Richard Thompson to Play Byham Theater, 3/1

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced Richard Thompson, the venerated and prolific British singer-songwriter and guitarist is coming to Pittsburgh with special guest Teddy Thompson on Saturday, March 1, 2014, 8:00 pm, at the Byham Theater. Tickets start at $37.75 and are available at TrustArts.org, by calling 412-456-6666, and in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue. A limited number of VIP packages are available ($100, $200). This event is presented by Opus One.

Richard Thompson was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 20 guitarists of all time and is known around the world for his prolific songwriting achievements. Thompson has received Lifetime Achievement Awards for songwriting on both sides of the Atlantic - from the Americana Music Association in Nashville to Britain's BBC Awards and the prestigious Ivor Novello. The Los Angeles Times remarked Thompson is, "the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix." In 2011, Thompson was honored with Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), personally bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. In addition, Thompson was nominated by the Americana Music Honors & Awards, "Artist of the Year" category.

Having co-founded the groundbreaking group Fairport Convention as a teenager in the 60's, Richard Thompson and his mates virtually invented British 'Folk Rock.' By the age of 21, Thompson left the band to pursue his own career, followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist.

Thompson's impressive body of work includes over 40 albums, many Grammy nominations, as well as numerous soundtracks, including Werner Hertzog's Grizzy Man. His CD, Electric, was produced by the great Nashville musician Buddy Miller (Band of Joy, Patty Griffin.). Electric continues to receive positive praise with Rolling Stone declaring, "...the excellence is undeniable."

Richard Thompson has toured around the world, headlining his band, as well as co-headlining his music with Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell. Thompson and his band joined the Americanarama Tour sharing the stage with Bob Dylan, Wilco, and My Morning Jacket, culminating with Dylan himself covering R.T.'s classic song "1952 Vincent Black Lightening".

Thompson's genre defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar along with dizzying energy and onstage wit continue to earn Richard Thompson new fans and a place as one of the most distinctive virtuosos in folk rock history. "A folksinger who (shreds) like an arena-rock star... and still writes songs that sting and storm," commented NPR. For more information, visit www.richardthompson-music.com.

Special guest on tour, Teddy Thompson is the son of singer-songwriters Richard and Linda Thompson. Teddy moved to the United States more than a decade ago to embark on his own career. In addition to performing, Teddy has produced and released several albums. In 2014, Teddy is touring with his father, Richard, in select cities across the U.S. and Canada. American Songwriter commented, for 2013 show review in Woodstock, NY, "The second half of the night was immediately jolted to life by Teddy Thompson, who brought wiry energy and plentiful hooks along with his acoustic guitar, enlivening the audience just a few bars into his opening track. Teddy has a powerful, cutting voice and songwriting chops galore." For more information, visit www.teddythompson.com.

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