I've been lucky enough to see him play this probably six times. Something that has always amazed me is that he never played it the same way twice. The consummate artist, he's always reaching for something new.

An all-time great and one of my favorites. From Fairport to present day, he never fails to amaze with his playing, writing and singing. And the man can absolutely rip it up when plugged in.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

@debcevans

2 жыл бұрын

And remember he wrote the song "Genesis Hall" when he was about 17, so he has always been a story teller.

@ednoponen2943

2 жыл бұрын

I could not agree more. His guitar solos never fail to amaze and delight. He never goes quite where you expect. It;s one surprise after another. I can never get enough of him, especially his inventive and totally mesmerizing guitar solos.

Richard Thompson is a world treasure, a brilliant songwriter, lyricist and virtuoso guitarist, if ever given the chance please go see him 'live', you will have an evening to remember.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

I have never seen better.

For non guitarists (or guitarists who haven't taken on the challenge of thumb independence yet), this is an incredibly challenging song to play properly. I've been working on it for a decade... still not there yet.

One of the best. His electric playing is world class too

@MrStarflakes

5 жыл бұрын

He's in my top 3 of all time.

@ursafan40

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrStarflakes I can see that. He's in my top 10, but they are in no particular order. When you're that good, everybody gets to be #1 in my book :-) I could listen to a live version of "Calvary Cross" I have on LP all day long.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

@richbryce5006

3 жыл бұрын

Richard learned electric first. It was sometime later he learned to play acoustic.

@ursafan40

3 жыл бұрын

@@richbryce5006 That's backwards of just about everyone I know who plays. Usually because an acoustic is cheaper than an electric and an amp. He's a master at both.

I’ve seen Richard 15-20 times since 1990. Best ever. Two things- Del McCoury does a bluegrass version that is as good as the original. Second- Richard entertains himself doing “all request shows”, where the audience puts songs (Any songs, not just his) in a bucket, he pulls them out and plays them cold. Really, really fun shows.

@glassmeow

Жыл бұрын

Haven't seen a request in a hat show from RT. I think he did requests by emails once. He has "opened" for himself here. First set acoustic, then with his band. God help you if you pull out a phone and he sees you coz he and his band will all pull faces and waggle their tongues at you. 🤣

@billde7160

Жыл бұрын

Yes He did this recently in NY. Awesome, but in 2022-23 Imma avoid NYC...So happy he's doing a show in Montclair NJ.

@kevinmulrooney3353

Жыл бұрын

No it isn't..

@granthurlburt4062

Жыл бұрын

Seeing Del McCroury live was one the best events of the three years I spent teaching in Huntington, WV/

@barryrahn5957

11 ай бұрын

That would be fun!

He’s brilliant beyond words

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

@saleclair

2 жыл бұрын

A Force of Nature

When he sings "swooping down from heaven to carry me home" I get chills all over

@archbell03

8 ай бұрын

I get the exact feeling too. Best track ever!

I've had the privilege of seeing him many times, both acoustic and electric and he never disappoints. The first time I saw him electric, I had front row directly in front of him and all I did for 2 hours was stare directly at his fingers...

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Haha cool!

@dennispfohl3004

5 жыл бұрын

First time I saw him was at an outdoor festival. I was only a few feet away also. He never fails to amaze and entertain. One of a kind. An individual voice. Going to see him for the fifth time in December.

@Grovesgeo

4 жыл бұрын

Saw Richard play twice last year, every Fillmore show ... alternate Electric/ acoustic/ Electric !! Amazing anyway you hear him

@nightsketcher

3 жыл бұрын

me too! the silver lining of his not being better known is that the audience can get close.

@carljacobsen4481

2 жыл бұрын

I've had the same front row experience. My mouth was agape most of the show!

I've seen him many times. Musically RT is a national treasure. For those of us that have followed Fairport for many years, I would recommend RT's autobiographical book of his early years called "Beeswing".

Hes so good!

Thank you for this video! that is just some NASTY and BEAUTIFUL guitar playing! He is so talented as a vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and storyteller

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

No problem!

Someone else posted this: Trying to decide if Suzanne Vega and Louden Wainwright are looking on in awe or thinking "shit we're next"!

Fil, your smile always turns my frown upside down. You ever seen a really cool chrome-engined vintage Vincent? No one can afford it now.

Saw him live, solo last year at age 70. His playing was beautiful, precise, and amazing and his voice was stronger that I have heard on any of his albums. Amazing artist! A singer-songwriter for the ages!

