Rick Wakeman is one one those people that should live until 120 years old,so many stories, so many nice things to tell, and so funny,the man is one of a kind.
I met Rick at the Capitol Theatre in New Jersey when Yes was playing there on 26 February 1972. The band I was in, Genya Raven's "Baby", was opening for them. Well, this guy with long blonde hair was sitting at the piano before the sound checks, playing the wonderful piano part from Cat Steven's "Morning Has Broken". I sat down on the bench with him and he smiled at me. After he finished I asked him why he was playing that particular thing and he said that he wrote it and recorded it on the record. He introduced himself as Rick and said he played in Yes. I told him who I was and why I was there and we started talking. He had heard our recently released album and was impressed. He said that his wife was about to give birth to his first child that very night and he was quite nervous about it. His son Oliver was born that evening and it was announced during Yes's set. RIck is such a nice guy, very funny and affable. Oh yeah, he's also a brilliant musician.
This man is hysterical. Possibly the best keyboardist ever, been in the greatest bands ever, and still finds time to do stand-up. Awesome Rick. Thank you for all the music.
Mike Reiss my point was he has the good sense and grace not to talk badly about anyone. You can usually find something nice to say about anyone but the the lowest of scoundrels.
@@mikereiss4216 Steve Howe seems to be the one that he picks up on on the 'controversy' question but he doesn't say anything bad about him. So not sure what he's said about yes members, I don't really follow this stuff, I remember long ago him saying that he knew what Steve was going to play before Steve did because he played with him so much, but thats not really 'bad'. I always loved his story about his first day with yes, and bull bruford said Chris Squire missed a note, chris said he didn't, and it ended up in a fight and Bill hit him. Rick said that he thought the band would fold up but "apparantly that was the norm". Between that Jon Anderson's 'napoleon complex' I think that was a band with a LOT of interesting stories:) Of course that seems true of most bands.
He just tosses off "Life on Mars" so beautifully -- no prep, just off the cuff. Have been a fan since Fragile, and since Six Wives. The Holy Trinity -- Wakeman, Emerson, and Lord. He's the only one left -- we're so lucky to have him.
@@zenstain ~ Yea. You cant think about GREAT prog keyboards without songs like 'Cinema Show' sticking right out! l loved Tony's playing! lt was FABULOUS! There are very few TITANS ....and he's one of them! Cheers!
Well Mike...Rod Argent, whom RW credited as having played the greatest Hammond solo ever recorded ( on Hold Your Head Up), is still gigging in 2020 and playing like a demon!! :D It's interesting the number of "monster" keyboard players & guitarists who came out of the UK during that time. On a per capita basis it was a huge number!
@@alisonwunderland9900 Ha, me being a man would always blame the wives :) Or...they just divorced in time, many marriages don't find the right moment to agree on it being time to go seperate ways. Who knows the truth about the 3 Wives of Rick the Wakeman :)
I suffer from depression and prog rock is the only music that wakes me from it,it invigorates my soul like nature does. Thank you to bands like The Beatles, Crimson,The Moody Blues and Bowie who started the genre,Life On Mars is a song I will never tire of despite how many times I listen to it,that piano melody is so prog! I remember my folks bringing home a tape of the album Journey To The Centre Of The Earth here in Melbourne,Australia back in the mid 70’s,I was 9 years old at the time,that album blew my mind.
Straight up lead guitar B3 playing. l think Yes and the Beatles were both so talent-packed that on a soul level and an ego level they pushed each other to heights that they might not have been reached on their own.
He was skint back in the day and needed the money for his rent think it was £9 Marc Bolan heard about it and brought him to the studio, he was recording Get it On. He said he wanted some piano on the track, so Rick did his bit and said to Marc you could have done it yourself. He said Marc said you want your rent money don’t you. Bolan knew he just would not just accept the money, so he got him to play on Get it On, which wasn’t to have piano on it, I thought that was a very nice thing to do.
I heard it was Elton John, that was playing, on that song...But, I'll agree, outside, the opening fill, it wasn't necessary. It was so buried in the mix.
Zack Kohler yes its a true story told by the man himself, Elton John only appeared playing on Get it On on Top of The Pops, and he made an appearance in the Movie Born to Boogie, have not heard of him playing on any T.Rex songs, and i have been a fan for nearly 50 years.
I love this guy!!!...I saw his " acceptance speech", from Yes's induction to the Rock and Roll hall of fame, he was a natural, he was so funny... I agree with the others on this comments section, probably the best keyboardist I've ever heard, just phenomenal, thank you Mr. Wakeman.
Rick has always been the most effortless keyboardist. On everything from the Moog to the grand piano. And it’s like there’s no effort required at all. An amazing talent.
