Keyboard Icon Rick Wakeman To Issue Five New Releases!

London, UK - As prolific as ever, keyboard icon Rick Wakeman will be releasing 5 new titles on the RRAW label through Gonzo MultiMedia in Summer/Fall 2016! Best known for his work with progressive rock legends YES, as well as his illustrious solo career, Rick Wakeman's four new titles to be released are “Starmus 2015”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Gastank”, “Gospels” and “Rainbow Suite”

Rick Wakeman “Starmus 2015” (with guest appearance by Brian May)

Starmus is festival of music and astronomy on the beautiful island of Tenerife. It is the brain child Garik Israelian (The astrophysicist who led the team which found the first observational evidence that supernova explosions are responsible for the formation of stellar mass black holes). Rick Wakeman has made several appearances at this festival. The most notable was in 2015 where he was joined on stage by Dr Brian May, the iconic guitarist from Queen, where Rick Wakeman and English Rock Ensemble performed amongst other tracks from throughout Rick’s career a legendary version of Starship Trouper. This DVD is a must for all fans of Classic Rock!

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15956
Release Date: 29th July 2016

Rick Wakeman - “The Phantom of the Opera”

The legendary 1925 Lon Chaney film is brought to life with a specially commissioned Rick Wakeman soundtrack. This is the first time this version of the film has being issued on DVD, as such the images have been fully restored and the sound track remastered. The DVD also has several bonus features; Rick Wakeman commentary, Christopher Lee introduction Rick and the Phantom – featurette, original trailer. The soundtrack double CD is the original Rick Wakeman unedited soundtrack and contains the original mixes of the songs which are different to what eventually appeared on his album “Phantom Power”. There are two versions of this project available:

Special Limited Edition boxset containing
Single DVD
Double CD
Signed by Rick Wakeman
and numbered certificate
2 x Reproduction Lon Chaney
10˝ x 8˝ photos
4 x A4 Reproduction “Lobby Cards” taken from the original artwork
Standard Edition
Single DVD and Double CD

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15959/Rick_Wakeman-Phantom_of_the_Opera_Deluxe_Box_Set.html
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15957/Rick_Wakeman-The_Phantom_of_the_Opera.html
Release Date: 5th August 2016

Rick Wakeman - “Gastank”

Gastank was an English television show that aired between 1982–1983 on Channel 4. Hosted by Rick Wakeman the show featured a mix of interviews with 1970s musicians and impromptu performances where the guest artist would join Rick and his house band in playing re-arranged versions of their classic songs, or entirely new pieces created for the show. The format was very informal with the setting likened to a bar where Wakeman would interview the guest over a drink or two followed by their performance in front of a small studio audience sitting in groups at tables. Wakeman would frequently cite the show as an opportunity for musicians from different bands to get the opportunity to work together. During its run, the show featured guests as diverse as Ian Paice, Steve Hackett, Andy Fairweather Low, John Entwistle, Godley and Creme, Eric Burdon and Phil Lynott. Now for the first time on DVD all the episodes of Gastank along with a CD of these now seminal music performances of Rick and his guests.

Special Limited Edition Boxset containing
Double DVD and a Double CD
Signed by Rick Wakeman
and numbered certificate
Gastank T Shirt
Rick Wakeman - The Gastank Interviews book
Reproduction AAA pass
Standard Edition
Double DVD and Double CD

Available to pre-order from www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com
For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15960/Rick_Wakeman-Gastank_(DVD).html
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15961/Rick_Wakeman-Gastank_(2CD).html
Release Date: 16th September 2016

Rick Wakeman - “Gospels” (Deluxe Box Set)

The Gospels evolved because Rick Wakeman was asked to perform at an organ recital to raise money for the Camberley United Reform Church, which was in desperate need of a new organ. Rick pondered what to play and the more he thought about it and what the evening should mean, the more he felt that something very special was about to take place. Thoughts of the New Testament kept creeping into his mind and he decided to write an instrumental piece to the settings of the four Gospels. He began working but after a couple of hours realised that there was no way he was going to get across the feelings he wished to portray without singing. The music seemed to cry out for an operatic tenor. Amazingly enough, just a few weeks earlier, Rick had met the famous tenor Ramon Remedios at a charity concert in which they both performed and he plucked up courage to ask him if he would kindly agree to perform the New Gospels with him. The concert was a tremendous success and Ramon’s feeling and understanding of the music moved many people to tears. The complete Gospels is a limited edition box set containing all the known recordings of the project both audio and visual. Along with a reproduction A4 x 12 page concert program.

