If you like this video, you have to do what every it takes to go see him live. He is beyond amazing and the musicians that back him up are off the charts too. I cried when I saw this live. There's only one Richard Thompson. He's a musician's, musician. Truely one of the greats.
Every time I hear this song tears fill my eyes. It was played at my mom's funeral by an extraordinary musician. I couldn't imagine a better song to have had played there. She rode a Harley not a Vincent but on the bike is where she belonged. Always had a genuine smile while she was riding. Thank you Richard Thompson for creating a song that helps me keep the memory of my mom close, red hair and all.
Richard made a very rare appearance while blowing through town in Amenia NY ,I think 2005?? it was at a Inn/Rest,and the seating was for about 60 people,very intimate.I was lucky to get there early and get a seat middle front.Actually I got there so early,living only minutes away that he and his family were on the patio at the inn having private moments I said a quaint hello,left and then came back.I bought My Takamine cutaway with me and he was gracious enough to sign it.WHAT A SHOW HE DID
Iv'e had the pleasure of seeing Richard, twice in intimate venues.The man is Amazing.Humble,Friendly,Self deprecating.Extremly well read, and of course, most of all, The Greatest Guitarist on the Planet.
Just got back from RT's concert at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma, California. Absolutely fantastic evening; he came back for two encores and entertained the very appreciative audience with jokes and tales. He does marvelous things with a guitar, and has a strong evocative voice!
I thank my dad for this. He brought me up with Richard Thompson and crowded House and Eric Clapton and all of that awesomeness so that even while the popular stuff is the stuff all my friends listen to, I'm not corrupted. :)
Richard Thompson is an amazing guitarist, and uses his limited vocal range masterfully. His songs are stories within or part of the music. I love this guy. I saw him live in Philly at Penn's Landing years ago, and was totally hooked from that moment on.
Inspirational mallan824 dont throw it in, Richard Thompson shows what is possible. Basic raw unpolished what a fabulous ode to young love misplaced youth, man and his machine. What a voice.
One of, if not the BEST song ever written. "In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent, and a red headed girl." Never truer words were spoken.
Also note that when Thompson decided to emulate the idea of a quintessentially American cultural ideal such as a song about a car or cars, instead of co-opting an American song and changing the lyrics, he wrote one of his own! It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery....and it is also said that bad composers borrow but good ones steal ......but here is how a true artist such as Richard Thompson rolls----if he wants or needs a sing to fit an idea or an occasion, he simply writes one all his own!
What a fabulous song and perrformance. Ace guitar playing. The song makes me cry every time I hear it, but I feel happy as well. How the hell he puts so much drama in one song I dont know, but thanks RT
This may be his biggest "hit", and it is a great song and amazing guitar work. But it is not even Richard's best work --as a writer or as a guitar player. He's simply amazing.
red hair and black leather my favorite color scheme...I couldn't afford a Vincent but I bought a Harley because of this song.some of my best memories were because of this song ...Thank You Richard!!
If you have not had the privilege, please, see this man live. There is sometimes a band but he is best when it is just Thompson and ONE guitar. Simply mesmerizing!!!
Would of loved to have been a fly on the wall in that room. RT is the inspiration for my 10yo daughter to take up Guitar.As a biker & Folk/Country music fan this song holds something special for me. I showed this vid to my daughter & she was awe inspired. Watch this space !! lol I hope.... She has even said if she makes it.. She,ll get me a Vincent Black lightning... ha ha good luck with that girly.
Richard gives goosebumps. How does he continually play this song with such emotion and guitar virtuously? even in a hotel room? I saw him do this song in black leather from the front row in 98. He finds notes that
I can't say anything that the top two comments here hasn't said. Thompson is a one-of-a-kind performer, and hasn't seemed to slow any with age. I love the dude.
My mum Showed me this song, I wish music of today wasn't so crappy :/ oldies are the best -3 I love this song, he plays the guitar wonderfully! The songs on the radio aren't even music.. No meaning to songs any more :/ don't let folk and rock die out :) -J, 14 yrs --- there's hope. Some kids have music taste. :)
I was lucky enough to see Thompson live solo back in 1992 when this song came out. It was at a free show in a big outdoor amphitheater in Chicago and most people there were probably not familiar with his work. But when he started playing his guitar, I swear that was the only sound that existed. Everyone was silent and transfixed. Magic.