Indeed! I LOVE Rick's playing on "Sabbra Cadabra"!!! I definitely find that his playing on that Song is--as you say--"effort-less"!!! And, in this regard, Rick's Outstanding Keyboard Playing reminds me of The Great Jon Lord, of Deep Purple! 💜 Fame! :) Jon's Outstanding Key-Board Playing Spanned from "The Bluesy" ("Lazy" Both Live and Studio versions) to "The Majestic!" ("Smoke On The Water" Organ Solos on "Made in Japan"!!!)...
I'll just sit down and watch 5 minutes of this then mow the lawn ... 50 minutes later - wow that was short! I could listen to Wakeman all day. Sometimes I do.
Rick's mindset, the way he views life, is absolutely positive. "The happiness of your life, depends upon the quality of your thoughts" My favorite quote from Marcus Aurelius. Thank You Gentlemen!
Rick, man...jovial, kind of rough around the edges, slightly disheveled...then he touches the keys and that power emerges. After all these years, the sound that first gave me chills is still there as strong as ever. Wakeman and Keith Emerson. The light and dark sides of progressive music. In the end, though, Yes w/Wakeman stands alone.
Damn, I missed his concert in Clearwater! I should get out more. Saw him at Ruth Eckhart Hall, 10 or 12 years ago..., and he didn't talk with the audience that much. This video was the 2nd time I've ever heard him speak. I've got YT to thank for this!
My friend was a photographer in Philadelphia. You had him drive to around Philly before your "Journey to the Center of the Earth" concert one afternoon. You had John Kuczynski take you to an English pub for food and drinks. You were really nice to John. You had an entire steak and kidney pie and four huge pitchers of sangria. And you told John to order whatever he wanted. He ate SOMETHING...and...had TWO pitchers of sangria. John then dropped you off at the Spectrum. He went back into the suburbs of Philly to get his wife, Lindy, and me. He was drunk AF. Weaving ALL OVER THE ROAD because of the sangria. Lindy gave John HELL for driving drunk. "You're an IDIOT. You're gonna kill us ALL!". I thought it was hilarious . We got into see the concert, and We saw the huge dinosaur, enjoyed David Hemming's narration, and the incredible music. You didn't even look like you had imbibed ANYTHING, and you looked like you had had a nap! Stay safe and healthy, sir. God bless.
16:20 So very glad to hear there are no hard feelings and in fact is a spirit of brotherhood remaining between Rick and Steve Howe. These two are both amazing and essential parts of the classic YES sound. Wonderful interview by a true fan!
The only Prog Rock I ever bought myself was Rick Wakeman, 6 wives of Henry VIII, Journey to the Center of the Earth. And of course David Bowie's greatest LP- 'Hunky Dory'. I consider David Bowie to be the most creative solo artist along with the Beatles as a song writing band, Led Zeppelin as a perfect band of musicians, Hendrix as the Genius of guitar and The Doors for the lyrics and musical poetry. Rick Wakeman a truly great pianist, the best I know along with Ray Manzarak of the Doors and Bernie Worrell of Parliament Funkadelic. The big three for me! All completely different. It was so wonderful to see Rick playing alive here. I was 14 again. Not bad when you are now 58. LIVE NOW!
@wildcatter63 Well it's all great music but your strongest point was actually my first wobble period. I find Prog to be, boring pseudo classical music (Genesis, Yes never did anything for me nor did most 'metal' as it became cliche after early Sabbath) lacking the raw intensity I like from the blues, jazz, punk thing. Acid Rock (Hendrix, Doors, late 60's Grateful Dead into Zeppelin) was more aggressive and tripped out and worked best for me. Bowie's Ziggy (Aladdin, Diamond Dogs era was popular with everyone else who 'discovered Bowie while I had been mocked earlier for liking his 'Space Oddity' and 'Hunky Dory' LP's which I consider to be among his three best along with 'Station to Station'. These are, got to have EVERY song, LPs to me. Following that comes his Eno era stuff BEFORE the Glam Rock LP's as being listened to favorites and always have been. I was massively into Eno before he and Bowie connected (and after See Talking Heads), indeed he was my thing during Dave's glam rock era. I do however consider all these LP's to be GREAT LP's and the fact is only he and Rick made me love their glam and Prog stuff because they were so damned good at it. After 'Ashes to Ashes' Bowie's LP's became more mixed with classic and filler but I love some of those later songs just as much as the older ones. You just have to cherry pick. You have every right to enjoy those great glam albums but it is not so much my thing. I think he did glam 'Rock' best before 'Glam' ('Cygnet Committee, All the Madmen, Andy Warhol, Is there life on Mars). Ziggy was more a Stones like rock and roll thing which I was getting tired of by then. (It also has a harsher thinner tone I like less; one of the reasons I like 'Revolver' less than 'Rubber Soul or Sgt Peppers). I missed the brilliant original hippie freaks like Syd Barrett, Hendrix, Morrison. I found glam rock to be the first state of rock's decline into rock 'product' (see Kiss vs talent like the brilliant earlier Zeppelin) ). In late 1976 I cut my long hair off and became a skinhead (the first in my school of 600; it shocked folks back then) and punk and then happy New Waver. Siouxsie and the Banshees, Talking Heads, Devo, Pil, Psychedelic Furs (Richard very Bowiesque), Depeche Mode. This being older I think explains our different perspectives but it is all great music. David ruled. I REALLY miss him. Lennon respected him massively (during his Ziggy era strongly defending him to Mr Purity BS George Harrison, the last time they ever spoke to each other in 1974). Lennon was right. Both GREAT men. Peace, love and good health to you!