Special Limited Edition Boxset containing
Signed by Rick Wakeman and numbered certificate
DVD containing over 2 hours of footage including an in depth interview with Rick about the project.
Double CD 1, The Original Gospels - with Robert Powell as the Narrator
Double CD2, The New Gospels DVD / CD of The Gospels performed live in California – never seen before
Reproduction A4 x 12 page concert program

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15963/Rick_Wakeman%20Gospels_(Deluxe_Box_Set).html
Release Date: 21st October 2016

Rick Wakeman - “Rainbow Suite”

This is a brand new orchestral piece written and performed by Rick Wakeman and the Orion Orchestra. This is a specially written piece of therapeutic music designed for people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder to enjoy as well aficionados of good quality instrumental music. This is Rick and Orchestra at their finest !!!

Available to pre-order from www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com
For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15964/Rick_Wakeman-Rainbow_Suite.html
Release Date: 25th November 2016

Catch Rick Wakeman on tour with ARW (Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin & Rick Wakeman) this Fall 2016! http://www.arw-tour.com/

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Icon Rick Wakeman To Issue Five New Releases!

London, UK - As prolific as ever, keyboard icon Rick Wakeman will be releasing 5 new titles on the RRAW label through Gonzo MultiMedia in Summer/Fall 2016! Best known for his work with progressive rock legends YES, as well as his illustrious solo career, Rick Wakeman's four new titles to be released are “Starmus 2015”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Gastank”, “Gospels” and “Rainbow Suite”

Rick Wakeman “Starmus 2015” (with guest appearance by Brian May)

Starmus is festival of music and astronomy on the beautiful island of Tenerife. It is the brain child Garik Israelian (The astrophysicist who led the team which found the first observational evidence that supernova explosions are responsible for the formation of stellar mass black holes). Rick Wakeman has made several appearances at this festival. The most notable was in 2015 where he was joined on stage by Dr Brian May, the iconic guitarist from Queen, where Rick Wakeman and English Rock Ensemble performed amongst other tracks from throughout Rick’s career a legendary version of Starship Trouper. This DVD is a must for all fans of Classic Rock!

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15956
Release Date: 29th July 2016

Rick Wakeman - “The Phantom of the Opera”

The legendary 1925 Lon Chaney film is brought to life with a specially commissioned Rick Wakeman soundtrack. This is the first time this version of the film has being issued on DVD, as such the images have been fully restored and the sound track remastered. The DVD also has several bonus features; Rick Wakeman commentary, Christopher Lee introduction Rick and the Phantom – featurette, original trailer. The soundtrack double CD is the original Rick Wakeman unedited soundtrack and contains the original mixes of the songs which are different to what eventually appeared on his album “Phantom Power”. There are two versions of this project available:

Special Limited Edition boxset containing
Single DVD
Double CD
Signed by Rick Wakeman
and numbered certificate
2 x Reproduction Lon Chaney
10˝ x 8˝ photos
4 x A4 Reproduction “Lobby Cards” taken from the original artwork
Standard Edition
Single DVD and Double CD

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15959/Rick_Wakeman-Phantom_of_the_Opera_Deluxe_Box_Set.html
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15957/Rick_Wakeman-The_Phantom_of_the_Opera.html
Release Date: 5th August 2016

Rick Wakeman - “Gastank”

Gastank was an English television show that aired between 1982–1983 on Channel 4. Hosted by Rick Wakeman the show featured a mix of interviews with 1970s musicians and impromptu performances where the guest artist would join Rick and his house band in playing re-arranged versions of their classic songs, or entirely new pieces created for the show. The format was very informal with the setting likened to a bar where Wakeman would interview the guest over a drink or two followed by their performance in front of a small studio audience sitting in groups at tables. Wakeman would frequently cite the show as an opportunity for musicians from different bands to get the opportunity to work together. During its run, the show featured guests as diverse as Ian Paice, Steve Hackett, Andy Fairweather Low, John Entwistle, Godley and Creme, Eric Burdon and Phil Lynott. Now for the first time on DVD all the episodes of Gastank along with a CD of these now seminal music performances of Rick and his guests.

