Richard Thompson's surely the most versatile artist among all the Guitar Heroes. A pure folk musician, a Folk-Rocker, and a Hard-Rocker. Acoustic and electric guitars master, and wizard of melodic surprises. He's a brilliant subtle poet, music-writer-arranger. With understated charismatic stage presence. -Doug Pratt, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Damn right! Had my first experience seeing him live in Torquay, 2018. Breathtaking. Hope it's not too long before it can happen again. Take care, Casey
I grew up with Richard playing at my dad's record store 2 or 3 times a year as a kid. The first time I got to see him with a band was the mirror blue tour in Utah where he walked on stage and asked what everyone's favorite band was . Someone yelld out the Mormon tabernacle choir . He promptly responded with well we got a surprise for you tonight it's the morman tabernacle choir joining us in our version of spinal tap's lick my love pump . That's probably the moment I really started to appreciate RT his seance of humor is just as spot on as his guitar .
@ Chuck u farley - how lucky were you to have RT playing at your dad's record store - really envious. As to his sense of humour - yes, he's very funny - and quite rude for a practising Sufi!!
I think you'd also like a new, unknown singer, songwriter, guitarist who is as unique as Thompson. Check out www.johnfrancismariano.com and email him what you think.
@Mudbugaudiopro - I love Electric - not a bad track on the album but my personal favourites are (currently) The Tic Tac Man and Another Small Thing in Her Favour
I am going to make a statement that I may come to regret: RT fans are the most polite, lovely, musically well versed/knowledgeable (often musicians in their own right) fans on the RU-vid planet. It is an absolute delight to read comments and reply to them - to talk to fellow RT fans and indulge in a bit of fan girl nonsense - without coming across any nastiness. Just talk and praise of the great man. I think we should all be proud of this - perhaps it is something unique about the man himself?
honeychurchgipsy6 agree with you there; the man seems to bring about the best in us. Let’s just say that sometimes, very sometimes, artists do get the audience they deserve!
It's been a while now since we've been able to see Richard, so it's really great to find this. I do feel like I should mention that it's actually The Bones of Gilead, though. Sorry! ETA: I'm so glad Richard has had Michael Jerome with him all these years. Jerome is an incredible drummer who can handle time signatures that few can.
It doesnt get any better than this..,he scares most normal guitar players....performers....songwriters.....Bob Dylan covers Richard Thompson.,...sort of says it all......fantastic!
I agree and I think you might appreciate this unknown man who is also loaded with talent and who has a lot in common with Thompson: www.johnfrancismariano.com
Setlist: Bones of Gilead Her Love Was Meant for Me Take Care the Road You Choose Meet on the Ledge Can't Win They Tore The Hippodrome Down Dry My Tears and Move On 1952 Vincent Black Lightning The Rattle Within Guitar Heroes Tale in Hard Time Trying I'll Never Give It Up Wall of Death Put It There Pal Tear Stained Letter Encore: Beeswing Take a Heart (The Sorrows cover)
I always knew he was a legend - but then I saw he was just under Don McLain headlining at the Moseley folk and arts festival where I attended last weekend - was mightily impressed by his brilliance. I did know of Fairport Convention - - the folk band from the 70s - that he was in - with the great Sandy Denny. He has to be one of the Uk s most underrated singer/songwriter/guitarist ever. He did say on stage though - he was happy / surprisingly to have been making a living at it over the last 50years.
Astounding performance. RT at 69 is better than ever, and he keeps proving it over and over. His new record 13 RIVERS may just be the best he's ever done.
After more than ten years playing in simple minds the lead singer said he was" only starting to warm up" in so many words, the older you get like Richard you just keep getting better knowing your voice and talents more having given them time to grow .
I remember the first time I saw Richard. I was completely blown away by his guitar playing. I remember that Dave Alvin, a great musician in his own right opened for Richard that night and during his set said something that I never forgot. Before one of his songs he stopped and said " I know I know I can't wait to see Richard Thompson either. "
Saw Richard Thompson solo acoustic at the beginning of the year. Absolutely blew my mind. Then the 13 Rivers album came out, and I was completely blown away again. I've listened to the album almost daily since it came out (sometimes three times back to back in a day). He definitely deserves more credit than he's given.