@@arfshesaid4325 Death is easier than life but I don't recommend it, YET! I like thinking and being conscious and active too. At 58 life is short now. Live and struggle until death comes for us all. Good luck!
I was in a show back in 1976 in Porto Alegre , south of Brazil. Watch Rick Wakeman playing " Journey to Center of the world" and King Arthur and the Knights of round Table" with those keyboards in a small Arena, very smoky Arena, were priceles. Stick in my memory forever . One of the highest musical moments of my life.
🌄 Mr Wakeman is CLEARLY one of the premier keyboard players of all time ! 🎶Myself along w/probably millions of folks that were growing up w/his brilliance as our musical background were lucky to have such a talented and versatile artist weaving his sparks of innovation into our experiences in life 👏🍻 I still am amazed after seeing him recently w/J.A and T.R playing as majestically as 4 decades ago w/cape and I think at least 6 maybe 7 keyboards w/total command, not slowing down but hard to believe getting better ! T.Y for sharing a part of your soul and heart w/every performance, cheers mate🍻✌🍾 A longtime fan🤘🎸🌟🎵🌈⛥D.S Dave🎶🏞😎✨
Ds ~ Amen to that! l always think of Wakeman, Emerson, and Tony Banks. Three of the TOP, and favourite prog bands for me. Of course Rick has done _eons_ more than just play in Yes. He _never_ stops producing! Saw Wakeman ''Made in Cuba'' video the other day and l was MINDBLOWN! lt was like hearing Ricks music for the first time .....again!
One I always use…. How do you tell if a stage is level? The drummer is drooling out both sides of his mouth. I’ve seen Yes 19 times starting with close to the edge. I also saw Rick and the British rock ensemble center of the earth tour in Cincinnati in the 70’s….gentle giant opened up. One of my favorite concerts ever! Rick is a true joy, an amazing musician and a class act. God bless you sir.
He and Keith Emerson are the greatest keyboard players in the Rock history. But not only that, Wakeman is one of the most interesting icons of that golden age. What a guy. he should write a book of his stories.
Rick Wakeman is the best! His version of Silent Night brought back memories of my mom who passed in March of this year. She loved Christmas music and would have adored Rick's Christmas album.
I was the first chap in Chesterfield, way back in 1973, to have a copy of "Six Wives" (which I bought from the HMV Store on Oxford Street). When I first heard that excerpt from 'Catharine Howard' it sent a tingle up my spine, and I still get the same tingle every time I hear that wonderful piece.
Genius! His work with Yes is fantastic, his contributions to other musicians hits are most important and countless and his own albums are wonderfull and prog as prog can be, at least the albums from the 70ies. And beside that he is a humble human being with a very cool humour.
One of the first albums I ever heard in the womb was "journey to the center of the earth". I was born in 1976 and continue to hear new notes and passages. I listen to it while sleeping, not because I'm bored of it and it puts me to sleep, but more of a "flowers for algernon" effect, that only few will understand. God bless you sir.
Fascinating, humerous, raconteur, talented genius...what else can I say about Rick Wakeman? Giving him a piano in this interview was brilliant! The words tumbled out of him as freely as the music flowed from his fingers. He thickened the piano sound by adding a subtle bit of MIDI. I heard it as soon as he started playing; a beautifully tasteful Rick Wakeman touch.
i wonder if Rick remembers me and my slightly intoxicated buddy interviewing him after a Yes show in Toronto, think it was the Union tour, what a interesting fellow, cool guy thats got perspectives figured out......kinda rare in the rock world.
My image from the mid 70s of Rick was so different from what he turned out to really be like. He seemed so serious as the wizard of the keyboards in glittery capes and long straight blond hair, playing amazing otherworldly astral soundscapes live but mostly represented in still photos because video and film was rare and hard to get. And interviews nearly non-existent. I first got a glimpse of his humor in the footage included on the YES Union tour VHS video tape but really found out how funny he is when I read his hilarious book "Grumpy Old Rock Star".
Such a talented, nice and funny guy. Great storyteller. Would love to hang with him and ask him a million questions. He should have been wearing his cape!