Great tune. You Tube rocks. Killer guitar and pathos tune. I saw Richard solo this tune at Strawberry about 25 years ago . Awesome then and awesome now
Richard Thompson is fucking outstanding. I saw him play a solo acoustic set for two hours on 10/17! I was completely floored, even though I've listened to him for years. He's impeccable. He did a God damn triple encore! Awesome!
There is no such thing as "the best" single guitarist. However, there is that small group of true maestros. RT is in that group without a doubt. He's been great for 30+ years and can play with just about anyone
i agree, and have expressed thus by liking the comment. thanks, its always nice to be reminded that there are more people like me in the world (i often forget).
Oh man I've seen him twice, and as a 17 year old, I can seriously say PLEASE, for the sake of humanity, see him live at some point, he is undeniably astonishing :]
I've been a big fan since Fairport Convention days.The 1st time I saw him was at Winnipeg Folk Fest. This was 1st song he played. The next piece we we heard was a 21 year old ani difranco playing "Here I Am Playing with the Big Boys Now" RTs jaw dropped. One of my great musical memories on many levels.
Every time I've seen Richard in concert this is the song that brings the house down. There's something about us all that makes us want to believe we have a little rebel in us...
Saw Richard Thompson at Buxton last night. Brilliant as ever. A guitarist with a style like no other and a terrific songwriter. He has an endearing, understated sense of humour and self deprecating manner with his audience. I have seen him at least 10 times and he never lets you down. His set is always different although he usually includes "1952 Vincent Black Lightning". Agree with ElJeficitoTheSequal about recognition although I am still surprised when people say, "Who's Richard Thompson"?
Do not EVER miss one of his concerts, I've been to hundreds of concerts and I've never heard one man and one guitar bring dwn a hall! He's been around since 1964 starting a band called Fairport Convention.
just t help you people who were stuck about the tuning of this song, its CGDGBE its on his website. the bass pattern for the main bit is played on ur g (a string) and ur d string. an capo third ope that helps :)
i have seen him live at least 5 times, acoustic and with an electric band , consistent impeccable shows in all types of venues, he is without a doubt one of the all time great folk, rock guitar players and singer songwriters you will ever see and hear. Highly recommended "Rumor and Sigh" ,group effort from 1991 --- also , my favorite Richard and Linda Thompson (hard to choose-they made 6 LP's) is their last LP, "Shoot Out the Lights" (1981)-he was in the original Fairport Convention (1968)
Thanks so much for posting this. I've never seen it played, but have had his cassette tape in my toolbox for years. What a tale of a song! Beautiful guitar work!
I told my wife I wanted this song played at my wake. I don't even ride a motorbike but this songs hits me hard in the guts every time I hear it...since the very first time. It is just such a true piece of folk genius & so damned sad! It's hard to write a song with this much heart & emotion without sounding contrived or trite. Try it! This song is on a level with other great folk dirges like Whiter Shade of Pale, Brick by Ben Folds, Satellite of Love by Lou Reed & Billy Austin by Steve Earle.
I was there too. It was the 5th or 6th time I've seen him play (I've seen him at Cropredy a few times) and it was by far the best. His acoustic set alone had a real edge to it, and then the electric set at the end was just brilliantly special
OMG !!!! Does anyone realize how priceless this video is?
+skippy dippy yes
Yes. Absolutely.
You bet!!
Absolutely
If you like this video, you have to do what every it takes to go see him live. He is beyond amazing and the musicians that back him up are off the charts too. I cried when I saw this live. There's only one Richard Thompson. He's a musician's, musician. Truely one of the greats.
Every time I hear this song tears fill my eyes. It was played at my mom's funeral by an extraordinary musician. I couldn't imagine a better song to have had played there. She rode a Harley not a Vincent but on the bike is where she belonged. Always had a genuine smile while she was riding. Thank you Richard Thompson for creating a song that helps me keep the memory of my mom close, red hair and all.
