Norfolk-based rock legend Rick Wakeman is embarking on a new Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, some 40 years after the epic solo rock album was first released. Kevin Gotts reports.
A 40th anniversary tour begins in April, which is also the 150th anniversary of the Jules Verne novel of the same name.
Former Yes song-writer and keyboard player Rick, along with the New World Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir, narrator Peter Egan and theEnglish Rock Ensemble, will celebrate with a state-of-the-art, dramatic, live shows around the country including at the Royal Albert Hall.
Rick's own life journey has also been a bit of an epic, trying to follow his dreams: "David Bowie always told me to be my own man and try wherever possible to make the decision I felt was best for me and that is what I have tried to do," he says.
The world-renowned musician and song-writer has worked with more than 200 different artistes performing on their recordings and these include such stars as Cat Stevens (Morning Has Broken), Cilla Black, Elton John, David Bowie (Space Oddity and Life on Mars), Lou Reed and Ralph McTell.
He joined Strawbs in 1970 and a year later moved to progressive rock band Yes, recording albums Fragile and Close to the Edge which established them as world-wide leaders in contemporary rock music. Both as a solo artist and with Yes Rick has sold an incredible 50 million albums.
Life, however, has not always gone smoothly for Rick who suffered three heart attacks at the tender age of 25, has suffered three divorces, but is now very happy with wife Rachel and they have been together for more than 10 years. But over the years he has certainly felt the stresses of stardom.
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