Loved this interview, just let Rick talk, always fascinating and a bit of playing too, it doesn't get any better, he's fabulous. His playing is beautiful, what a star!
Rick Wakeman is truly a global treasure of a man and an artist, an interview with him NEVER disappoints. My eyes got misty with that Life on Mars snippet, too beautiful...
Rick Wakeman is one one those people that should live until 120 years old,so many stories, so many nice things to tell, and so funny,the man is one of a kind.
🎹🎹🎹
I met Rick at the Capitol Theatre in New Jersey when Yes was playing there on 26 February 1972. The band I was in, Genya Raven's "Baby", was opening for them. Well, this guy with long blonde hair was sitting at the piano before the sound checks, playing the wonderful piano part from Cat Steven's "Morning Has Broken". I sat down on the bench with him and he smiled at me. After he finished I asked him why he was playing that particular thing and he said that he wrote it and recorded it on the record. He introduced himself as Rick and said he played in Yes. I told him who I was and why I was there and we started talking. He had heard our recently released album and was impressed. He said that his wife was about to give birth to his first child that very night and he was quite nervous about it. His son Oliver was born that evening and it was announced during Yes's set.
RIck is such a nice guy, very funny and affable. Oh yeah, he's also a brilliant musician.
This man is hysterical. Possibly the best keyboardist ever, been in the greatest bands ever, and still finds time to do stand-up. Awesome Rick. Thank you for all the music.
i never knew that Rick W. was a Comedian and a buddy of Ricky Gervaiz. I gotta watch some of his comedy.
@@cacornhusker2940 Check out his book. Its one of the funniest/most interesting things you'll eve read.
I am always torn between Wakeman and Keith Emmerson as to who is the best keyboard player? Both are incredible
No one is "Best"....It's what you enjoy and what's "Best"for you the listener..@@siroswaldfortitude5346
It is notable that he has nothing but praise for everyone he speaks about.
Greg Lake was that way. He sounds like Michael Caine
That's because he wasn't talking about any Yes members(I'm only at 12 minutes as of writing this so I could be wrong). ;)
Mike Reiss my point was he has the good sense and grace not to talk badly about anyone. You can usually find something nice to say about anyone but the the lowest of scoundrels.
It is quite incredible! I wish I could be that positive (at least in public!)
@@mikereiss4216 Steve Howe seems to be the one that he picks up on on the 'controversy' question but he doesn't say anything bad about him. So not sure what he's said about yes members, I don't really follow this stuff, I remember long ago him saying that he knew what Steve was going to play before Steve did because he played with him so much, but thats not really 'bad'.
I always loved his story about his first day with yes, and bull bruford said Chris Squire missed a note, chris said he didn't, and it ended up in a fight and Bill hit him. Rick said that he thought the band would fold up but "apparantly that was the norm". Between that Jon Anderson's 'napoleon complex' I think that was a band with a LOT of interesting stories:) Of course that seems true of most bands.
He just tosses off "Life on Mars" so beautifully -- no prep, just off the cuff. Have been a fan since Fragile, and since Six Wives. The Holy Trinity -- Wakeman, Emerson, and Lord. He's the only one left -- we're so lucky to have him.
Totally agree Mike
Mike ~ Tony Banks is still here! l always include him! He's a BRILLIANT technician!!
I've always had Tony Banks in there with that group as well.
@@zenstain ~ Yea. You cant think about GREAT prog keyboards without songs like 'Cinema Show' sticking right out! l loved Tony's playing! lt was FABULOUS! There are very few TITANS ....and he's one of them! Cheers!
Well Mike...Rod Argent, whom RW credited as having played the greatest Hammond solo ever recorded ( on Hold Your Head Up), is still gigging in 2020 and playing like a demon!! :D
It's interesting the number of "monster" keyboard players & guitarists who came out of the UK during that time. On a per capita basis it was a huge number!
Musical genius... and a very nice guy. 🙂
Love this man. His music has been part of my musical DNA since 1970.
same here...they visited my small college in Nov. '71 and blew us all away!
Definitely, I was introduced to his playing with Yes on the Fragile album.
Rick, one of rock music's real characters and a genuinely sound guy. A fantastic raconteur. He's done it all and is one of the great keyboardists.
Well Said. Spot On !
Yes, just watched this gem of an interview.
Totally, love me a bit of Rick Bacon
Yes or No?
he's pretty good synthesizerist too 😁
Aside from being the best keyboard player in the business, Rick's a down to earth, funny man.
Pure brilliance on keyboards....and a hell of a nice, grounded human being.
"hell of a nice, grounded human being" *three of his ex-wives will beg to differ*
@@alisonwunderland9900 I doubt it.
@@alisonwunderland9900 Ha, me being a man would always blame the wives :)
Or...they just divorced in time, many marriages don't find the right moment to agree on it being time to go seperate ways.
