Former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman has announced a farewell US tour.
Rick Wakeman is hanging up his sequined cape after a final tour of the United States. “ I always planned to stop touring on my 77th birthdaythe progressive rock keyboardist said in a statement. For those of you who want to send me a card, it’s May 18th! But there’s so much to do between now and then that I have to make plans now, and so my last solo gigs will have to end on that date. »
The tour kicks off March 19 at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT and will also tour South America. “ I had a lot of fun performing my various one-man shows, but it’s time to end itsaid Mr. Wakeman. I plan to present the best of what I’ve done in the past, plus a few new surprises, and maybe even a guest who will join me on occasion. »
Wakeman’s recent piano concerts include original compositions from his extensive solo catalog, as well as pieces such as ” Life on Mars » by David Bowie and « Morning Has Broken » by Cat Stevens, which he performed as a session musician in the sixties and seventies. He always adds a few Yes songs, but he prepared a new track for this latest tour, called “ Yessonata “. According to a press release, this is a “ 30-minute instrumental work featuring themes and melodies from Yes, woven into sonata form “.
Wakeman joined Yes in 1971 and played on many of their best-loved albums, including Fragile And Close to the Edge. He left the band in 1974 and returned briefly in 1976, 1990, 1995 and 2002. In 2016, he teamed up with original Yes singer Jon Anderson and then-guitarist ” Owner of a Lonely Heart “, Trevor Rabin, to form ARW, which eventually changed its name to Yes Featuring John Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman. The group quietly disbanded in 2018.
Over the past six years, Wakeman has largely focused on solo touring, although he says he’s ready to move on to other projects after this latest tour. “ The plan is to not perform at the same location twice during this timehe said, so wherever you plan to come, this will be the last time, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the past 53 years! »
Wakeman’s concerts also feature hilarious stories and sketches. For a tiny glimpse, watch his speech at Yes’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