I first saw him at the Ark (of course) in Ann Arbor in 1986. It was a cold winter night and we were late. Walking into the Ark, the rocking beat of Wall of Death came out. That was the first time I ever saw RT live. This year on 2/13 we saw him at the Boulder Theatre, front row seats, one of a small handful of artists I'd pay that kind of money for. This electric trio is very good. RT is, if possible, better than ever. I just can't find the words to say how great he is. He's really operating on a whole other level. Who plays guitar like that? And writes so many great songs. And sings with such soul. And such a humble person. I feel like he's channeling some ancient Celtic minstrel story-telling magic. Just so astonishingly good.
Fantastic concert as usual. All amazing instrumentalists. Richard is a wonderful guitarist and vocalist. He ain’t no spring chicken( me either) but he can carry a tune with the best of them, no auto tune needed here folks.👍👍
Hi Rick. I think you'd also like a new, unknown singer, songwriter, guitarist who is as unique as Thompson. Check out www.johnfrancismariano.com and email him what you think.
When anyone speaks of Richard's voice, lyrics, electric or acoustic tonality, humor ( I met him at my virgin show in the 80's in Chicago) I MUST say, as a MUSICIAN and just a Man - he requires NO SUPERLATIVES and has almost no equal as a very sincere human.
The tune Can't Win begins at 22:27...the solo beginning 26:40... we had no idea in 1968 that rock music would be a spiritual path, build our connection with each other, and connect us with Life Force like this. Richard, you are one of our rare Priests. Bless you always. -Doug Pratt, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
When I saw Richard Thompson at the Rainbow in the the early 1980's it was one of the top five live performances I've ever whitnessed. It's not just his songs, it's his top drawer and unique guitar playing. The other four are U2 at Brixton Academy in about 1984, Niel Young backed by Booker T and the MGs at Finsbury Park around 1990 I believe, Bob Dylan backed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Wembley Arena around 1987-ish, Peter Gabriel at Earls Court in the early 1980's and the Greatfull Dead who I saw at Wembley in 1991 (I think) with Bruce Hornsby sitting in on piano. Thompson was easily as good as that lot, and from this video it seems he still is.
Hi Rick. I think you'd also like a new, unknown singer, songwriter, guitarist who is as unique as Thompson. Check out www.johnfrancismariano.com and email him what you think.
After watching some of the well-intended living room link-ups that have appeared over the past few days due to the Corona shutdown, there's no beating the real thing. I haven't seen much of Richard electric - seen him more solo - but this is brilliant!
Another stellar set by Master Richard Thompson. Kind of ridiculous though that whoever uploaded this thing couldn't get the titles straight: under the title What Kind of Mother appears the song Can't Win.
RT is a fluid guitarist equally proficient on acoustic and electric guitars .He has a mature voice that blends into his musical landscape effortlessly. He can fire off fiery guitar riffs like Clapton, Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, Neil Young etc.and play delicate acoustic guitar like John Renbourn, Leo Kottke, Al Di Meola and Steve Stills. He played with Fairport Convention, his wife Linda and solo for several years and came up with several brilliant albums. He has been on forefront of folk music without a great deal of commercial success . He is the ultimate cult musician and his music grows on people
Fifty years old. Written when he was 19. Starting about 19:30 Richard goes into Meet on the Ledge and I start singing along and tearing up. Just a wonderful show. Thanks to Richard and the folks at Shrewsbury for sharing this with all of us.
malcalm - I'm 56 and last year his solo acoustic act had me in tears at least twice - first was Who Knows Where the Time Goes and then again when he did Down Where the Drunkards Roll - just superb.
Hi honeychurchgipsy. The song is 50 years old, as Richard informs in the into. I have 15+ on the song and 10 years on you! I've seen Richard at least a dozen times, and he's always wonderful. If I ever heard him do Who Knows Where the Time Goes, I'd cry like a child for sure. Love Sandy Denny forever.
malcalm - only seen him 3 times so far - 4th is next month and I can't wait. I am a late developer where RT's music is concerned having been made to listen to Vincent Black Lightning by my brother about 12 years ago. What followed was a slow burn - it took me a while to really appreciate his genius - but now I can't think of anyone better - especially on electric guitar - and his song writing - wow!! And the great thing is that I still have a huge back catalogue to trawl through. At present I'm really into both the Sweet Warrior, and You? Me? Us? albums. There's an excellent YT video of RT playing a live acoustic/stripped down version of 'A Love You Can't Survive' that I love to watch - his voice is amazing. I really envy those who have been fans for a long time and had the chance to see him so many times.