Who knows the truth about the 3 Wives of Rick the Wakeman :)
rick wakeman is always a great interview.
I suffer from depression and prog rock is the only music that wakes me from it,it invigorates my soul like nature does.
Thank you to bands like The Beatles, Crimson,The Moody Blues and Bowie who started the genre,Life On Mars is a song I will never tire of despite how many times I listen to it,that piano melody is so prog!
I remember my folks bringing home a tape of the album Journey To The Centre Of The Earth here in Melbourne,Australia back in the mid 70’s,I was 9 years old at the time,that album blew my mind.
I'm a big Rick Wakeman fan, but that JttCotE album, which I was gifted for my 21st (thanks, Linda!), put me right off him for a while.
Ndlanding King Arthur on ice and all that rigmarole lol.
John Cornell Grew up with them.
John Cornell They had some proggy moments too with songs like In The Light,Kashmir and Achilles Last Stand even Stairway To Heaven.
Walking into Clarksdale should be added to the list of Led Zep esque albums that might be soothing to the soul
His keyboard (organ) solo on Close To The Edge is as good as it can possibly get.
It's etched in history.. absolutely phenomenal!!
James P I thought that too...until I heard Awaken 😎
It's my favorite organ solo, too!
Straight up lead guitar B3 playing. l think Yes and the Beatles were both so talent-packed that on a soul level and an ego level they pushed each other to heights that they might not have been reached on their own.
Gokhan Aya qq
1:00 the best timed "let me fart," line ever, and It goes right on by...that's just sad. Rick should've hammered that one home.
how is no one else commenting on this!?
I was searching for this comment, thanks for not making me feel alone laughing at this 🤣🤣
@@sayvillefunkorchestra2895 I noticed it first time listening and was waiting for the punch-line or the joke ref. and then ....what?
He was skint back in the day and needed the money for his rent think it was £9 Marc Bolan heard about it and brought him to the studio, he was recording Get it On. He said he wanted some piano on the track, so Rick did his bit and said to Marc you could have done it yourself.
He said Marc said you want your rent money don’t you. Bolan knew he just would not just accept the money, so he got him to play on Get it On, which wasn’t to have piano on it, I thought that was a very nice thing to do.
I heard it was Elton John, that was playing, on that song...But, I'll agree, outside, the opening fill, it wasn't necessary. It was so buried in the mix.
L. K. Leinenbach Elton John played with the Band on Top of The Pops on TV, but had nothing to do with the recording, the video is on You Tube.
true story??
me thinks Elton John was involved in Marc Boland songs between 1971-1973 approx...
Zack Kohler yes its a true story told by the man himself, Elton John only appeared playing on Get it On on Top of The Pops, and he made an appearance in the Movie Born to Boogie, have not heard of him playing on any T.Rex songs, and i have been a fan for nearly 50 years.
Hunky Dory is still my favourite Bowie record largely because of Rick Wakeman. Thank you for this interview.
I'm so happy the guy I idolized as a kid in 1977 is actually brilliant even now! It wasn't a fad.
Thank you Rick Wakeman!
I was thinking just the same! It made me realize I made some very good choices as a teenager back then.
It must have been touch and go though, I'm guessing?
Great comment. Rick's like a fine wine - he just gets better as he gracefully ages.
I could listen to this man all day! Rick is just a fascinating character - as well as a wonderful musician
I love this guy!!!...I saw his " acceptance speech", from Yes's induction to the Rock and Roll hall of fame, he was a natural, he was so funny...
I agree with the others on this comments section, probably the best keyboardist I've ever heard, just phenomenal, thank you Mr. Wakeman.
If you had no idea who Rick was and were lucky enough to strike up a conversation with him,you’d never guess he is a superstar 🥰
Rick has always been the most effortless keyboardist. On everything from the Moog to the grand piano. And it’s like there’s no effort required at all. An amazing talent.
Indeed! I LOVE Rick's playing on "Sabbra Cadabra"!!!
I definitely find that his playing on that Song is--as you say--"effort-less"!!!
And, in this regard, Rick's Outstanding Keyboard Playing reminds me of The Great Jon Lord, of Deep Purple! 💜 Fame! :)
Jon's Outstanding Key-Board Playing Spanned from "The Bluesy" ("Lazy" Both Live and Studio versions) to "The Majestic!" ("Smoke On The Water" Organ Solos on "Made in Japan"!!!)...
Incredible! What a personality, and such great stories! Been a Yes fan for over 40 years, and to see Wakeman, the man, is such a treat!
I'll just sit down and watch 5 minutes of this then mow the lawn ... 50 minutes later - wow that was short! I could listen to Wakeman all day. Sometimes I do.
