Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson’s “Hippies, Thugs and Heroes” pushes the envelope much further in studio craft and arrangements than its predecessor. There are startling musical diversions and excursions throughout, with the full band bringing extra textures. Six decades in, this cornerstone of British folk-rock still has the capacity to evolve, and this album stands tall among his recent releases.

Richard Thompson will release his 20th studio album, “Hippies, Thugs and Heroes”, on October 16th via New West Records, and has shared the first single, “Cocaine Walking, Booze Talking” — a hustling London song carried by strutting, raw-nerve riffs. Recorded live in New Jersey with his touring band, the album is, in his words, “less them and more me”.

On the final song of Linda Thompson’s Proxy Music there’s a refrain that pretty much summarises the whole album “Bound together in blood and song, who can break us?/When we are singing loud and strong, who can take us?” I hear no arguments to the contrary.

Ship to Shore finds Richard Thompson enjoying the most vital of late golden periods, producing work to stand favourably alongside any from his previous fifty years.

We catch up with Richard Thompson and mull over all things RT, including former band mates, surprising career break diversions, the writing process, guitar playing stamina, family and of course, the brand new album Ship to Shore.

Taken from his new album “Ship to Shore”, Richard Thompson shares his new single ‘Freeze’ – “Oh, for heaven’s sake, do something. Forwards, backwards, sideways, anything. There is nothing to fear but fear itself… no, I take it back, it’s all terrifying choices. Good luck.”

Richard Thompson announces his new studio album “Ship to Shore” and shares his lead single, a swaying shanty titled “Singapore Sadie” that fans may recognise. Plus, details of his US and UK Tour Dates and Limited Edition releases.

“Historic Classic Concert – Live In Nottingham 1986” proves what a fascinating maze the Richard Thompson live concert archive promises to be, oh for the chance to explore the whole treasure trove in depth.

Richard Thompson releases Live From Honolulu featuring Danny Thompson on double bass and Michael Jerome on Percussion. It features thirteen tracks including Mingus Eyes, Misunderstood, Shoot Out The Lights and more.

As an exciting last-minute addition to the eclectic line-up for this week’s Sidmouth Folk Festival Online, musician Paul Sartin will interview Richard Thompson about his intimate autobiography, Beeswing: Fairport, Folk Rock and Finding My Voice 1967-75.

Finally, there is one place to go for anyone who wants the complete works of Richard & Linda Thompson… it’s exactly what you want from an essential archive trawling box set.

Richard and Linda Thompson announce the Hard Luck Stories Box Set, their first ever comprehensive career retrospective including 31 previously unreleased recordings. Listen to Amazon Queen available today.

In many ways this could be seen as a companion piece to 13 Rivers – it should find a home amongst any music collection belonging to lovers of rich, melodic, song composition.

Yesterday, Folk Rock legend Richard Thompson delivered an exclusive set from his home as part of the Royal Albert Home sessions. Watch him perform his new song: Survivor.

Folk-rock legend Richard Thompson, experimental singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop and This is the Kit are among names confirmed for Royal Albert Home in May.

Bob Fish catches up with Richard Thompson as he passes through Evanston, Illinois on tour. He talks about urban myths, fanatics, his influences, writing process, jamming with Jimi Hendrix and more.

Danny Neill shares some of the highlights from Richard Thompson’s 70th Birthday bash at the Royal Albert Hall which featured an incredible line-up of guests “the royalty of 20th-century folk music”. A simply unforgettable night.

Danny Neill chats to Richard Thompson backstage at Cambridge Folk Festival where he shares his thoughts about hit songs, his 70th Birthday bash, recalls oversleeping in the seventies for his festival slot and the funniest far-fetched Dylan tale we’ve heard yet.