Saint George’s Church Hall, Beckenham: August 21st, 2026
What to say about this guy, Richard Thompson. In a career spanning six decades, he’s continued to surprise and stun in equal measure, with skilful song-writing and simply superb guitar picking that always excites and commands attention and admiration.
With a new album, ‘Hippies, Thugs & Heroes’ about to launch, he paid a flying visit to the UK as a promotional vehicle and touring opportunity that pleased his legion of fans. The Beckenham set covered much of his remarkable musical life including material like ‘Meet on the Ledge’ from his early days with 60s folk-rock greats Fairport Convention, through many of his later solo efforts and releases and a few preview tracks from the new release.
Two of his absolute fan-favourites, ‘1952 Vincent Black Lightening’ and ‘Beeswing’ featured alongside a range of rarer numbers including ‘Pharaohs’ and ‘Waltzing’s For Dreamers.’ Joined onstage with strong melodic, harmony vocals by Zara Phillips, Thompson readily delivered his usual genius picking package and a packed hall and sell-out crowd, left feeling happy and well served by a truly master musician working at the peak of his powers.
Iain Patience