Rick's mindset, the way he views life, is absolutely positive. "The happiness of your life, depends upon the quality of your thoughts" My favorite quote from Marcus Aurelius. Thank You Gentlemen!
What a great guy . I’m a huge Yes fan and Rick is such an amazing talent
I could sit for 12 hours straight listening to Rick.....both music and words.
He is so humble, funny, quick witted and awesome.
Rick, man...jovial, kind of rough around the edges, slightly disheveled...then he touches the keys and that power emerges. After all these years, the sound that first gave me chills is still there as strong as ever. Wakeman and Keith Emerson. The light and dark sides of progressive music. In the end, though, Yes w/Wakeman stands alone.
Brilliant musician. Fascinating interview. I could listen to him speak for hours. Great sense of humor.
I could hardly hear him...he needs a sound technician.
@@kingrobert1st The mic could have been placed closer to Rick's mouth. I had to turn up the volume.
Wow....what an absolute pleasure to listen to this interview. He is a true raconteur.
Rick is just great, happy to hear the comment about his relationship to Steve as well. Two of the best proggers ever.
A great story teller.
I saw him live with his band, around 20 years ago. An unusual and charismatic figure.
He's right, Yes should have gotten into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame way sooner than they did.
A lot of bands should've and still should.
I just heard this morning that Mr Wakeman will be coming here to Clearwater on March 25th here in 2023 he is still going strong 😉😉😉😉😉
Damn, I missed his concert in Clearwater!
I should get out more.
Saw him at Ruth Eckhart Hall, 10 or 12 years ago..., and he didn't talk with the audience that much. This video was the 2nd time I've ever heard him speak. I've got YT to thank for this!
I absolutely love Rick Wakeman. What a musician.
My friend was a photographer in Philadelphia. You had him drive to around Philly before your "Journey to the Center of the Earth" concert one afternoon. You had John Kuczynski take you to an English pub for food and drinks. You were really nice to John. You had an entire steak and kidney pie and four huge pitchers of sangria. And you told John to order whatever he wanted. He ate SOMETHING...and...had TWO pitchers of sangria. John then dropped you off at the Spectrum. He went back into the suburbs of Philly to get his wife, Lindy, and me. He was drunk AF. Weaving ALL OVER THE ROAD because of the sangria. Lindy gave John HELL for driving drunk. "You're an IDIOT. You're gonna kill us ALL!". I thought it was hilarious . We got into see the concert, and We saw the huge dinosaur, enjoyed David Hemming's narration, and the incredible music. You didn't even look like you had imbibed ANYTHING, and you looked like you had had a nap! Stay safe and healthy, sir. God bless.
11:56
He’s a one off!! You got to love Rick grate musician rock on rock!!!
Absolutely fascinating interview! Wakeman was one of my musical "idols" in the 70s.
He is one of my music idols he's awesome
I was a keyboard player myself. My all-time single favorite musician.
@Dave Wray Melikes too.
Rick's piano technique is awesome. He and Yuja Wang are great examples of correct wrist position although Yuja looks better.
16:20 So very glad to hear there are no hard feelings and in fact is a spirit of brotherhood remaining between Rick and Steve Howe. These two are both amazing and essential parts of the classic YES sound. Wonderful interview by a true fan!
The only Prog Rock I ever bought myself was Rick Wakeman, 6 wives of Henry VIII, Journey to the Center of the Earth. And of course David Bowie's greatest LP- 'Hunky Dory'. I consider David Bowie to be the most creative solo artist along with the Beatles as a song writing band, Led Zeppelin as a perfect band of musicians, Hendrix as the Genius of guitar and The Doors for the lyrics and musical poetry. Rick Wakeman a truly great pianist, the best I know along with Ray Manzarak of the Doors and Bernie Worrell of Parliament Funkadelic. The big three for me! All completely different. It was so wonderful to see Rick playing alive here. I was 14 again. Not bad when you are now 58. LIVE NOW!
@wildcatter63 Well it's all great music but your strongest point was actually my first wobble period. I find Prog to be, boring pseudo classical music (Genesis, Yes never did anything for me nor did most 'metal' as it became cliche after early Sabbath) lacking the raw intensity I like from the blues, jazz, punk thing. Acid Rock (Hendrix, Doors, late 60's Grateful Dead into Zeppelin) was more aggressive and tripped out and worked best for me.
