get to hear everyday.

[@timadamson3378]

Oh, Calvary Cross. Never fails to stop me in my tracks.

[@DunsysGuitarWorld]

One of the best shows I ever saw was Mr Richard Thompson. The man bends guitar notes that no one else could ever make sound correct. They make no sense until you hear RT play them. Absolutely incredible. The same show had Danny Thompson on double bass, plugged into what looked like (and sounded like) a full Trace Elliot or SVT stack. Sonic excellence at both ends of the spectrum.

[@redrover3259]

Danny is a legend, check out his bio and who he's played with. He and RT had a great relationship for years. Try to find a live RT "Al Bowlly's in Heaven" with Danny. Brilliant and no, they're not related.

[@TheAndersox]

I saw Richard Thompson play a couple of months ago and he was an incredible as ever.

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

Best compliment I ever got as a guitarist was a someone telling me they thought I played like him. I'm ok with that. (and i had played 25 years before I ever heard him!)

[@mrlepotts]

Iii iiiI’m i iiis I’m just having some

[@seanoneil277]

@@daveguitarnowski4402 Brother, if I played guitar and someone told me that, I'd think I'd gone to the moon. That's fine praise.

[@mcolville]

Often on my Twitch hangout streams, we listen to music and last week when I said "Oh you know what we should listen to?" Someone in chat randomly said "'52 Vincent Black Lightning?" And I was like "No. No we are not listening to...what? NO! Wow, no. No one is in that good a mood." It just completely pulverizes me, doesn't matter how many times I've heard it.

[@jakoblaban429]

Ya, that's an amazing one!!!

[@solitudinous6508]

Wow. Matt Colville is a fan of Justin Hawkins. What an amazing combination of cool youtube people!

[@danielmfordham]

@@solitudinous6508 what is this, a crossover episode?

[@rowanc88]

He's certainly up there. 'Beeswing' is my all time favourite.

[@miaschu8175]

Oh, I love that song! So beautiful, so sad - bittersweet.

[@edoq78]

Yes that is one incredible song

[@monodances]

Yeah, mine as well. The Futureheads recorded acapella version of this song, that's how I've heard about the man.

[@e.m.4866]

Love Richard Thompson. Spent the 90s listening to his work inside and out. A giant.

[@Smudgie]

Not a solo song but I always loved "Now be thankful" written by Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick.

[@peterfitton4529]

Possibly my all time favourite song. I read the other day that Swarbrick wrote the music and Richard wrote the lyrics, which surprised me a little. Always thought it sounded like a Thompson melody/chord sequence. A masterpiece either way.

[@ackers36]

A solid gold legend. As a 12/13 year old I was often “dragged” to folk gigs by my Dad who was an ardent folk music fan. Being v self conscious at the time I was horrified at the prospect of being found to be engaged in something that might be considered uncool but I recall vividly seeing RT for the first time in the mid-90s at an arts center somewhere in the midlands and being absolutely blown away. I think it was an entirely acoustic show but I remember being mesmerized by his dexterity on the guitar and the sheer energy of his performance. He also has a gift for writing songs with a universal perspective that make just as much sense to a 12 year old boy as a 65 year old man. He can be dark in his writing themes, yes, but I suspect he’s just trying to be honest which is a quality to be applauded I think.

[@michaelkay611]

The Watching the Dark 3-disc retrospective set is absolutely amazing with unreleased live recordings. There are no words for the magnificence of his playing. The only problem with the set is it stops at 1992, and there is so much great material Richard Thompson has done since then. Thanks for this episode - Mr. Thompson is permanently and criminally underrated.

[@patrickcrowther9195]

That’s a great place to start for the uninitiated. It was beautifully put together.

[@peterfitton4529]

Thinking of buying that set. I read that the version of Now Be Thankful on it is a different mix to the "new stereo mix" from the Full House CD reissue. Do you know if it's also different to the original mono single mix? Thanks.

[@jtfritchie]

The outro solo of Grey Walls (from Rumour and Sigh) is UNGODLY out of this world. No one (that I’ve ever heard) could write or play something like that. It will make you a believer.

[@goodun2974]

Its based on a true story, which Richard relates in his memoir "BeesWing".

[@peterwillett2536]

I've seen him solo in a pub and full electric in several thousand seat theaters. All were transcendental experiences. Totally singular guitar, songwriting, and singing make RT an immense triple threat artist!

