From Trident Studios to Wembley Arena: The Epic Journey of Rick Wakeman
Table of Contents
- 1. From Trident Studios to Wembley Arena: The Epic Journey of Rick Wakeman
- 2. A Life in Music: Recollections of Fame, Friendships, and Unexpected Encounters
- 3. From Keith Moon to Basil Brush: Rick Wakeman’s Wildest Encounters
- 4. Rick Wakeman: Unexpected Encounters and Musical Connections
- 5. How did Rick wakeman’s shared passion for golf lead to an unexpected encounter with actor Jack Lemmon?
- 6. Rick Wakeman: Unexpected Encounters and Musical Connections
Rick Wakeman, a name synonymous with progressive rock, has woven a rich tapestry of musical experiences across decades. Before his meteoric rise to fame with Yes,he was already making waves in the vibrant London music scene.Landing a coveted in-house keyboard player position at Trident Studios, a legendary recording hub, threw him into the company of a constellation of up-and-coming artists.
Wakeman’s journey took him through the realm of folk prog with the Strawbs, ultimately culminating in his electrifying tenure with Yes.He graced massive arenas with his virtuosic talents, becoming a global rock icon. Wakeman’s audacious solo endeavors bloomed in the 1970s, most notably his enterprising attempt to bring his 1975 album, “The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,” to life on ice at Wembley Arena – a testament to his boundless creative spirit. He vividly remembers, “It’s in the early days, the late ’60s, a time when buzz traveled on word-of-mouth and the pages of *Melody Maker*. Music revelation felt new, raw, and exciting. That’s when I first encountered David Bowie.”
Wakeman’s story is not without it’s trials. He bravely battled alcohol addiction,emerging triumphant in the mid-1980s with a renewed focus on performing with Yes and his enduring solo career. This resurgence saw him transcend the realm of music, becoming a recognizable figure in the media and even forging an unlikely friendship with children’s entertainer Sooty.
One anecdote captures Wakeman’s legendary status, “He always struck me as a very dedicated artist,” he recalls of Bowie.This dedication extended beyond the studio. I ran a small folk club called Booze Droop at a pub in North Acton, and we were in a bit of a bind with the landlord. One evening, I was having dinner with David, and jokingly mentioned our predicament. Without hesitation, he offered to play a gig at the club to help us out.”
Along the way,he crossed paths with other music icons,including John Lennon.During a promotional trip for a Yes tour in New York City, he found himself enjoying the serenity of the Crystal Room at Tavern On The Green, a restaurant tucked away within Central Park. there, he spotted John Lennon and Yoko Ono, “I didn’t think he’d no who I was,” Wakeman mused, surprised. But John surprised him, gracefully approaching and introducing himself
A Life in Music: Recollections of Fame, Friendships, and Unexpected Encounters
The world of music, a whirlwind of electrifying energy and larger-than-life personalities, has taught me invaluable lessons about life.From sharing stages with musical icons to forging enduring friendships, my journey has been an extraordinary tapestry woven with the threads of passion, creativity, and unexpected encounters.
The tragic passing of John Lennon sent shockwaves through the music world and beyond. I vividly recall receiving a call from a journalist, the news still fresh and raw, asking for my thoughts on the musical legend. Struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the loss, I was met with a question that has stayed with me to this day. “Did John mention anything that suggested a premonition about his death?” she asked. A reminder that even legends face the fragility of life.
My association with Black Sabbath began in the early 1970s during a tour of America. We were opening for them on a string of dates, a interesting pairing of musical styles. beyond our shared love for music, we found common ground in our appreciation for a well-crafted drink. black Sabbath’s raw energy and rebellious spirit contrasted beautifully with the sometimes meticulously polished world of Yes.Tony Iommi,a dear freind to this day,confided in me that black Sabbath had actually considered inviting me to join their ranks,hoping to expand their sonic palette.Wisely, Ozzy voiced concerns about how their devoted metal fanbase might react to such a drastic change.
