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Rick Wakeman

Progressive Rock Keyboard Wizard, Composer & Synthesizer Pioneer

Biography

Born Richard Christopher Wakeman on May 18, 1949, in Perivale, London, Rick Wakeman (CBE) stands as one of the most virtuosic, flamboyant, and influential keyboardists in rock history. Classically trained at the Royal College of Music, Wakeman first established himself as one of London's most in-demand session musicians in the late 1960s and early 1970s, contributing memorable keyboard and piano parts to landmark tracks including David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and "Life on Mars?", Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken", and recordings by Elton John, T. Rex, and Black Sabbath.

After rising to prominence with the folk-rock outfit Strawbs, Wakeman joined progressive rock giants Yes in August 1971. His mastery of the Minimoog, Mellotron, Hammond organ, and grand piano transformed the band's sonic architecture, helping craft foundational prog masterworks such as Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972). Across multiple tenures with Yes and alongside his English Rock Ensemble, Wakeman also pioneered large-scale, symphonic solo concept albums celebrated for their theatrical excess, cape-clad stage presence, and staggering technical dexterity.

Selected Solo Discography & Landmark Albums

The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973): His breakthrough solo instrumental masterpiece, composed while touring with Yes. Featuring members of both Yes and Strawbs, each track provides a colorful, keyboard-driven character study of Henry VIII's spouses, blending classical counterpoint with driving rock rhythms.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974): A colossal live recording captured at London's Royal Festival Hall with the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir, and narrator David Hemmings. It became an unexpected international smash, reaching #1 on the UK Albums Chart and #3 on the US Billboard 200.
The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975): An ambitious symphonic-rock epic utilizing full choir and orchestra, famous for its grand conceptual scope, intricate synth arrangements, and its infamous, extravagant premiere staged on ice at Wembley Arena.
No Earthly Connection (1976): A mystical, space-age concept album recorded with the English Rock Ensemble in France, highlighting complex odd-time signatures, layered analog synthesizers, and philosophical narrative themes.
Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record (1977): A high-energy instrumental favorite recorded in Switzerland, anchored by Yes bandmates Chris Squire and Alan White, featuring standout showcases like "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "Judas Iscariot" (utilizing the church organ of St. Martin's Church in Vevey).
1984 (1981): A dynamic musical adaptation of George Orwell's dystopian novel, featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and powerhouse guest vocals from Chaka Khan, Jon Anderson, and Steve Harley.
Country Airs (1986): A chart-topping acoustic piano departure that went straight to #1 on the UK New Age charts, launching an acclaimed series of minimalist, pastoral piano records including Sea Airs and Night Airs.
Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999): The 25th-anniversary conceptual sequel to his 1974 triumph, narrated by Patrick Stewart and featuring guest vocal performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Hayward, Bonnie Tyler, and Trevor Rabin.
Out There (2003): A triumphant return to classic, full-throttle progressive rock with the New English Rock Ensemble and a full choir, exploring cosmic exploration and symphonic keyboard themes.
Piano Portraits (2017) & Piano Odyssey (2018): A commercially resonant series of solo grand piano recordings reinterpreting classic rock, pop, and classical standards, earning Wakeman UK Top 10 chart success in his seventies.
The Red Planet (2020): A widely celebrated return to instrumental, analog-synth-heavy prog rock alongside the English Rock Ensemble, drawing inspiration from Martian topography and vintage Mellotron/Moog soundscapes.
Return to the Red Planet (2026): A sweeping conceptual sequel expanding his Martian exploration, spotlighting the English Rock Ensemble and featuring "Bowie's Vision", a personal tribute honoring his longtime friend and collaborator David Bowie.

``` Rick unboxes the Return to the Red Planet | Rick Wakeman
RELEASE DATE: 16th OCTOBER ON MADFISH MUSIC

“Once I started looking at the new data and photographs, I realised there was an entirely new album waiting to be written. There was simply too much more to say about Mars - musically and spiritually - not to return.” – Rick Wakeman

A new progressive rock suite inspired by both past and the latest discoveries on The Red Planet. Featuring Lee Pomeroy, Dave Colquhoun, Adam Falkner & Mollie Marriott.

"This isn't just another Rick Wakeman album. It's a bloody good one!" Simon Heyworth - Producer of Tubular Bells

Recorded between August 2025 and January 2026, the project also marks a welcome return to full band recording, with all musicians working together at Decoy Studios. The album is performed by Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble, featuring bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Adam Falkner and vocalist Mollie Marriott, daughter of legendary Steve Marriott. The album was mastered by renowned engineer Simon Heyworth.

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Rick Wakeman: unboxes the Return to the Red Planet