The Gonzo Daily: 'How many people can I fit on the stage at once?'

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

'How many people can I fit on the stage at once?'

SHAGGY PROG STORY: Rick Wakeman makes a Journey to the Centre of the Earth at Plymouth Pavilions this month

RICK Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth sits alongside the epic concept albums of the rock era, including The Beatles' Sgt Pepper, Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and Meatloaf's Bat Out of Hell.

Incredibly, the 15-million seller was so far ahead of its time it almost never saw the light of day.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of its release and, coincidentally, the 150th anniversary of the Jules Verne novel on which it is based, keyboard wizard Rick is touring the album with a state-of-the-art live presentation of this epochal work.

"It's basically called, 'how many people can I fit on the stage all at once?'," jokes the jovial rock genius.

"What with the New World Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber choir and the English Rock Ensemble all on stage plus the narrator and my kit – the size of a small oil rig – there's barely any room for me!

"When I'm on stage there's absolutely no room for anything else, not even an insect – and that's exactly how I like it!"

The first half of the show will consist of Rick telling the story in his own irrepressible style, of the many trials and tribulations involved in making the original record and the subsequent world tour. It's based on his acclaimed Edinburgh festival performance.

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