When I experience art in it's most pure form, I cry with joy. I cried all the way through this song.
IMO, this is the finest song about LOVE and MOTORCYCLES that has ever been written in the entire history of music as we know it. So there.
"red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme"
one of the best lines in a song ever!!
This is an amazing song! My names Molly and I was named after this song :D
The man is a f**king genius. One of the greatest songwriters that has ever lived. Watching him hold an audience is nothing short of mesmerising.
Probably my favorite rendition of the song. Straightforward, emotional vocal delivery and really joyous picking
I've seen him and each time-I am spellbound by his guitar playing. He is so amazing even with a broken string! There is NO ONE like Richard Thompson.
Richard made a very rare appearance while blowing through town in Amenia NY ,I think 2005?? it was at a Inn/Rest,and the seating was for about 60 people,very intimate.I was lucky to get there early and get a seat middle front.Actually I got there so early,living only minutes away that he and his family were on the patio at the inn having private moments I said a quaint hello,left and then came back.I bought My Takamine cutaway with me and he was gracious enough to sign it.WHAT A SHOW HE DID
Richard Thompson: #19 of the 100 best rock guitarists (Rolling Stones)
if Dave Mattacks finally got the praise he deserves I'd be a happier man.
One of the best songs done by the one of the best perfomers ever!
Thanks!
A sublime piece of poetry set to music for which words are entirely inadequate to describe the feelings evoked by the storytelling.
best motorcycle song ever
Iv'e had the pleasure of seeing Richard, twice in intimate venues.The man is Amazing.Humble,Friendly,Self deprecating.Extremly well read, and of course, most of all, The Greatest Guitarist on the Planet.
outstanding , probally THE most underplayed song in the world.. its got everything.
RT is the master! Always loved this song...excellent songwriter and playing!
I have watched RT perform this song on many videos. IMHO, he never sings it better than this one. Best motorcycle song ever.
Just got back from RT's concert at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma, California. Absolutely fantastic evening; he came back for two encores and entertained the very appreciative audience with jokes and tales. He does marvelous things with a guitar, and has a strong evocative voice!
Nothing compares to seeing the original artist singing the original song.
Awesome!
"red hair & black leather/my favourite colour scheme"
best lyric ever!
I thank my dad for this. He brought me up with Richard Thompson and crowded House and Eric Clapton and all of that awesomeness so that even while the popular stuff is the stuff all my friends listen to, I'm not corrupted. :)
Haha, very clever.
WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN
...and when the song ends you realize that you can't remember how long you've been holding your breath. Thank you for posting.
Richard Thompson is an amazing guitarist, and uses his limited vocal range masterfully. His songs are stories within or part of the music. I love this guy. I saw him live in Philly at Penn's Landing years ago, and was totally hooked from that moment on.
Inspirational mallan824 dont throw it in, Richard Thompson shows what is possible.
Basic raw unpolished what a fabulous ode to young love misplaced youth, man and his machine. What a voice.
ABSOLUT ; ABSOLUT GENIUS !
one of the BEST single Acoustic songs i EVER heard , and i know much
Richard Thompson is great !
One of, if not the BEST song ever written. "In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent, and a red headed girl." Never truer words were spoken.
Drop the low E two whole steps to C and the low A string one whole step to G and you have the necessary alternate tuning.
Thx
Also note that when Thompson decided to emulate the idea of a quintessentially American cultural ideal such as a song about a car or cars, instead of co-opting an American song and changing the lyrics, he wrote one of his own! It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery....and it is also said that bad composers borrow but good ones steal ......but here is how a true artist such as Richard Thompson rolls----if he wants or needs a sing to fit an idea or an occasion, he simply writes one all his own!
What a fabulous song and perrformance. Ace guitar playing. The song makes me cry every time I hear it, but I feel happy as well. How the hell he puts so much drama in one song I dont know, but thanks RT
This may be his biggest "hit", and it is a great song and amazing guitar work. But it is not even Richard's best work --as a writer or as a guitar player. He's simply amazing.