[@billclarke3773]

I saw him playing on his own in a pub in Croydon in 1982. He was brilliant and played several Hank Williams songs amongst his own stuff. Quite brilliant, but sometimes pointlessly nihilistic lyrically.

[@doreemcnulty]

Thank you for this Justin !!! I have seen Richard Thompson 3 times and each show was flipping amazing ! I was a strange teen in the 80s as I somehow found Fairport ...Noone I knew in my Chicago USA world had any clue who this band was. I joined their fan club amd it was true love ever since, giving me the hankering to buy each album / cassette and eventually CD and now streaming. I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT & SHOOT OUT THE LIGHTS are absolute masterpieces...as well many Thompson solo albums are pure genius !! A life without Richard Thompson and very early Fairport Convention/ Sandy Denny is a life forever deprived.

[@peterfitton4529]

Would also include the superb Pour Down Like Silver among the great Richard & Linda Thompson albums. Might even be the best of the lot, imo.

[@Deadhansome]

Absolutely love RT! He's untouchable as a guitarist! His lyrics are soo damn good too! I only discovered him through read about love in the 90s and just had to dig back through to listen to his other stuff. Been a massive fan ever since. Thanks for this Justin! Your channel always gives me a giggle and we need that right now.

[@mikewilson3581]

He wrote the lyrics for Fairport's song 'Meet On The Ledge'. One of the finest songs I've ever heard. Let's not forget Sandy Denny and Iain Matthew's vocals on that one.

[@peterfitton4529]

He wrote the entire song, not just the lyrics.

[@BoulevardRecording]

Have a feeling he wrote the melody too. It just is Richard through and through

[@DaneMatt85]

Thanks so much for this! Can’t believe he has flown by my radar for so long, what an absolute gem of an artist. On the positive side, discovering him so late, I now have decades of back catalogue to explore; which I have been doing since I watched this video and have been blown away by the amount of incredible tracks he has released. His songwriting reminds me of like a British Warren Zevon, another artist forever on my ‘very special artists’ list. Just amazing, thanks again for sharing

[@dommccaffry3802]

love you justin. richard is my favourite guitar player in the world. the solo on hard on me , off the mock tudor album is visceral, edgy, and thrilling. devoid of rock cliches. of course , an amazing songwriter too. i love the stuff with linda.

[@seanoneil277]

The Mock Tudor studio version, and the live Semi-Detached Mock Tudor version, are both explosive pieces of music. Lyrically and otherwise. The lyrics can be tricky since he references The Wicker Man and not many outside the UK know that legend. RT might be the finest lyricist I know of when it comes to speaking of emotional boundaries, emotional difficulties, and the influences of one's life. I'd wager he's a very sensitive person. He's certainly very intelligent and he's quite funny, in stage banter and in interviews.

[@mcblakemore3423]

I got to know the music of the Thompson family because I was a huge fan of the Wainwright's (Loudon, Rufus, Martha et al). My husband had the honor to engineer (master) a release by Teddy Thompson called 'Thompson Family Album' in 2014 -- it features Teddy singing with his mom and dad and other extended family. Teddy is also a musical genius and can sing any genre to perfection.

[@StereoTyp0]

What an honour indeed! Great album too.

[@paulbodman5474]

The Persuasion duet is just pure bliss

[@seanoneil277]

One of RT's live albums you can get from Beeswing Records has Teddy on it. He sings and plays some woodwinds I think. Hard to imagine Teddy having less than musical genius given who his parents are.

[@eightrodway]

Richard Thompson is a phenomenon, both on electric and acoustic guitar; also an outstanding composer and a uniquely expressive singer. I've followed his career since the second Fairport album (first one released in US.) He's the artist I seen live most often. Brilliant, humble, and woefully underexposed.

[@seanoneil277]

I've listened with interest to many musicians over about 45 years now, and one thing I'd say is that the greatest talents NEVER are "popular" or well-known. What is well-known is a lot of mediocrity. The same holds true for novels/writers. I saw RT live 3x in the 1980s, have not seen him live since, but I listen to him often. No musician is more interesting to me, or a greater example of lyrics and skillful playing, than Richard Thompson. I can't think of any who have been as good, for as long, as RT.