One notably memorable encounter took place in a recording studio. They were working on their album *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* and needed a Mini-Moog for a specific track. Thankfully, Yes was recording next door, so I offered to lend a hand after our own session. Arriving at the studio, I was met with an unexpected scene: eerie silence hung in the air, with the Sabbath crew seemingly slumbering in various states of repose.
From Keith Moon to Basil Brush: Rick Wakeman’s Wildest Encounters
Rick Wakeman, the legendary keyboardist known for his work with Yes, has lived a life brimming with astonishing encounters. His path has crossed with some of music’s biggest names, creating unforgettable moments that encapsulate the spirit of a vibrant era.Wakeman shares stories of chaotic nights out with Keith Moon, the iconic drummer from The Who, and vivian Stanshall, the eccentric frontman of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.
“If you were going out with Keith, you always knew the police would very likely be involved at some point during the evening,” Wakeman recalls with a laugh. “And they most definitely would if Vivian Stanshall was along for the ride too. The two of them were such lovely people, and there was never any malice behind what they did.they really were anarchic characters.”
One memorable experience involved sharing the stage with the legendary Jack Lemmon. Through a mutual friend, Howard Keel, Wakeman found himself introduced to the Hollywood star at the Howard Keel Golf Classic in Manchester. “Howard said, ‘Jack’s going to play and he likes your piano playing. So you come on,play some stuff,introduce jack,and then he’ll play and then he’ll introduce me,'” Wakeman explains. the night culminated at the Piccadilly Theater, filled with laughter and camaraderie, a cherished memory for Wakeman.”As the penny dropped, I stood there speechless,” Wakeman recounts.”Howard explained,’He’d given him some of my records,and he liked them. Asked if we could play something together.’ Lemmon, it turns out, was quite the pianist. I remember feeling incredibly embarrassed, sitting next to this Hollywood legend. “He was a pretty jazzy pianist, if memory serves me right,” Wakeman chuckles, recalling the experience with fondness.
Another close friend, Jim Davidson, is a fellow prog rock enthusiast. “like Keith Moon, jim’s known for bringing a touch of chaos wherever he goes,” wakeman says. “He’s mellowed out somewhat, but a night out with Jim always carries a hint of unpredictability. Yet, despite the occasional excess, there’s never any malice. ‘Even at our worst, it was always about being funny,’ I’ve learned. Like Moon,Jim’s antics,while sometimes wild,always remain harmless.”
Wakeman’s life is a testament to the power of music to connect people, create unforgettable moments, and build lasting friendships.
Rick Wakeman, the legendary keyboardist known for his work with Yes, has lived a life brimming with extraordinary experiences. His journey through the world of music has led him to encounter some of the biggest names in the industry, creating unforgettable moments that perfectly encapsulate the electrifying energy of that era.
Wakeman’s tales extend far beyond the realm of rock music, revealing encounters with beloved British television personalities. One anecdote involves a chance meeting with Sooty, the iconic puppet, during a concert in Barnstaple. Wakeman’s tour manager, who happened to be an Isle of Wight resident, invited a friend who owned Sooty to the show. “When I was leaving, I was outside the stage door signing autographs for about 200 people,” Wakeman explains. “Then this bloke left, and I mentioned that he had Sooty, and ten seconds later there’s no one in front of me and this bloke’s surrounded with all these people wanting their photo taken with Sooty!”
However, perhaps his most amusing encounter involved Basil Brush, the mischievous fox puppet. Wakeman accidentally wandered into the wrong studio at the BBC while filming for the arts program Omnibus and found himself face-to-face with the iconic character.
As the puppeteers were working, Basil Brush, in his unmistakable voice, greeted Wakeman with: “I say, it’s Rick Wakeman!” A slight panic ensued, and Wakeman mumbled a polite “Hello, Basil.Very nice to meet you.”
The response was far from cordial. Basil Brush, clearly in character, declared, “Right, we’re in the middle of rehearsal and ever so behind, so if you could just fuck off, there’s a good chap.” Wakeman, still shaken, stumbled out of the studio and bumped into omnibus‘s host, Barry Norman. The exasperated host simply sighed as Wakeman exclaimed,”Basil Brush just told me to fuck off!”