@kathleencreamer6648

2 жыл бұрын

I just saw him in concert last week and his voice is indeed strong as ever. Besides the rich voice, his guitar playing is sheer eloquence. Master storyteller.

@MrSteveTheMoose

2 жыл бұрын

He's a strange one in that he sounds *much* better live than on record.

Saw him in Cardiff. Hardly knew any of the songs but he was entrancing. Me and my brother were the only under 40s in the audience, it would be nice if more young people could realise how wonderful and sometimes electrifying a guitarist he is. He writes beautiful songs but can rock as hard as anyone.

@carlossousa24

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 37 and he's amazing. My dad turned me onto him. Saw him live in Colorado and won a basket w his You Me Us album. Totally amazing

I've been following Richard since his days with Fairport Convention and he's one of my favourite musicians. There aren't many who can write and perform songs that make you sigh, or send shivers up your spine.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

@jesmarluk6635

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. Listen to Joni Mitchell for the same effect. ☺️

@TheGotoGeek

2 жыл бұрын

One name that occurs to me is his old bandmate, Sandy Denny.

He was playing solo at Fairport’s Cropredy festival - I went down to the front, & was surprised to see how many people were looking very intently, not at him, but at the big screens at the side of the stage. Then I realised they were watching the close-ups of his guitar picking, trying to figure out how on Earth he made one guitar sound like he was playing 2 or 3 at once…….just genius, and glad you picked up on his lyrical abilities too.

hey, Fil, i commented in another video and asked you about a RT analysis but i should have just looked it up! my bad! excellent analysis as always! this man is a true artist! thanks, Fil for all the work u put into these videos!

My wife is a huge Richard Thompson fan and we both appreciate your reaction. Your perspective was insightful . Thank you

Thank you! Thank you! I melt every time I watch this. I love the way he just tosses out one beautiful melodic run after another like he's not even thinking about it. "Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme".

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

No problem!

@brucemacnaughton3602

4 жыл бұрын

my favorite line in the song

One of the greatest love songs ever, with the dang playing, and that voice perfect/meant for it. Your "analysis" is right on. Thank you!

Beautifully done. His vocals and lyrics completely drew me in throughout. Neat story

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

In the regular rotation on KPIG 107.5 FM, Freedom, CA in Santa Cruz County.

This is the only musician I have traveled very long distances numerous times just to see. There are so many great singers who are great because they learned how to work within their limitations.

1. I don't think RT has played this song the same way twice. I'm sure it's partly to amuse himself and partly to keep it fresh. 2. RT has also written a zillion songs that others have covered, most notably "Dimming of the Day." Bonnie Raitt's is probably the best-known version. 3. Look at those other people on the stage. I think I can see them thinking "Oh jeebus, I have to do something after THAT." 4. I love the fact that the girl gets the motorbike in the end. Thanks Fil, for this insightful analysis. Part of the fun with these videos is seeing how you so clearly like and respect what these artists do. p.s. The last 1952 Vincent Black Lightning that sold publicly went for nearly a million dollars, so Red Molly did all right.

I've long been a fan of this song but only recently got more into Thompson's catalog, and after having seen him live last week, I'm more sure than ever that he's one of the greatest.

And I'm gonna see him next week 1/14/23 ish Montclair NJ . Can't wait!

Love listening to this Richard, he sounds like there are 2 guitarist playing at the same time! Great voice, great guitarist simply....! brilliant!! Smokin Fil!😀😀👌👌

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

My father turned me on to Richard many years ago,and i got to see him at a venue similar to this one.He's a great songwriter and player.He definitely has his own almost unorthodox approach on the electric which is great.Love this song I've listened to it many times.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

It’s the deeeeeeep English folk music influence. As Martin Carthy would say, all English folk song is in 1:4 so you can serve the song.

I am gobsmacked! I had just finished watching your review of Bonnie Raitt (which was great) and it came to mind that it woulb be great to hear you react to Richard Thompson (black Lightening) and put in a comment to that .. only to notice in the right column that you had done the one above . Much enjoyed it ... Thompson is one of my to ten favorites! Such a nice job you do. Thank you.

The first time I saw this performance I really was blown away. In only a few minutes it changed everything I thought I knew or understood about guitar playing and completely changed my musical course in terms of what was possible as a player, singer and writer.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

One of the best songs written. Anyone who was a kid in the 60s knew a time when the American bikes Indian & Harley were considered has-beens outside of the USA. The only friend of mine with an Indian was an ex-army machine. It is incredible how Thompson works so many of the British makes into the song - Nortons & Beesers (BSAs) and has the angels on Ariels. Younger people, no doubt, don't recognise these.

