On this day March 15 1982 Richard and Linda Thompson released their sixth and final studio album Shoot Out the Lights. The album was widely praised for its raw emotional depth and masterful songwriting blending folk rock and British folk influences.
Despite the turbulent personal relationship between Richard and Linda at the time of recording the album became one of their most critically acclaimed works. Rolling Stone later ranked it number 24 on their list of the best albums of the 80s. Songs like Wall of Death and the title track Shoot Out the Lights captured themes of heartbreak and change making the album an enduring classic.
80s insight: Richard and Linda Thompson separated shortly after the album’s release making their final tour together an emotionally charged experience for fans.