On the top best songs of all time. No debate.
red hair and black leather my favorite color scheme...I couldn't afford a Vincent but I bought a Harley because of this song.some of my best memories were because of this song ...Thank You Richard!!
If you have not had the privilege, please, see this man live. There is sometimes a band but he is best when it is just Thompson and ONE guitar. Simply mesmerizing!!!
my favorite RT song. always brings me to tears. "red hair and black leather, my favorite colour scheme"
Thompson is one of the best storytellers and musicians of our age. This song is a proof of that.
Would of loved to have been a fly on the wall in that room. RT is the inspiration for my 10yo daughter to take up Guitar.As a biker & Folk/Country music fan this song holds something special for me. I showed this vid to my daughter & she was awe inspired. Watch this space !! lol I hope.... She has even said if she makes it.. She,ll get me a Vincent Black lightning... ha ha good luck with that girly.
Richard gives goosebumps. How does he continually play this song with such emotion and guitar virtuously? even in a hotel room? I saw him do this song in black leather from the front row in 98. He finds notes that
I can't say anything that the top two comments here hasn't said. Thompson is a one-of-a-kind performer, and hasn't seemed to slow any with age. I love the dude.
Bow before this man, playing this song....you are in the presence of greatness.
Wow. I feel ignorant that i didnt know about this man and his music. Fantastic song
I've just discovered Richard. This is an amazing video.
Gorgeous!!!! I was hooked the first time I heard this song.!!!!
My mum
Showed me this song, I wish music of today wasn't so crappy :/ oldies are the best -3 I love this song, he plays the guitar wonderfully! The songs on the radio aren't even music.. No meaning to songs any more :/ don't let folk and rock die out :)
-J, 14 yrs --- there's hope. Some kids have music taste. :)
saw this live ...bow to me :) so good!
It is impossible to play guitar better than this.
Such an incredible writer, guitarist and singer. He's just amazing.
A simply breathtaking song!
An evergreen talent: Mr. Richard Thompson
The greatest song ever made about a motorcycle.....what a great way to get your name Molly your parents have class
I've seen him several times, and yes, he can play just like this all alone. He's simply amazing.
I was lucky enough to see Thompson live solo back in 1992 when this song came out. It was at a free show in a big outdoor amphitheater in Chicago and most people there were probably not familiar with his work. But when he started playing his guitar, I swear that was the only sound that existed. Everyone was silent and transfixed. Magic.
This blows me away every time I watch it. I hope I get to see him live someday...
Just saw him at HOB during the New Orleans Jazz Fest evening concerts, so, so, great!!!
He's just so ridiculously good, it ought be a crime! I've seen him play live three times. Stunning guy!
RT is just the bees knees, amazing, and I can truly say in the current clime, believe he is one of the rare kind. Thanks for posting.
Great tune. You Tube rocks. Killer guitar and pathos tune. I saw Richard solo this tune at Strawberry about 25 years ago . Awesome then and awesome now
I saw him in the late 90's and it was just him an his guitar. I was in the front row and about this far away....talk about goosebumps.
Be amazed by his guitar picking prowess, listen to the lyrics and hear a great tale. This man is the most under-rated of artists!
Richard Thompson is fucking outstanding. I saw him play a solo acoustic set for two hours on 10/17!
I was completely floored, even though I've listened to him for years. He's impeccable.
He did a God damn triple encore! Awesome!
if this song does not touch your soul then you don't have one!
I've got a total old guy crush on Richard Thompson. The Sean Connery beard, the beret, the brogue accent. I mean, come on. Who's with me?
One of the great geniuses of our age! See him if you came. He comes to Bloomington, Indiana every year or so. Breathtaking every time!
There is no such thing as "the best" single guitarist. However, there is that small group of true maestros. RT is in that group without a doubt. He's been great for 30+ years and can play with just about anyone
May simply be the most beautiful, the most eloquent, the most righttheredon'thurtmeyeahnowIseeit bit EVER
i agree, and have expressed thus by liking the comment. thanks, its always nice to be reminded that there are more people like me in the world (i often forget).
pure talent and hard work right there..... really a joy sir.