Even with a show like this that was slightly 'off' and having a few technical glitches Richard still makes it an intense show. His sound is not for everyone, but his craftsmanship is awe-inspiring.
Guy is unfathomable, what a creative crucible that Celtic core to the personality is. Rattle Within is brand new, and still shows close kinship with the rough raunchy delivery of Blackleg Miners from 50 years ago.
Totally agree. I saw RT in concert in Maine and was floored. Now I work with songwriter/singer/guitarist John Mariano. I think you'd like him too: www.johnfrancismariano.com
I bought Across a Crowded Room sound unheard based on the reviews. Had never heard of RT. Needless to say I've been a rabid fan since. Don't get many chances to see him electric in my neck of the woods. Should be in R&R HOF.
Bravo boys! Groove, energy and mojo. All of that was conjured up in this band, trio one may say but aptly assisted by a tele and acoustic player. Great stuff!
The Bones Of Gilead 0:35 Her Love Was Meant For Me 5:40 Take Care The Road You Choose 10:48 Meet On The Ledge 18:40 Can't Win 22:20 They Tore The Hippodrome Down 31:10 I'll Dry My Tears And Move On. 37:50 1952 Vincent Black Lightning 41:45 The Rattle Within 47:20 Guitar Heroes. 50:40 Tale In Hard Time 58:45 Trying 1:02:35 I'll Never Give It Up 1:06:40 Wall Of Death 1:10:30 Put It There Pal 1:14:20 Tear-Stained Letter 1:21:40 Beeswing 1:28:35 Take A Heart (Cover - originally by The Sorrows) 1:34:50
I'm happily married to my own personal guitar hero, but I feel compelled to say R.T. has never looked more sexy and in command. It's an objective observation -- he's a king. Given his virtuosity and history, nothing could be more appropriate. (My husband and I never fail to see him when he performs in Lawrence, KS. Thank you for enriching our lives R.T.)
0:34 Bones of Gilead 5:44 Her Love was Meant For Me 11:00 Band intro 11:30 Take Care The Road You Choose 19:22 Meet On the Ledge 22:27 Can't Win 32:09 They Tore the Hippodrome Down 38:13 I'll Dry My Tears and Move On 42:04 1952 Vincent Black Lightning 47:39 The Rattle Within 51:19 Guitar Heroes 59:16 Tale in Hard Time 1:02:51 Trying 1:06:48 Never Give It Up 1:10:30 Wall of Death 1:14:24 Put It There, Pal 1:21:49 Tear Stained Letter Encore: 1:28:45 Beeswing 1:34:55 Take a Heart (Miki Dallon; Sorrows cover) Band: Richard Thompson -- lead guitar, lead vocal Taras Prodaniuk -- bass, harmony vocal Michael Jerome -- drums, harmony vocal Bobby Eichhorn -- rhythm guitar
I've just got back from the Liverpool concert. He was fantastic. The setlist was the same as in the video. I was a bit disappointed. This was sold as the 13 Rivers tour. I was hoping for more from the new album. Still, it was a great concert. The highlights for me were a particularly vicious Put It There Pal and, of course, the Can't Win solo. Sadly, as seems usual, ninety five per cent of the audience had grey hair (or none). It would be great if RT could get a younger audience.