These amusing anecdotes paint a picture of a man who has not only lived a life immersed in music but also embraced the unexpected and the surreal. Wakeman’s stories are a testament to the power of serendipity and the magic that can unfold when worlds collide.
Rick Wakeman: Unexpected Encounters and Musical Connections
Rick Wakeman, the celebrated English musician best known for his work with Yes, has had a remarkable career spanning decades. his musical journey, however, is not confined to the realm of music.It’s also a tapestry woven with surprising encounters and shared passions with unexpected figures.
One such encounter occurred during a filming day at the BBC. While working on the arts program *Omnibus*, Wakeman accidentally walked into the wrong studio. To his astonishment,he found himself face-to-face with the iconic puppet,Basil Brush.
“As the puppeteers were working, Basil Brush, in his unmistakable voice, greeted me with: ‘I say, it’s Rick Wakeman!’ A slight panic ensued, and I mumbled a polite ‘Hello, Basil. Very nice to meet you.’ The response was far from cordial. Basil Brush, clearly in character, declared, ‘Right, we’re in the middle of rehearsal and ever so behind, so if you could just fuck off, there’s a good chap.’ Wakeman, still shaken, stumbled out of the studio and bumped into *Omnibus*’s host, Barry Norman. The exasperated host simply sighed as I exclaimed, “Basil Brush just told me to fuck off!”
Years later, Wakeman’s path crossed with another famous face, actor Jack Lemmon. This unexpected connection stemmed from their shared passion for golf, a hobby Wakeman took up after quitting drinking in the 80s. A mutual friend, recognizing their common ground, suggested they play together at the Howard Keel Golf Classic in Manchester.
“He’d given Lemmon some of my records,” the long-time friend explained, “and he liked them. he asked if we could play something together.”
The shared experience brought laughter and camaraderie. Wakeman,recalling the moment,shared a chuckle,saying,”He was a pretty jazzy pianist,if memory serves me right.”
These anecdotes highlight Wakeman’s incredible ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds,showcasing the universality of shared passions and the power of music to bridge unexpected gaps.
Have you ever experienced an encounter with a celebrity that surprised you? Share your story in the comments!
Rick Wakeman: Unexpected Encounters and Musical Connections
Rick Wakeman, the celebrated English musician best known for his work with Yes, has had a remarkable career spanning decades. his musical journey,however,is not confined to the realm of music.it’s also a tapestry woven with surprising encounters and shared passions with unexpected figures.
One such encounter occurred during a filming day at the BBC. While working on the arts program *Omnibus*, Wakeman accidentally walked into the wrong studio. To his astonishment,he found himself face-to-face with the iconic puppet,Basil Brush.
“As the puppeteers were working, Basil Brush, in his unmistakable voice, greeted me with: ‘I say, it’s Rick Wakeman!’ A slight panic ensued, and I mumbled a polite ‘Hello, Basil. Vrey nice to meet you.’ The response was far from cordial. Basil Brush, clearly in character, declared, ‘Right, we’re in the middle of rehearsal and ever so behind, so if you could just fuck off, there’s a good chap.’ Wakeman, still shaken, stumbled out of the studio and bumped into *Omnibus*’s host, Barry Norman. The exasperated host simply sighed as I exclaimed, “Basil Brush just told me to fuck off!”
Years later, Wakeman’s path crossed with another famous face, actor Jack Lemmon. This unexpected connection stemmed from their shared passion for golf, a hobby Wakeman took up after quitting drinking in the 80s. A mutual friend, recognizing their common ground, suggested they play together at the Howard Keel Golf Classic in Manchester.
“He’d given Lemmon some of my records,” the long-time friend explained, “and he liked them. he asked if we could play something together.”
The shared experience brought laughter and camaraderie. Wakeman,recalling the moment,shared a chuckle,saying,”He was a pretty jazzy pianist,if memory serves me right.”
These anecdotes highlight Wakeman’s incredible ability to connect with peopel from diverse backgrounds,showcasing the universality of shared passions and the power of music to bridge unexpected gaps.
Have you ever experienced an encounter with a celebrity that surprised you? Share your story in the comments!