Gosh I just love this performance. Just reaches down and grabs you by the soul!

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

I'm glad you included this astounding performance. It's not all shredding boys and girls. Sometimes blazing talent is mellow.

I saw Stuart Adamson’s daughter sing Beeswing live this evening. I had never heard of that song or Richard Thompson. He’s a brilliant songwriter and guitarist. I’m a new fan! ❤️

@timhughes4382

2 жыл бұрын

Now that is something I would like to hear x

@lisaknell1809

2 жыл бұрын

@@timhughes4382 it is beautiful. She sings like an Angel x

@kevinb3812

2 жыл бұрын

Beeswing may be one of the most touching songs I have ever heard. It really can't get better than that.

In a category by himself!

Sensational Fil. What a great song. Made me feel like I was out on the road myself. Any woman who has ridden pillion, knows what it would mean to be given a bike - to ride. Awesome!! Cheers. Emily Liberty

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

Richard Thompson is one musician who really is a genuine master IMO. I remember how impressed I was when I first saw a televised live performance around 1988 where Christine Collister was also on vocals and Clive Gregson played second guitar. Richard is a player who always takes risks in the studio and also impromptu during live performances; in fact he absolutely thrives when he just goes for it fearlessly. He covers so many musical bases brilliantly; I admire his ability as a writer/lyricist and his electric playing is truly one-of-a kind . Respect to Richard !

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Amen!

@goodun2974

4 жыл бұрын

The Humbuckerboy, first time I saw him play was with that same band: Gregson, Collister, John Kirkpatrick on accordion, also Dave Mattacks, possibly Pete Thomas for one show, and Pat Donaldson on bass....probably the same year as your show, and I saw them again a year or so later. Awesome! Must have been the tours for Across a Crowded Room, and Daring Adventures. Weirdly, I've searched the internet but can't find any live Thompson shows with Clive and Christine. Lots of various band configurations can be found on video, but not that one.

Red Hair & Black Leather ! Love this song!

Oh that song pulls my heart strings.

Well, I've just looked up the lyrics and they impressed me no end. Thanks for the introduction.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍☺

I’d like to hear your take on Richard’s electric playing, maybe “Shoot Out The Lights” - the scales he uses are fascinating.

Thanks so much for this! I always thought RT could have been a superstar ala Clapton and so many more that mostly copied American blues, but I admire him more so for being quintessentially British and staying with his roots.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

No problem!

Amazing to see the joy you have watching RT. Seen him 4 times and going for a fifth. I don't know anyone who didn't know him before not liking him after songs like this. You nailed it on the head in your critique.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Ah, there he is. I see him whenever there’s the chance. Such soul and passion in his songwriting and playing. I love his cover of Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock.

@kevinwillis6707

3 жыл бұрын

just mentioned that before i saw your comment...sublime..

@kevinb3812

2 жыл бұрын

Whoa, I'd better check that out! A favorite player covering my favorite songwriter!

That song is an absolute, all-time CLASSIC! Love it so much! Brings back so many memories! :D

It's nice to see a lot of folks commenting here have had the pleasure, and I'm sure in some cases the surprise, of seen Richard live and like myself come away with the same impression: he is a colossally talented guitar player as well as song writer. His electric playing is spellbinding, more for it's musicality and originality than it's virtuosity per se. The only other players I've seen personally in his league are The Edge, Niel Young and Jerry Garcia.

Thompson is an absolute guitar god.

I have to admit I never heard of Richard Thompson, but that's why I love your channel Fil. You're reactions are gold! This was great and it's easy to see why your videos are so great..…...you love music and it's your passion! Rock!

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! No problem!

@sarahzentexas

5 жыл бұрын

Baby take this heart, set it free 💗

@Mistertwist.

5 жыл бұрын

You got it!

@willrichardson519

5 жыл бұрын

Check out "Who knows where the time goes?" Peerless Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson fluid, evocative guitar and the rest of Fairport Convention.

@JamesWilson-vr3ql

4 жыл бұрын

Richard Thompson is simply one of the greatest players on Earth. Stellar songwriter. If "Pharoh" doesn't give you chills, you might be dead.

Such a sad story. His accent adds to the magic of his vocals. I liked your detailed analysis of Richard's storytelling style with lyrics that mean something to the listener coupled with the catchy guitar tune.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@goodun6081

5 жыл бұрын

Listen to Thompson's "Beeswing" next....