[@danteuk8024]

Massive RT fan for years, seen him a few times live - The man is an incredible Guitarist and songwriter. massive influence. Few guitarist can master acoustic and electric guitar the same he has.

[@peterhiggins3736]

So good to give Thompson some recognition! I was born into folk rock household - so he was really front and centre of my musical upbringing (along with Fairport, Show of Hands etc and the Cropredy festival). Thanks Justin 👊

[@jamiecottle5850]

Thank you for this. Richard Thompson is such an amazing artist. Great spotlight.

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

Oh hell yeah!, 1952 Vincent black lightening and beeswing two of the greatest songs ever written, love this dude, love his songwriting, and what a monster guitarist, I got so excited I had to comment before even watching the video, I'm going to enjoy this one, hats off to you justin for introducing this genius to the masses who might not have heard of him.

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

Those are the only 2 songs of his that I am familiar with. But great, great songs!

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

@@sopwithsnoopy8779 he has some amazing stuff in his back catalogue, those two songs I mentioned are in my opinion perfectly written and performed, the lyrics, his voice, his playing, when I hear them I get a lump in my throat and goose bumps, infact, I'm off to listen to them right now. Richard Thomson is a criminally underrated artist definitely worth a deep dive into his albums.

[@TheFlowNetwork]

I have a hard time performing "Bee's Wing" without crying...that last line..."If I could just taste all of her wildness now, if I could hold her in my arms today, then I wouldn't want her any other way"...just kills me. Every time.

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

@@TheFlowNetwork those lines get me too, I suppose we all have that one wild one that got away and those lines and the vocal delivery just spark a memory, and the lines "like a fox caught in the headlights there was animal in her eyes" is so perfectly descriptive of someone I used to know. It makes me both happy and sad all at once. Just Brilliant.

[@ludditedred9644]

I first discovered Richard Thompson at Cropredy Festival in like 2014 or something. I'd never heard of him before, and I was just wandering around. As soon as he came on and started playing, there was an absolutely awesome inspiring sound of ten thousand people being quiet at the same time so they could hear him. A wonderful and captivating performer.

[@nattylovescock]

Mate. I absolutely love this channel. Glad you got onboard with King Gizzard. Can’t wait to see you guys in Melbourne again. Always an awesome night. Thanks a lot for everything you and the rest of the band do. Cheers mate

[@charliebluechaos4963]

Let's hear it! Thank you for your awesome suggestions. Much love to you Mr. Hawkins!

[@davidkoral1673]

Hey, Justin, I just saw your show in NYC, and I've been a Richard Thompson fan for millions of years. Thanks for posting!

[@adrianlock654]

Thank you Justin. Love your work. I'm a recent convert to the music of RT. My late uncle who gave me the gift of music and playing guitar took me to see RT. I had no knowledge of his music before seeing him live and loved every minute of his show and become an instant fan.

[@andrewcarlyle4779]

Love the content and great to see RT getting a little love on the channel Justin. I think a good few people overlook him due to the 'folk' tag he's given back & forth, but he certainly knows how to rock out when he wants to. Looking forward to any follow-up video you might do on him in the future!

[@joshuamarsh2618]

I have to be honest, normally I already have a good knowledge of the music you recommend but this artist is one I had no previous knowledge of...….and I really dig his tracks! So thank you for expanding my musical playlist Justin, Nice one! ^_^

[@gavinkeown6488]

I'm always impressed by anyone who has the good taste to admire RT. I think more of Mr. Hawkins for this appreciation.

[@danielnash5904]

Nice going pre-recording all of the before your US tour Justin. Great continuity and excellent content, throughouly enjoying your work. Keep it coming.🤙

[@michaelismichael4640]

Wish I could like this video more than once. It's a great intro to the incomparable RT. Well done Justin.

[@bethchristman2908]

Richard Thompson is truly an artist. His performance of Season of the Witch is my favorite.

[@seanoneil277]

Thanks for mentioning that, I've never heard it and now I have to.

[@timarmstrong3251]

@@seanoneil277 It's on KZbin and it's incredible: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5qTeIapia2Hoqs

[@jthompson5341]

I was introduced to Richard Thompson, through Bob Mould. I highly recommend Bob Mould's first solo albums, "Workbook", and especially "Black Sheets of Rain". The song "Black Sheets of Rain" is one of the best/darkest songs ever, pure beauty. And as a side note to that song, a live acoustic version by Ryan Adams is astounding! so, there's that, enjoy

[@markkozlowski3674]

Do you know the album "Beat the Retreat: Songs of Richard Thompson"? It's a Richard Thompson tribute album featuring a whole range of interesting folks, including Bob Mould doing "Turning of the Tide". If you've never heard it, please seek it out!