Great Tune Thank You!!!
Incredible. OMG. I love humanity. Rock on Richard! You Are Awesome!! Yeeeeeahhhhh! Woo! We luv ya!
Absolutely fantastic.
Going to see him in concert tonight! So excited! :]
Folks, It Doesn't get Much Better Than This !!!
one of my top ten songs of all times, love it forever
Im not worthy! How good is that, fantastic fingerpickin and great arrangement that gies KingLeo Kottke a run for his money. Bloody excellent.
Oh man I've seen him twice, and as a 17 year old, I can seriously say PLEASE, for the sake of humanity, see him live at some point, he is undeniably astonishing
:]
The great working-class love song- HIS bike, man, HIS bike.
Genius. I discovered him in 1997 when a friend of mine gave me a tape. Since then, i never stopped digging him.
I think this is one of his best ever.
I've been a big fan since Fairport Convention days.The 1st time I saw him was at Winnipeg Folk Fest. This was 1st song he played. The next piece we we heard was a 21 year old ani difranco playing "Here I Am Playing with the Big Boys Now" RTs jaw dropped. One of my great musical memories on many levels.
Every time I've seen Richard in concert this is the song that brings the house down. There's something about us all that makes us want to believe we have a little rebel in us...
Saw Richard Thompson at Buxton last night. Brilliant as ever. A guitarist with a style like no other and a terrific songwriter. He has an endearing, understated sense of humour and self deprecating manner with his audience. I have seen him at least 10 times and he never lets you down. His set is always different although he usually includes "1952 Vincent Black Lightning". Agree with ElJeficitoTheSequal about recognition although I am still surprised when people say, "Who's Richard Thompson"?
wow coundnt put it any better, thanks for sharing the wisdom theres not enough of that these days
My favorite, favoritest song EVER!!!
I cry almost every time I hear it,
especially if I try to sing along with it!
my favourite song of all time. thank you mr thompson
The sweetest guitar playing evere, simply stunning
Thanks for posting this. LOVE this song and Thompson's singin' and pickin'!
It ain't to heaven that those angels and aerials intend to carry you, James.
Do not EVER miss one of his concerts, I've been to hundreds of concerts and I've never heard one man and one guitar bring dwn a hall! He's been around since 1964 starting a band called Fairport Convention.
just t help you people who were stuck about the tuning of this song, its CGDGBE its on his website. the bass pattern for the main bit is played on ur g (a string) and ur d string. an capo third
ope that helps :)
i have seen him live at least 5 times, acoustic and with an electric band , consistent impeccable shows in all types of venues, he is without a doubt one of the all time great folk, rock guitar players and singer songwriters you will ever see and hear. Highly recommended "Rumor and Sigh" ,group effort from 1991 --- also , my favorite Richard and Linda Thompson (hard to choose-they made 6 LP's) is their last LP, "Shoot Out the Lights" (1981)-he was in the original Fairport Convention (1968)
I cry whenever I try PLAY it!!!
Simply awesome.
Thanks so much for posting this. I've never seen it played, but have had his cassette tape in my toolbox for years. What a tale of a song! Beautiful guitar work!
Saw him live today. Im usually a metal fan but i was blown away by his guitar playing
I love this song.
Thanks Richard!
perhaps the most beautiful song i've ever heard/
I told my wife I wanted this song played at my wake. I don't even ride a motorbike but this songs hits me hard in the guts every time I hear it...since the very first time. It is just such a true piece of folk genius & so damned sad! It's hard to write a song with this much heart & emotion without sounding contrived or trite. Try it!
This song is on a level with other great folk dirges like Whiter Shade of Pale, Brick by Ben Folds, Satellite of Love by Lou Reed & Billy Austin by Steve Earle.
I was there too. It was the 5th or 6th time I've seen him play (I've seen him at Cropredy a few times) and it was by far the best. His acoustic set alone had a real edge to it, and then the electric set at the end was just brilliantly special
One man creates a symphony for motorcycling ....
Awesome song. Great musicianship and great story.