Rick Wakeman Reflects on Career Highlights and Challenges

Rick Wakeman, the celebrated British musician, recently shared insights into his storied career, reflecting on both triumphs and challenges. During a discussion with Prog magazine, he recounted his experiences leading up to a significant performance of his rock symphony, The Six Wives Of Henry VIII, at Hampton Court Palace in 2009. This concert marked the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne and represented a long-held ambition for the artist.

Wakeman revealed that while he had previously played pieces from The Six Wives at various shows, the idea of staging a standalone concert had not crossed his mind until he received a call from Trevor Dunsford at Hampton Court. “Do you know what next year is?” Dunsford asked, proposing the concert that would bring Wakeman’s vision to life. The musician expressed his excitement: “I first put in a request in 1973. I’ve had some late replies to things – but this takes some beating!”

The performance was not just a musical showcase; it was a grand spectacle that required extensive planning. Wakeman described his ambitious vision that included a stage at least 50 metres wide, a 70-piece orchestra, a 40-strong choir, and various acts, including jugglers and hog roasts. After presenting his ideas to Dunsford, Wakeman walked away from the meeting elated, knowing the scale of the event would be monumental.

Reflecting on past performances, he compared this concert to The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur, which took place on ice at Wembley. Despite selling out three nights at Wembley, Wakeman acknowledged the financial difficulties associated with the production. “Yes, I did lose money on it,” he said. “But I classed it as advertising. It always gets voted biggest spectacular – and also biggest folly. I take that as a compliment, really.”

Wakeman’s career has been marked by both critical and commercial successes, yet he candidly discussed moments of misalignment, particularly regarding his 1999 album, Return To Journey To The Centre Of The Earth. He described the timing of the release as unfortunate, calling it the “anniversary effect.” Although the album did not achieve the expected success, he noted that when performed abroad, the reception was overwhelmingly positive.

The musician also addressed some rumors surrounding his career, including claims about his first keyboard. Contrary to popular belief, his first instrument was not a MiniMoog, but rather a Woolworth’s reed organ. The MiniMoog, he revealed, was acquired from the late Jack Wild, an actor known for his role in the film Oliver! Wakeman detailed how he managed to buy it for a mere £35, despite its market value being over £1,000.

In a discussion about the punk movement, Wakeman denied involvement in the controversy surrounding the Sex Pistols being dropped from the A&M label. He clarified that this was a publicity strategy devised by A&M, not a decision he influenced. “I went mad, and the head of A&M was sent on a six-month sabbatical,” he recounted, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding his relationship with the punk genre.

Wakeman’s contributions to the band Yes were also notable, particularly regarding the cover art for their 1979 album, Tormato. He recalled how the band rejected the initial artwork presented by the design group Hipgnosis, leading to a humorous incident where he threw a tomato at it. “They said, ‘That’s the actual artwork!’ and that’s how ‘Yes Tormato’ came to be,” he said with a laugh.

As Rick Wakeman continues to navigate his illustrious career, his reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by artists in the music industry. From grand performances to candid revelations, his journey remains an inspiring narrative in the world of rock music.