Bowie's Ziggy (Aladdin, Diamond Dogs era was popular with everyone else who 'discovered Bowie while I had been mocked earlier for liking his 'Space Oddity' and 'Hunky Dory' LP's which I consider to be among his three best along with 'Station to Station'. These are, got to have EVERY song, LPs to me. Following that comes his Eno era stuff BEFORE the Glam Rock LP's as being listened to favorites and always have been. I was massively into Eno before he and Bowie connected (and after See Talking Heads), indeed he was my thing during Dave's glam rock era. I do however consider all these LP's to be GREAT LP's and the fact is only he and Rick made me love their glam and Prog stuff because they were so damned good at it. After 'Ashes to Ashes' Bowie's LP's became more mixed with classic and filler but I love some of those later songs just as much as the older ones. You just have to cherry pick. You have every right to enjoy those great glam albums but it is not so much my thing. I think he did glam 'Rock' best before 'Glam' ('Cygnet Committee, All the Madmen, Andy Warhol, Is there life on Mars). Ziggy was more a Stones like rock and roll thing which I was getting tired of by then. (It also has a harsher thinner tone I like less; one of the reasons I like 'Revolver' less than 'Rubber Soul or Sgt Peppers). I missed the brilliant original hippie freaks like Syd Barrett, Hendrix, Morrison. I found glam rock to be the first state of rock's decline into rock 'product' (see Kiss vs talent like the brilliant earlier Zeppelin) ).
In late 1976 I cut my long hair off and became a skinhead (the first in my school of 600; it shocked folks back then) and punk and then happy New Waver. Siouxsie and the Banshees, Talking Heads, Devo, Pil, Psychedelic Furs (Richard very Bowiesque), Depeche Mode. This being older I think explains our different perspectives but it is all great music. David ruled. I REALLY miss him. Lennon respected him massively (during his Ziggy era strongly defending him to Mr Purity BS George Harrison, the last time they ever spoke to each other in 1974). Lennon was right. Both GREAT men. Peace, love and good health to you!
@@vladdrakul7851 its way easier to not think isnt it
@@arfshesaid4325 Death is easier than life but I don't recommend it, YET! I like thinking and being conscious and active too. At 58 life is short now. Live and struggle until death comes for us all. Good luck!
@@vladdrakul7851 sorry i was mostly commenting on Yes Genesis and George. All three make me think a little
I was in a show back in 1976 in Porto Alegre , south of Brazil. Watch Rick Wakeman playing " Journey to Center of the world" and King Arthur and the Knights of round Table" with those keyboards in a small Arena, very smoky Arena, were priceles. Stick in my memory forever . One of the highest musical moments of my life.
GREAT Interview-and great Interviewer too-good questions and he lets Rick speak...( a rare talent these days!)
I could listen to Rick Wakeman all day.
Rick Wakeman is always a pleasure to listen to, a real raconteur-not too shabby a pianist as well.
If he didn't make it as a musician, Wakeman could have had a thriving stand-up career. Seriously funny guy
🌄 Mr Wakeman is CLEARLY one of the premier keyboard players of all time ! 🎶Myself along w/probably millions of folks that were growing up w/his brilliance as our musical background were lucky to have such a talented and versatile artist weaving his sparks of innovation into our experiences in life 👏🍻 I still am amazed after seeing him recently w/J.A and T.R playing as majestically as 4 decades ago w/cape and I think at least 6 maybe 7 keyboards w/total command, not slowing down but hard to believe getting better ! T.Y for sharing a part of your soul and heart w/every performance, cheers mate🍻✌🍾 A longtime fan🤘🎸🌟🎵🌈⛥D.S Dave🎶🏞😎✨
Ds ~ Amen to that! l always think of Wakeman, Emerson, and Tony Banks. Three of the TOP, and favourite prog bands for me. Of course Rick has done _eons_ more than just play in Yes. He _never_ stops producing! Saw Wakeman ''Made in Cuba'' video the other day and l was MINDBLOWN! lt was like hearing Ricks music for the first time .....again!
Id love for Franz List to have been concurrent.
Instantly recognizable style, but never samey. Truly a genius.
Smashing bloke Rick, wish I had his talent, as most people say, Rick can only praise other musicians and never thinks he's above anyone else 😃
One I always use….
How do you tell if a stage is level?
The drummer is drooling out both sides of his mouth.
I’ve seen Yes 19 times starting with close to the edge. I also saw Rick and the British rock ensemble center of the earth tour in Cincinnati in the 70’s….gentle giant opened up. One of my favorite concerts ever!
Rick is a true joy, an amazing musician and a class act. God bless you sir.
A 'forever hero' of mine....saved up as a kid to buy 'Six Wives' and to see him a few times..I could listen to his many stories for hours.....
The life on Mars bit gave me shivers ❤ Rick, you're a gentleman.
I could listen to Rick Wakeman telling stories and having conversations all day.
He and Keith Emerson are the greatest keyboard players in the Rock history. But not only that, Wakeman is one of the most interesting icons of that golden age. What a guy. he should write a book of his stories.
Rick is an AMAZING storyteller. I cannot help but smiling whilst listening to him.
Hello
Rick Wakeman is the best! His version of Silent Night brought back memories of my mom who passed in March of this year. She loved Christmas music and would have adored Rick's Christmas album.
