Rick Wakeman is to revisit his classic solo albums and a some of his best-loved material with Yes in two full-band concerts with choir at the London Palladium on February 22 and 23, 2023.
The first show will see him perform The Six Wives Of Henry VIII during the first act, and during the second, he'll turn his attention towards The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table. The second show, on February 23, will see him dedicate the first act to classic Yes material and the second to his 1974 album, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth.
He'll be accompanied on both performances by the English Rock Ensemble – Dave Colquhoun (guitars and backing vocals), Adam Falkner (drums), Lee Pomeroy (bass and backing vocals), Hayley Sanderson (vocals), Adam Wakeman (keyboard, guitars and backing vocals), plus percussionist Ed Scull – as well as the English Chamber Choir and a special guest narrator, who'll be announced closer to the time.
“This is one hell of a line-up to have with me, performing some of my music that has somehow managed to survive the last 50 years or so,” says Wakeman. “I never tire of playing these pieces as the music is so adaptable and indeed, there will be surprises at these shows – I might even surprise myself!”
Tickets go on sale from 10am (BST) on Friday, September 23.
Meanwhile, Wakeman recently confirmed he's finished work on his latest solo album. The follow-up to 2020's The Red Planet is due to be officially released in spring 2023 with pre-release copies available during his 2022 Grumpy Christmas Stocking Tour. He's told he's Twitter followers: "I'm so happy the way it's turned out."
Had two listen throughs to the album and left the studio with a huge smile on my face. Great performances from all who took part and I'm so happy the way it's turned out . Will be available here for the Xmas tour and a Spring release officially after that.September 16, 2022