Special Limited Edition Boxset containing
Double DVD and a Double CD
Signed by Rick Wakeman
and numbered certificate
Gastank T Shirt
Rick Wakeman - The Gastank Interviews book
Reproduction AAA pass
Standard Edition
Double DVD and Double CD

Available to pre-order from www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com
For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15960/Rick_Wakeman-Gastank_(DVD).html
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15961/Rick_Wakeman-Gastank_(2CD).html
Release Date: 16th September 2016

Rick Wakeman - “Gospels” (Deluxe Box Set)

The Gospels evolved because Rick Wakeman was asked to perform at an organ recital to raise money for the Camberley United Reform Church, which was in desperate need of a new organ. Rick pondered what to play and the more he thought about it and what the evening should mean, the more he felt that something very special was about to take place. Thoughts of the New Testament kept creeping into his mind and he decided to write an instrumental piece to the settings of the four Gospels. He began working but after a couple of hours realised that there was no way he was going to get across the feelings he wished to portray without singing. The music seemed to cry out for an operatic tenor. Amazingly enough, just a few weeks earlier, Rick had met the famous tenor Ramon Remedios at a charity concert in which they both performed and he plucked up courage to ask him if he would kindly agree to perform the New Gospels with him. The concert was a tremendous success and Ramon’s feeling and understanding of the music moved many people to tears. The complete Gospels is a limited edition box set containing all the known recordings of the project both audio and visual. Along with a reproduction A4 x 12 page concert program.

Special Limited Edition Boxset containing
Signed by Rick Wakeman and numbered certificate
DVD containing over 2 hours of footage including an in depth interview with Rick about the project.
Double CD 1, The Original Gospels - with Robert Powell as the Narrator
Double CD2, The New Gospels DVD / CD of The Gospels performed live in California – never seen before
Reproduction A4 x 12 page concert program

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15963/Rick_Wakeman%20Gospels_(Deluxe_Box_Set).html
Release Date: 21st October 2016

Rick Wakeman - “Rainbow Suite”

This is a brand new orchestral piece written and performed by Rick Wakeman and the Orion Orchestra. This is a specially written piece of therapeutic music designed for people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder to enjoy as well aficionados of good quality instrumental music. This is Rick and Orchestra at their finest !!!

Available to pre-order from www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com
For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15964/Rick_Wakeman-Rainbow_Suite.html
Release Date: 25th November 2016

Catch Rick Wakeman on tour with ARW (Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin & Rick Wakeman) this Fall 2016! http://www.arw-tour.com/

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Keyboardist/Composer Leon Alvarado To Release New Concept Album “The Future Left Behind” Feat. YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood!

Houston, TX – Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed third album “2014, Music from an Expanded Universe”, keyboardist/composer Leon Alvarado will be releasing his new album “The Future Left Behind” on July 30, 2016! The highly anticipated new concept album features guest appearances by YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood, as well as Johnny Bruhn (CIRCA:) and Steve Thamer.

According to Leon, “The idea of creating a concept album out of instrumental progressive rock music had appealed to me ever since I first heard Rick Wakeman's 'Journey To The Centre of The Earth'. What I found difficult was to create all the individual pieces that would unify the set of ideas into a single concept. It meant for me to come up with a story, some music and a set of visuals that together would form an inclusive experience. I started by working on music that had more of a cinematic feel than my usual, meaning that when played, it evokes certain imagery in the listener's mind.”

Says Leon, “My goal was to create something that would combine the artwork and the music into one cohesive vision. I thought that basing my project on a sci-fi story would be very fitting and would give me the necessary creative space to make music that entices the imagination, like what Vangelis', Rick Wakeman's and YES' music do for me.”

Billy Sherwood had this to say about his participation on the album, “It was my pleasure to be a part of Leon's new record… I had a blast working on it and I'm sure fans of great music are going to enjoy this new record!”

Leon's first album, “Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff,” drew on his strongest musical influences, primarily, the many styles in Genesis's lengthy career. By the time Leon released his second album, “Strangers in Strange Places,” he had refined his method and his vision, and it's the audience who wins. “Strangers” features Brand X's John Goodsall on guitar and the legendary drummer Bill Bruford (YES, King Crimson, Earthwork) and reveals an intertwining of progressive rock and ambient textural sound that blossoms in, “2014, Music from an Expanded Universe”. For this third release, he enlisted the talents of Trey Gunn (King Crimson) and Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oats).