Ian Walker - lucky you - I've still got two weeks to wait - saw him last year acoustic solo - absolutely brilliant - BUT - I love his electric guitar work and can't wait no one plays electric guitar like RT - to call him unique is NOT hyperbole.
dmn23 - I think the version of Put it there Pal he plays at Austin Texas with Danny Thompson on double bass is exactly as you describe (it was on YT but has been removed - I'll just have to buy the DVD). At one point the solo almost loses all melodic connection to the song and then - as you say - just when you think 'where the hell is he going with this?' the melody comes back in and - well - I needn't say anymore. I found his electric solos hard to get a handle on when I first heard them - apart from the more bluesy ones of course - but now I love them and can't think of another player I'd rather hear. As for Calvary Cross, well that is just sheer madness from beginning to end - love it - hearing a touch of it in the song Trying.
keith bloomfield - of course this is all subjective in the end - if you prefer Martyn then who am I say you are wrong - BUT - was Martyn a virtuoso on acoustic and electric guitar? I ask because I do not know the answer. However, few are as good on both acoustic and electric as RT. I think both are original song writers with their own peculiar sound/style - both musical geniuses IMO, but I would place RT first and Martyn second.
@@honeychurchgipsy6 Yes he is - Martyn started out much like Richard as a plain and simple folkie, and even as he moved across to electronic effects and more jazz influences he stuck to an acoustic guitar - only going to electric guitars much later. I think it is a close call and probably they are interchangeable depending on personal preference. I do indeed love Richard Thompson though, and fortunately - unlike John Martyn - is still with us and playing/writing.
@@keithbloomfield8112 - thanks for that - yes, it is a shame John Martyn is no longer with us - when he died I heard an interview with Danny Thompson about him. DT said that if he had only ever played with Martyn his life would have been worth living - or something along those lines.
I think you'd also like a new, unknown singer, songwriter, guitarist who is as unique as Thompson. Check out www.johnfrancismariano.com and email him what you think.
wow, just fucking wow - listening to this for the umpteenth time and it never gets old or boring, and I'm getting excited because it is now only 9 days until the Royal Albert Hall 70th birthday concert. Let's hope the tickets I bought via Stubhub are genuine - lol!!!!
Having just listened to Guitar Heroes yet again it occurs to me that there is a conceit at the heart of this song - and that conceit is that, when RT says at the end 'I still don't know how my heroes did it' he is, of course, not being honest is he? Not only is he capable of playing in all of these styles, he has his own unique style - need I say more?
This is almost identical to his Richmond, London gig I saw him on on this tour. Very good as always. Whenever I see Richard solo I want to see the band next time and vice versa. Hope to see him play solo next time
Set list from Keswick Theater 11/10/2018: Bones of Gilead Her Love Was Meant For Me Take Care The Road You Choose Tale In Hard Time Guitar Heroes Storm Won't Come They Tore The Hippodrome Down Dry My Tears and Move On 52 Vincent Black Lightning The Rattle Within *Never Give It Up* You Can't Win The Way That It Shows Put It There Pal Wall of Death Tear Stained Letter Bee's Wing Take A Heart (The Sorrows cover) A great, long set from this generous legend, spanning his 50+ year career. Opened up on several of his new ones from 13 Rivers, which is a 'barn burner'. Extended bridge solos (at least one of 3+ minutes on I believe You Can't Win), and of course blazing, seemingly impossible fret and picking work throughout. His 2+ man backup for the 'Trio' is just outstanding - the drummer in particular is obviously enjoying himself immensely, grinning widely, singing backup and bashing insanely the whole time. Just a fantastic show. My new best concert ever, with Shawn Colvin opening, as charming and full-timbred of voice as ever. See him while you can. There likely won't be another of his like.
Minor correction - Never give it up was after Can't Win. Was there, too. The solos and drumming on You can't win were stellar. Simply outstanding musicianship, especially from RT and his drummer. I've seen a LOT of live shows, and his drummer ranks in the top 3 I've seen. My only complaint - everybody stayed in their seats! Surely that has an impact on the band, although you wouldn't know it from Saturday nights show. Trying was on the setlist that I got from the sound guy (first song of second encore before Take a Heart), but was not played.
Robert Daniels Thank you Robert! Amazed I only missed one - writing in the dark, and some I had no clue the name of. Yes I just can't say enough about it. Actually I'm posting under my wife's name. Bought 13 Rivers and I am just hitting 'repeat' on Her Love Was Meant For Me (starts here at 6:45), over and over again. What a powerful song, lyrically and musically. Certainly hasn't lost any edges he had. Hard to get people to grasp what seeing him in action is like - as someone there that night said to me "he's a force of nature".