[@Guls574]

I love BM but damn, Black Sheets... is a tough listen. Really bleak and discordant.

[@grimalkin188]

Saw Bob in London doing Shoot out the lights. Kevin Shield was there too I think...funny how quality atracks quality.

[@seanoneil277]

You can hear how Mould would imitate Thompson's phrasings on the album Flip Your Wig especially. Listen to Divide and Conquer, it's like Mould heard RT and said, more thickness, more amplification, about 1.5x the pace, let's go....

[@John-gv2ug]

Thanks Justin. Richard is one of the special ones, where after a few seconds you can tell the song is his and you can pick his playing (the same goes for BB King, Clapton, Carlos Santana and two you may not have heard of, Australian guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Ian Moss (of Cold Chisel)), even when he occasionally plays covers. Also a mention of another favourite, the underappreciated Nick Drake. I saw Richard at a solo gig in Adelaide, South Australia quite a few years back (at The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide's prime small live music venue, a special 800 km/ 500 mi round trip) and it was one of my favourite shows (I haven't seen many shows, due to living and working in small country towns a long way from the city for many years but I saw Elton John in 1973, Paul McCartney and Wings in 1975 (we bought the last tickets next to the amps and couldn't see anything, so we went and stood at the side of the stage with the roadies and no one told us to get lost, so we had a great time), Brian Ferry in 1977 (sadly not Roxy Music), ELO in 1978 (all while at high school/university) and more recently, in retirement, after 40 years of waiting Bruce Springsteen in 2017 and U2 2019). My favourite songs of Richard's are "1952 Vincent Black Lightning ", "I Misunderstood", "Don't Tempt Me", "Cooksferry Queen" and "Persuasion"(collaborating with another favourite Tim Finn of NZ legends Spilt Enz. An interesting coincidence is that the film that Richard wrote the music, including "Persuasion" for called "Sweet Talker" in 1991, was filmed in the area where I live and some of the students I taught at the local high school got to be extras in it). I talk too much, even through the written word. Thanks again Justin for your great channel.

[@harrypalmer7169]

My Father got me interested in Fairport Convention many years ago, thanks Dad. He thought Sandy Denny had the voice of an Angel so we had one of her best and his favourites played at his funeral, "who knows where the time goes". It makes me smile when I hear it now with happy thoughts of my old Dad. God rest his soul. For anyone who has not heard Richard Thompsons solo work, the " Acoustic Classics" album is a great place to start.

[@ricardioscarbonara102]

Well done Justin, I was named after Richard Thompson, grew up with his music and eventually taught myself to play some of his songs, thanks for this

[@mickclash3520]

Justin! Just discovered you going down a random Richard Thompson rabbit hole. You are so great. I'll be checking out all of your other stuff. Cheers from Chicago.

[@douglaspatrick868]

Always delighted anytime I see people bring up Richard thompson! He has so many fantastic songs that I've listened to for ages and they still evoke a genuine emotional response and are undeniably a pleasure to listen to. If I had to pick just a few to recommend I'd say Beeswing (maybe the most achingly beautiful retrospective song about lost love ever), Shoot Out the Lights (love Mr. Thompson's riffing and guitar tone on this one), 1952 Vincent Black Lightning (Absolutely flawless utterly cool love song of all things with some stunning fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing) and I Wanna See the Bright Lights Tonight (This is just a ridiculously fun and eclectic absolute jam of a pop song, and the title track from probably the best overall record of his entire career...the bits from the horn section get me every time). Those are a great starting place for one sitting and different and interesting enough to give an Idea of how varied his stuff is. If you dig those he has at least a handful of great albums but my favorites are I Wanna See The Bright Lights Tonight (his ex-wife Linda is great too!) and Rumour and Sigh (My favorite of his solo recordings) The Fairport Convention stuff is great folk music and the Nick Drake stuff he played on is Brilliant too, give it all a chance!

[@Screamifyoumeanit]

Your thoughts on Nick Drake would be interesting, to hear! I was obsessed with his music, (discovered it in the late 1990s) and still love it.