I grew up with story songs so I love this. Great job ... again. (as you can see, I found Richard! :) The changing time signatures along with the change in tempi he uses adds so much depth.

This wonderful and very enlightening. I've always liked all kinds of music. When I was a kid people bullied me for this.

I cannot think of a player I like more on acoustic guitar than Richard Thompson. He's a legend and quite the songwriter too! This performance was at a songwriter's showcase with Suzanne Vega and Loudon Wainwright up there with him on stage. I get tears in my eyes with this song!

It's been almost thirty years since I last saw Richard. He was playing with a full band, and several times during the set I thought he's frighteningly good. Richard doesn't drown his playing in effects but he can conjure up savage emotion or tragedy. Love his distinctive baritone. In a class of his own!

@jeffwhitehead7990

10 ай бұрын

I’ve seen him pretty consistently for more than 30years and i must say he’s gotten even better through the years. hard to believe but, true.

I'm seeing Richard in Nashville. It'll be the third time I saw him this year (he opened for Jason Isbell,) and I can't wait. Seriously if you get the chance, see him live.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

Richard is a great vocalist, people tend to focus on his brilliance in guitar playing. And artist beyond most. Words can`t describe RT. Go to ant concert with him and live happily and content ever after.

I have been around Richards music as far back as I can remember. he did several in store shows at my dad's record store in Colorado and was lucky enough to get to go on most of the mirror blue tour in the early 90s some of the best live shows I've ever seen.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

"... doesn't try to melt people's faces with his voice"!! Ha ha! Love how you give us a deeply insightful musical education, Fil, the kind we'd never get from college courses. I'm 74 now, and was asked to sing for three bands of Seattle friends in my 20s and 30s--but never had enough confidence (guts) to do it. I respect musicians who have enough love of the art to "do it" and love your 'curriculum.'

A classic ballad in the classic tradition. I've seen him do this song dozens of times and it's never the same way twice.Listen closely, the main riff is a motorcycle starting.

Every guitar player worth his weight in salt in America knows about Richard Thompson. If you don't, you missed the big picture. Oh, he can read music too.

You really need to do a session on Richard Thompson playing electric.

Found it! Thx! I first heard RT when Rumor and Sigh came out. Terry Gross interviewed him on Fresh Air - NPR. I've lost track of how many times I've heard him live since then. He likes Portland. Lucky us! Thanks, Fil!

His song "Valerie " is a study in rhyming

A heart needs a home. LOTS of heart lives right here in this song.

RT is fantastic live, a real joy to watch and also to listen to his chat between songs - a truly witty man. His electric playing is wonderfully restrained and economical - just listen to the outro of 'Why must I plead' from the Rumour and Sigh album, no fireworks or showing off, just pure emotion.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

@abb6360

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for bringing up Why Must I Plead. RT's playing at the end of that is one of the best things ever. So tasty and full of feeling!

I have listened to Richard for many years now. I first purchased the "Shoot Out The Lights" album that he and his ex released. I really like his music; playing on acoustic and electric guitar, singing, and songwriting. He is an excellent entertainer!

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

Can't believe I missed this for so long Richard's my hero the totality of cool the guitarists guitarist my soundtrack for breakups heartbreak the death of dear friends and the birth of other dear ones Thompson covers it all and then some I don't even think Dylan goes as deep and raw Richard's deep man and a perfectionist and musicologist the real deal

LOL! I'm in the Wonderful Land of South Oz and made two posts only minutes ago... and you've already 'loved' (or as they say nowadays, 'hearted') them! I can't help but think of you as a friend... even though I'm in my late sixties and you're apparently so much younger! But you still seem to love the music that I grew up listening to! Thank you, Wings of Pegasus, for keeping me comany in my declining years! :D

This is like a whole big movie condensed into one little song. So skillfully, beautifully played & sung! LOVE how you caught the "acceleration", the character of his vocals and the power of his lyrics.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@kevinb3812

2 жыл бұрын

That was nicely described! Richard does paint a picture doesn't he?

Another classic that further proves Richards amazing skills , lyrically and guitar mastery.. Good post there Fil digging in East Texas..

Only 651 'likes'... now 652... Mate, you're SO under-appreciated! Oh well... maybe you'll catch on eventually. There comes a time when people begin to appreciate quality over popularity. I certainly hope so anyway. Imho, you're one of the best musical analysts on YT anyway! PS: Wonder what you'd actually make of the original (not the later versions, 'cause they get way OTT!) version of Arlo Guthrie's "Motorcycle Song"... (I'm sure you know that Arlo is the equally - if not even more - talented son of the legendary Woody Guthrie!) :D

Thank you so much for your analysis of one of the greatest songs by maybe the greatest singer/songwriter to ever live. You hit all the main aspects of this performance. Thank you again! I hope you never stop reviewing the music of our world.

