He was born in the suburb of Perivale, West London, and attended Drayton Manor Grammar School. Rick initially studied piano, clarinet, orchestration and modern music at the Royal College of Music; but he left of his own accord after a year and a half in favour of work as a session musician.

Rick Wakeman: Musician

Rick went on to play with Strawbs (1970-1971), and was also a very active studio musician; playing with such artists as David Bowie, Cat Stevens and Al Stewart notably playing piano (or Mellotron) on Bowie’s Space Oddity, Changes and Oh! You Pretty Things, and on Cat Stevens’ hit Morning Has Broken. Other artistes he has worked with Alice Cooper, John Williams, Elton John, Lou Reed, Elkie Brooks, T. Rex, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath; (playing keyboards on “Sabbra Cadabra” and “Who are You” on 1973′s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath) and Brian May. (In 1985, Wakeman collaborated again with Bowie on Absolute Beginners). Rick’s piano backed Clive Dunn to number one on the single Grandad.

Rick & Yes

His career began to move fast when he joined the Rock group Yes in 1971; recording several successful albums with them. During his time with Yes, he released his first solo album, The Six Wives Of Henry VIII (1973); which showcases his skills with various electronic and acoustic keyboard instruments. Some members of Yes played their respective instruments on certain tracks. His next solo album was Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974). A very successful concept album combining his rock band (the English Rock Ensemble); with a symphonic orchestra and a choir fronted by Ashley Holt.

Rick Wakeman & King Arthur

In 1975, he released the concept album The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Which was supported by a live show featuring ice skating theatrical performances; accompanied by a large number of musicians (his rock band, an orchestra and two choirs). The show was very well received; but its cost was extravagant and also caused Rick to declare bankruptcy. He subsequently left Yes to pursue other musical projects but has been reunited with the band on more than one occasion in the nineties. In 2002, he rejoined Yes and stayed with the band until their In the Present Tour in 2008.

Rick Wakeman: Composer

He has written the soundtracks for two films by Ken Russell: Lisztomania (1975); which features vocals from Roger Daltrey and which takes as its starting point the music of Liszt and Wagner; and Crimes of Passion (1984), much of which is built around themes taken from Dvo k’s New World Symphony.

Brentford Fan

Rick Wakeman is a passionate football fan and has supported Brentford FC since he was a child; and later on he also became a director of the West London club. After a disagreement with the board, he moved on to Manchester City FC but never stopped loving the Bees. He was involved in the ownership of the American soccer club Philadelphia Fury in the late ’70s; along with other rock celebrities such as Peter Frampton and Paul Simon.

Rick Wakeman & Comedy

Rick adores comedy and has hosted a cable stand up comedy show; as well as being a regular contributor on BBC Two’s series, Grumpy Old Men. He has also appeared in a number of episodes of Countdown, Top Gear and got a race track lap time of 1.55.26; and on the satirical panel show Have I Got News For You as a guest. He also appeared as himself in “Journey to the Centre of Rick Wakeman”; the last episode of season two of Mitch Benn’s Crimes Against Music, a BBC Radio 4 comedy programme.

Rick’s Charity Work

Rick Wakeman has been president of the show business charity The Heritage Foundation (formerly Comic Heritage). The charity erects blue plaques on the homes and/or work-places of late entertainers and sportspeople.

Book Rick Wakeman Today