[@markroylance1584]

I defy anyone to listen to Fairport's 'Now be thankful' live in 1970 at a festival and not be moved to tears... I can sort of play it on guitar but those ancient sounding lyrics and their harmonies ( RT and Dave Swarbrick)..... Just heavenly!

[@peterfitton4529]

The studio version is fantastic too.

[@catmandoodoo7903]

Couldn’t agree more. He’s incredible. The solo in ‘Put it there pal’ gets me every time.

[@buzzbabyjesus]

Been a fan since "Introducing Henry The Human Fly". "I Wanna See The Bright Lights" is an excellent place to start.

[@RossD8]

Been a fan since Fairport, seen him live dozens of times, sat at his feet for a week at his Frets and Refrains Music Masters Camp while he taught, among other things , "1952 Vincent Black Lightening". The man is a treasure. Not to be missed if he plays anywhere near you.

[@jkoff76]

Richard is one of the most unique and talented musicians in the world today.

[@ukecycle298]

He’s an amazing guitarist and songwriter, and I love his voice. He’s in my top five favorite guitarists for sure!

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Nice to see that fans of Justin are taking the time to look up the work of Richard Thompson. Because of this video from Justin, all the Richard Thompson videos on my youtube channel have seen an increase in views and people are leaving comments referencing Justin, this means he is a great influencer as well as a great musician 😉

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

How lovely!

[@BoulevardRecording]

This makes me so happy. I recorded and mixed 2 albums with Richard and it was one of the greatest pleasures of my life. And yes, the albums are mostly live. Couple overdubs but usually he takes solos on the live takes. We comp later.

[@chrismorley7516]

Ah ha, the much lauded RT episode. I thought it was was never coming but here it is. Good work @justin

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Thank you for the intro. I just found your channel and am very excited for the awesome content. Thank you. That first track reminded me of Father John Misty

[@superducknz]

Hello fellow chair dancer! Love your little boogie moments on this channel, I love seeing people genuinely and passionately enjoying music, thanks 🙂

[@Drinckx2]

Great appreciation of a wonderful talent. I’ve always loved his work - one of the great songwriters and a brilliant guitar player too. He’s amazing.

[@ericpeabody1555]

Missed this when you first posted it. I too respect his work.

[@rolfjager4633]

In case you don't know it: Check out his work as a sideman for David Thomas on two of his albums. Thomas was and still is the singer and leader of teh American avantgarde rock band Pere Ubu. A pretty unlikely musical ambience for someone like Thompson. yet he not only does, he also sounds just like someone, who's been doing this kind of stuff for decades. Highly recommended: His solo on the title track of David Thomas' "The Sound Of The Sand" album. Just pure beauty. And the other stuff on the record, plus the album "Variations On A Theme". Unbelievable, that this man was in Fairport Convention. True virtuosity and versatility.

[@garethfitzpatrick3932]

This is an unexpected artist for you to talk about, but makes complete sense as any guitarist worth his salt will know how damn good Thompson is. I saw him live for the first time around 2007 at the Cambridge Corn Exchange and was knocked sideways by how spellbinding his playing was. Not only the playing, also as a lyricist. He has almost too much talent for one man!

[@seanoneil277]

He was brilliant as a young man too. Go back in time, listen to Liege & Lief by Fairport Convention. That album is full of musical brilliance, including Sandy Denny's singing.

[@watermelon1835]

I'm seeing him there tonight! First time going to one of his sets

[@garethfitzpatrick3932]

@@watermelon1835 you’re in for a treat

[@silkywellman8528]

Mock Tudor is my favorite album! Well done Justin!

[@TheIceyeddy]

Love your videos Justin. Just wanted to say I was listening to The Darkness cover of Street Spirit today and it is pure perfection. Always go to that song if I want to rock my pants off x

[@Anelisa8520]

Upvoted and I haven't even watched the video yet. He's such a magic songwriter and one of the few guitar players whose really-long solos I actually really like. They're so musical yet with unexpected twists around every turn Edit post-watching to add: Yes, his singing is a whole mood. And the solo from "Love In a Faithless Country," is like a gorgeous dark classical composition, all beautifully, perfectly almost off-kilter in the most stunning way and then landing (as JH said), over and over, just perfectly Thankful to the friends who turned me on to Richard Thompson!

