Richard & Linda Thompson

Richard & Linda Thompson were a British folk rock duo known for their emotionally intense music and intricate guitar work. Formed in the early 1970s after Richard Thompson—formerly of the seminal folk-rock band Fairport Convention—teamed up with singer Linda Peters (whom he later married), the pair released a string of albums that blended British folk traditions with rock sensibilities. Their 1974 debut, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, is widely considered a classic, showcasing their signature mix of haunting melodies and raw lyrical honesty.

Over the course of the decade, the couple released several more acclaimed albums, including Hokey Pokey and Pour Down Like Silver. Their final album as a duo, 1982’s Shoot Out the Lights, is often hailed as a masterpiece, capturing the emotional turmoil of their dissolving marriage with powerful songwriting and performances. Though their professional and personal partnership ended shortly after, their work together remains a high watermark in British folk-rock history.

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