Eat your heart out Clapton!!

The greatest song ever written.

I was in line to see him at the Troubadour in the late nineties, and Andy Summers was also in line behind us. I'd never seen Thompson and Summers said to the person he was with, "I mean I play guitar, but Richard Fu@king Thompson...". I knew then it was going to be something special---and it was. So did Bonnie Raitt, Lisa Loeb, Griffin Dunne, and a few other celebs who I saw at that show. Amazing performer!

Been a fan since the days of Richard and Linda in the 70's. Prefer his acoustic work but all masterful.

I really got into this one. It was fantastic! I'll be listening to a lot more of him.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

Another fun one for you to have a go at might be Richard's version of "Oops, I Did It Again" from his 1000 Years of Popular Music show, where he puts a bit of a 16th Century spin on it before it's all said and done.

A treasure to our world.

Great pick Fil! It's been over 20 years since I last listened to him. Right when I saw his name I got excited. He is all around impressive!

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

Totally one of my faves...Wall of Death...oh my....

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

I've seen Richard perform about a dozen times. He does this tune at almost every concert and it's always great but I saw him do it at The Troubadour one night and it was devastating. As classic as this song always is, that night it was transcendent.

My hat's off to you Richard, a unique and distinctive British music man, love ya!

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

Not sure if anyone's suggested it yet, but have a look at Sean Rowe's rendition of this song.

that was so good, it actually broke wainrights heart that night..

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

👍

@1Greystalk

3 жыл бұрын

@@wingsofpegasus Wainwright has two 'W's!

And there it is! Great analysis. Thank you. I'd be interested in your take on his electric playing.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I was going to ask you to analyze Richard when I found this. Brilliant!!

As usual a very good analysis of a fine player.Another point of interest is his use of the C Major 9 tuning CGDGBE.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah he plays with his tunings! This one I think was EBGDGC.

@lantzkeefer8674

5 жыл бұрын

@@wingsofpegasus You are correct,I've worked on this song over the years,it's a classic in my opinion.

🎸🎼🤘 great video 🤘🎼🎸 really great guitar technic cheeersss 🤘

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Seeing this for the first time in February 2020 since it came in my feed and this must have been the time just before I discovered your channel. No, I didn't know who Richard Thompson was but since it was your channel, I watched the song and read the comments. Oh, yeah, Fairport Convention. Had some of their albums since they really impressed me, but I must have not put his name with the band. What a song, especially since he had a redheaded lady listening and doing everything possible to not join in. Don't know how she held herself back. Reminds me of Jesse Winchester singing a song and the lady next to him was crying it was so beautiful. Music is such a beautiful journey and this was a great trip. Thanks, see you at the next one, or one of the last ones, since they are so interesting.

Seen him live a few times now with both his electric trio and solo acoustic. He never plays anything the same twice which makes his songs hard to learn but great to listen to.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

I saw RT live 30 years ago, solo, at The Graffiti here in Pittsburgh after listening to Fairport, R&L, and even a quite "yikes" thing called "The Bunch Rock On" for several years. That is still one of the best shows I've ever attended. Thanks for reminding me how much I love his voice, his picking, and his storytelling. Excuse me now, while I go off and try to remember how to play Man In Need, Wall of Death, and Just the Motion again.

@wingsofpegasus

5 жыл бұрын

Cool!

LOL! Not very long ago, I remember asking you to review Fairport Convention... now I find this gem from four years ago! Richard Thompson is one of the very best singer guitarists I've ever had the pleasure of listening to... and this song is an absolute classic! Especially if you've EVER rode a motorcycle... This song is only equalled, and NB: NOT surpassed! by Arlo Guthrie's 'Motorcycle Song'! :D I do so LOVE your analyses 'Wings of Pegasus'... you choose the very best of material! :D

Yes he is sincere... He goes where he needs to to get to the song.

That smiling head nod is exactly what I do when listening to this song. It’s just out of this world.

Loudon Wainwright who’s onstage is another must listen, tremendous voice, fabulous singer

@ghostship85

Жыл бұрын

As much as I love "T-SHIRTS" album, never got into more. I'm sure that he can drink me under 25 tables!

i discovered Richard T back in 1980 , he has been consistently outstanding ! how about a video on Jimmy Capps?