[@Anelisa8520]

Ps, one friend, who'd worked with him, said he was a surprisingly happy, good-humored guy considering how deep-dark a lot of his lyrics are

[@leonas2182]

I had not heard of him so thanks for the playlist. I'm going to have a gander

[@michaelshepherd2496]

Thankyou for doing a episode on Richard Thompson. 'Persuasion' is an absolute classic. His son Teddy is great as well. 👌🏻

[@paulmca8514]

Been following Richard Thompson for 40 years or more, his music and skill on guitar and in song writing is amazing. His singing voice is unique, and is full of raw emotion.

[@michaelwinston713]

Thanks Justin. A very interesting analysis. I’ve followed him since his Human Fly days. Cheers!

[@kevgamble]

Thompson is just marvelous. I enjoyed his Fairport and solo work for years before finally seeing him (and band) live on the Mock Tudor tour, which was one of the most delightful shows I've ever seen.

[@malcolmbillington2864]

incredible guitar player and songwriter. 13 rivers is a stunning album, every house should own Mock Tudor.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@malcolm billington - two of my current (I say current because this changes regularly) RT favourites. 13 Rivers is my current driving fav.

[@malcolmbillington2864]

@@honeychurchgipsy6 understandable that your favourites change so regulary, the man has a incredible back catologue and we have not even mentioned his live albums!

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@malcolmbillington2864 - so true! Have you heard More Guitar, that's a great one for mentally brilliant guitar solos? Never had a general release, but it is available via his web site. I'm still discovering RT music - having only been a fan for around 12 years - there's a lot to get through - lol!!!

[@malcolmbillington2864]

@@honeychurchgipsy6 one of many great live albums that never had a general release. Also look at the quality box sets he has to his name. I hope you enjoy discovering the man as much as i did. He is no doubt a "legend" worthy of the name.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@malcolmbillington2864 - Agreed, I've seen him live several times but missed a show in 2019 because my car broke down on the way there. It took me a while to get over that. I've since seen him twice: once was a solo acoustic show at Sidmouth, and then at his 70th birthday thingy at the Albert Hall. Both were great - but I have to see him again with the electric guitar and the band as soon as possible.

[@Farsider3955]

🤔…..indeed, a unique and amazing musician! I first saw him when he performed at the All-Star Tribute to Joni Mitchell. His live performance cover of “Woodstock” was absolutely sensational. It’s easy to find on KZbin - worth checking out, no doubt!

[@lordsofafan372]

Beeswing is such a beautiful song . That and Vincent black lightening 1952 are in my all time top 20 songs. Richard doesn't always get the recognition he deserves so it's Great to see you do a video on him Justin 👍

[@wendelynmusic]

I listened to Fairport Convention back in the early 70's and followed Richard's solo career off an on though lost track several years ago. he's an amazing musician

[@TheFlowNetwork]

I first discover RT through Fairport Convention..."What we did on our Holidays" and "Hey Day" albums. Then I discovered "Rumor And Sigh". I've covered a number of his songs over the years..."Dimming Of The Day", "Read About Love", "Bee's Wing" and a Rockabilly version of "1952 Vincent Black Lightning". So many great songs. Both his electric and acoustic playing are superb. His version of "Oops I did it again" is not to be missed.

[@DavidRamos-nz4bh]

Thank you Justin! I’ll say it again, “ Mock Tudor”. Everyone, do yourself a favor and listen to it. Amazing !

[@lilmelvin11]

I read RT's autobiography recently. It covers until the mid-70s. EXCELLENT read! Got it from the local public library here in Nashville....Was I surprised to see it on the shelf!!!!

[@chrishermon2068]

Thanks, Justin. More people need to know about RT. He can do absolutely anything in a variety of styles but you know that already. You could do one video about his live stuff alone. The solo on ‘Can’t Win’ from ‘More Guitar’ is amazing. My favourite albums are ‘Mock Tudor’ and ‘Dream Attic’ but they’re all good.

[@wormbaby666]

Never heard of him! Thanks for taking us on these little musical journeys; they really help expand my horizons. :) I never would have heard of Sparks, if my TheDarkness obsessed girlfriend didn't get right into "This Town Ain't Big Enough For the Both Of Us" (followed by that brilliant Edgar Wright documentary he released a little while ago).

[@karlsinclair9918]

Good for you, promoting great musicians.