I was the first chap in Chesterfield, way back in 1973, to have a copy of "Six Wives" (which I bought from the HMV Store on Oxford Street). When I first heard that excerpt from 'Catharine Howard' it sent a tingle up my spine, and I still get the same tingle every time I hear that wonderful piece.
Genius! His work with Yes is fantastic, his contributions to other musicians hits are most important and countless and his own albums are wonderfull and prog as prog can be, at least the albums from the 70ies. And beside that he is a humble human being with a very cool humour.
He is such a gifted musician, composer and improvisationalist.
What a great piano player and fine gentleman.
🎹🎹🎹🎹Nice piece of interrogative section
One of the first albums I ever heard in the womb was "journey to the center of the earth". I was born in 1976 and continue to hear new notes and passages. I listen to it while sleeping, not because I'm bored of it and it puts me to sleep, but more of a "flowers for algernon" effect, that only few will understand. God bless you sir.
" Yes" is definitely one of my favourite bands, the music and the players were exceptional
By Christ, the local kids are fucking loud in the field tonight!
I started listening to Yes in the mid 70's. Been to many concerts. Watched a lot of Wakeman live videos. I've never heard him make a mistake.
Could listen to Rick talk all day.
But, you know ... things to do, people to see.
I was at the Hampton Court Six Wives concert, absolutely amazing..... loved it.
Such an amazing talent and simply a wonderful, humorous person. Who can fail to love Rick?
I could listen to Wakeman tell stories all day.
Fascinating, humerous, raconteur, talented genius...what else can I say about Rick Wakeman? Giving him a piano in this interview was brilliant! The words tumbled out of him as freely as the music flowed from his fingers. He thickened the piano sound by adding a subtle bit of MIDI. I heard it as soon as he started playing; a beautifully tasteful Rick Wakeman touch.
Enjoyed hearing your humour
Mr Wakeman!
Loved the interview. Thanks a lot!
Has he ever written a book? What a gem of a man.
Pre-War yep, Grumpy Old Rockstar
Absolutely loved this entire interview!! Thank you immensely!!
WONDERFUL interview. Thank you for posting it.
Such an amazing program. I have watched it four times. Simply brilliant, and thank you for posting.
absolute genius !!! thanks for a great interview with one of my musical heros
That was pure joy to watch and listen to.
i wonder if Rick remembers me and my slightly intoxicated buddy interviewing him after a Yes show in Toronto, think it was the Union tour, what a interesting fellow, cool guy thats got perspectives figured out......kinda rare in the rock world.
My image from the mid 70s of Rick was so different from what he turned out to really be like. He seemed so serious as the wizard of the keyboards in glittery capes and long straight blond hair, playing amazing otherworldly astral soundscapes live but mostly represented in still photos because video and film was rare and hard to get. And interviews nearly non-existent. I first got a glimpse of his humor in the footage included on the YES Union tour VHS video tape but really found out how funny he is when I read his hilarious book "Grumpy Old Rock Star".
What a super likable guy Rick Wakeman is. Such an enjoyable, fascinating conversation. So awesome to hear him play Life On Mars.
The future is now. Great line. I'm 66 and feel the same way.
Such a talented, nice and funny guy. Great storyteller. Would love to hang with him and ask him a million questions. He should have been wearing his cape!
Well done thanks Rick for the interview, the induction (speech) and the music!
A legend and a great chap to talk with!
Fabulous key playing.Love your work always.
This was amazing! Please revive the "Grumpy Old Rock Star" tour and bring it to the States. I will personally handle your Texas dates. Huge fan!
I own a couple à Rick Wakeman’s album but do I know Rick Wakeman? Not a chance. This is a great interview, thank you.
Even now when you hear this like this, its still very moving and a piece of music magic...
What a player. Does it so effortlessly.
It's great to laugh and cry at the same time. What a hero.
Awesome interview. Thanks for posting this.
Nice to hear Junior's Eyes getting some love. Fully deserved.
What a superb interview. Love the genuine conversational approach from Rick. What a true man and great musician. Thanks
Well done - love ya Rick!
just couldn't stop listening to this interesting man's stories.
I still Rock with laughter at that induction Brilliant! Funny talented lovely guy!
Rick from a old Bowie fan thank you
Loved this interview, just let Rick talk, always fascinating and a bit of playing too, it doesn't get any better, he's fabulous. His playing is beautiful, what a star!
Such a brilliant musician , composer & amazing person ...
Rick Wakeman is truly a global treasure of a man and an artist, an interview with him NEVER disappoints. My eyes got misty with that Life on Mars snippet, too beautiful...
Great Musician and All Around Good Guy! Love You Rick!
If Rick Wakeman and Vangelis set foot into a room together, the world would implode. But it would sound fantastic.
Nice piece of interrogative section