The Calvary Cross
Richard & Linda Thompson, 1975, from I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight. Solo by Richard Thompson.
A 13-minute Stratocaster séance.
In its extended live form, 'The Calvary Cross' becomes a long, hypnotic exploration of Richard Thompson's unique guitar voice. His playing draws on British folk, with modal lines, drones and ornaments reminiscent of bagpipes, blended with rock intensity and a sharp, biting Stratocaster tone. He moves between melodic statements and wild, jagged runs, building slowly toward moments of ferocious energy. It's one of the finest showcases of his singular style, and a reminder that folk tradition can power a truly adventurous rock solo. Listen for how Thompson uses repeated, droning notes to anchor the solo, letting his melodies twist around them like smoke.
The Calvary Cross by Richard & Linda Thompson is ranked #170 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Richard Thompson and the song was released in 1975. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #18 (uDiscover Music).
In our lists
- Genre Champions — #9
- The 25 Greatest Folk Rock Guitar Solos — #1
- Greatest Live Solos — #8
- The Best Richard Thompson Guitar Solos — #1
Sources
- uDiscover Music: The Best Guitar Solos Of All Time: 108 Amazing Moments — #18
- Rolling Stone: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #82
Who played the guitar solo on The Calvary Cross?
Richard Thompson played the solo on Richard & Linda Thompson's The Calvary Cross (1975).
What guitar was used on the The Calvary Cross solo?
A fender stratocaster, according to widely reported accounts.
Where does The Calvary Cross rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#170 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 2 of them.