Richard John Thompson (born 3 April 1949 in Notting Hill Gate, West London) is a British songwriter, guitar player and recording and performing musician. Richard Thompson made his debut as a recording artist as a member of Fairport Convention in September of 1967.

from whiskyfun.com, concert review, October 2007:

. . . immediately below the bar that’s belching burnt cheese toasted sandwich fumes in our direction for much of the evening (just as well I guess, given that the abstemious Mr Thompson is a vegetarian).

Richard was a member of Fairport Convention from 1967-71, late members included vegetarians Ric Sanders (from 1985) and Chris Leslie from 1997.