Overview
- Richard Thompson announced on July 28, 2026 that Hippies, Thugs and Heroes will be released October 16 via New West Records and that the lead single "Cocaine Walking, Booze Talking" is out now with a lyric video.
- The album was produced by Richard Thompson and James Frazee and recorded at Hobosound Studio in Weehawken, New Jersey, in sessions Thompson says came together quickly.
- Credits list Thompson’s backing band—Taras Prodaniuk (bass), Michael Jerome (drums), David Mansfield (guitar and fiddle)—with Zara Phillips providing backing vocals.
- A 12-track list has been published for the album, and physical formats will include standard vinyl and CD plus limited-edition colored vinyl and autographed variants.
- Thompson has scheduled U.K. festival and venue dates for August–September 2026 and two U.S. shows in November 2026, including a Nov. 21 benefit concert in Montclair, New Jersey, continuing the touring cycle that followed his 2024 album Ship To Shore.