[@grelch]

Ah Richard. One of my desert island artists. Surprisingly I discovered him late night on MTV . He actually had a video for When the Spell is Broken.Of course Richard would probably be the last musician you'd expect to have a video, but thankfully he did so that I could discover him. I doubt he's ever made another.

[@gudlisner501]

Listening to Justin Talk just reminds me how lucky I was to have seen/heard him live with Fairports in ‘68 because he’s been an ever present in my life since then.

[@russturk4132]

I saw RT for the first time in 1992 when he was playing acoustic gigs promoting the Rumour and Sign album. Fantastic live performer and I've seen him many times since. Seeing him in September 2022.

[@independenceltd.]

Saw you in Dallas last night. Awesome as always!

[@1969RestlessNative]

This is my favourite video of yours so far 👍

[@murdockreviews]

Thanks for putting the spotlight on Thompson 🤟 Seen him live twice, solo. He can change a broken guitar string in no time and keep the crowd entertained at the same time. Absolutely love "When I get to the Broder"! Huuuge, and unbelievable discography. From the solo albums I'd like to pick out the rocking "Mock Tudor" and the moodier, acoustic 'Front Parlour Ballads'

[@hni7458]

He's broken two string - one each on two different occasions - on gigs I've attended; here in Sweden at that; all this while singing out Twist and shout - hilarious. Apparently he does so now and then, break strings. One of the pundits on 1st row shouted directly at BANG: TWIST AND SHOUT :))))

[@pontifexvonhummer9459]

Thanks for this one, JH!

[@TheFlowNetwork]

haven't even seen the video yet and I agree with everything you will say. Seen him live a number of times at McCabes guitar shop in L.A. Great. Let's go!

[@steveo44]

Thanks for the heads up here. Never heard him before but I'd heard of him. I'm really liking what I hear.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Enjoy!

[@tnvalleyyoga7122]

Thompson is one of the great artists. His guitar is unique and his lyrical abilities is up there with the greats his music is a genre unto itself.

[@jabbawonger6572]

RT is one of my favourite artists, seen him live and it amazing. What a great song writer/guitarist singer. Love the guy.

[@stephenhendricks6790]

Listening to "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" at least twice a week keeps me sane. And has for many, many years.

[@aenamabag]

Calvary Cross is one of those godly songs that is just so simple but nails it so perfectly.

[@jan2bratt]

I've been a fan of RT for many years but I've never heard of you before. Stumbled across this somehow and clicked.

[@oliviarafferty]

Persuasion is my favourite! i did a cover recently of it but it doesn't hold a candle to the rendition he did with Teddy. discovering richard thompson has been such a great gift recently.

[@ResponseAudio]

One of my all-time favorite possessions is a copy of "Mock Tudor" that Richard Thompson signed for me at a show in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. An incredible album!

[@jelhinks3381]

Turning of the tide is quite likely the best song I ever heard. There is a live acoustic version on youtube which is possibly even better than the album version. your taste in music is impeccable Justin.

[@mightyV444]

Thank you for the video and the playlist! 😀👍 I've known Richard Thompson for many years, since '83 when I was 13, but I still know way too little of his Music!

[@markkozlowski3674]

I enthusiastically recommend the 5 CD box set "RT: The Life and Music of Richard Thompson" on Free Reed records. It ain't cheap, but it's worth every penny. Regards.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

My late friend Pete used to cover beeswing when he used to come round to play guitar, I always get emotional when I hear that song, so beautiful.

[@sexdad9999]

I was lucky enough to I meet him here in NZ about five or six years ago. He played WOMAD. Incredible musician. Triple threat - amazing guitarist, incredible songwriter and a great singer. There were a couple of moments when he was up on stage that were truly transcendent. Like watching Hendrix in '69 or something.

[@delorangeade]

Seeing Richard Thompson changed everything I thought I'd learned about playing guitar, and sent me right back to square one.

[@spookydirt]

Good to see some love for Mr. Thompson, wasn't expecting it on this channel. Maybe I should have. My bad. There are some fantastic songs on 'Rumour and sigh' worth checking out, '1952 Vincent Black Lightning' is the best outlaw song about a vintage motorcycle I've yet heard.

[@HankMartin-ll4pi]

You’re right super talented musician thank you for this information about this legend guitarist just subscribed to your channel.🎼🎶🎸👍