And now, much to the excitement of Prog fans worldwide, Leon is set to release his latest masterpiece, “The Future Left Behind.” In regards to the guest performers, Leon explains, “To help the story along and properly set the pieces of music we recorded some narrated bits. I wanted a voice with a large presence. A deep resonating voice that more or less commands to be heard. Steve Thamer is a Canadian voice-over talent who majored in Classical Theatre and has work doing voice-overs for audio books, films and animated shorts.

“As for Billy Sherwood, I envisioned his involvement in the project from the outset. He played a big part in the recording and helped me in elevating the music as a whole. Billy is very down to earth and has to be one of the hardest working musicians I have ever met. He is also extremely proficient and doesn't waste any time when it comes to getting things down musically.

“During one of my visits to California I went to see Billy's other band CIRCA:. The guitar player was Johnny Bruhn. I've seen many people perform YES music before but Johnny's guitar playing captured the feel of it so well that it left an impression on me. When this album was conceived, I knew I would have a place for him.

“I have the greatest respect for all the people involved in the project. I must admit that when it came to working with Rick Wakeman, I was a bit nervous at first. But in the end, it was one of those 'pinch me' moments that worked brilliantly. It's not everyday that you have one of your musical heroes performing on a piece you composed.

“The last person to touch the material was Andy Jackson. This is my third project working with him and I couldn't be happier about it. Andy is better known as Pink Floyd's engineer of 30 years and his work has been nominated twice for Grammys. He won two British Hi-Fi Awards for his work with Pink Floyd and was a co-producer for 'The Endless River' album. What I really like about Andy's work is his personal taste for sound. To me he is truly a magician at the controls.”

For the fans, although also available as a digital download, the CD version of the album has the most to offer. Leon envisioned the album to be something more than just a set of musical pieces. Instead, he immerses the listener in the world he has conceived through music, story and imagery, and allows their own imagination to fill in the details, creating a very personalized experience for each. “It is the most ambitious album I have created so far. 'The Future Left Behind' speaks to those who like Science-fiction stories and futuristic artwork. Like many of my projects, my approach is always to create something that I would want to see.”

Tracks:

1. PREFACE 1:16
2. LAUNCH OVERTURE 6:10
3. A VOYAGE… 0:49
4. JOURNEY INTO SPACE 2:39
5. WEIGHTLESS 2:24
6. HARD CHOICES 0:50
7. THE ONES LEFT BEHIND 6:14
8. LIFE IN THE OUTSIDE 0:55
9. AMONG THE STARS 6:06
10. MUCH ADO ABOUT… 0:36
11. IN OUR QUIET ORBIT 6:36
12. TO BE LOVED 2:43
13. A SILVER LINING 0:39
14. THE STAR SEEKERS 3:28

Leon Alvarado: Keyboards, sequencing, drums, percussion, launch control voices
Billy Sherwood: Lead and rhythm guitars on all except for “To Be Loved”
Rick Wakeman: Moog solo on “Launch Overture” and extra keyboards
Johnny Bruhns: Acoustic guitar on “To Be Loved”
Steve Thamer: Narration

Produced and mixed by: Leon Alvarado
Guitar tracks produced by: Billy Sherwood
Mastered by: Andy Jackson / Tube Mastering
All songs by Leon Alvarado
except “To Be Loved” by Johnny Bruhns and Leon Alvarado
Based on “The Future Left Behind”, an original short story by Leon Alvarado
Design and Illustrations: Synergy Design / LA

To purchase:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/leonalvarado5
http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/leon-alvarado/id304356695

For more information:
www.melodicrevolution.com
www.leonplaysmusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Keyboardist/Composer Leon Alvarado To Release New Concept Album “The Future Left Behind” Feat. YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood!

Houston, TX – Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed third album “2014, Music from an Expanded Universe”, keyboardist/composer Leon Alvarado will be releasing his new album “The Future Left Behind” on July 30, 2016! The highly anticipated new concept album features guest appearances by YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood, as well as Johnny Bruhn (CIRCA:) and Steve Thamer.

According to Leon, “The idea of creating a concept album out of instrumental progressive rock music had appealed to me ever since I first heard Rick Wakeman's 'Journey To The Centre of The Earth'. What I found difficult was to create all the individual pieces that would unify the set of ideas into a single concept. It meant for me to come up with a story, some music and a set of visuals that together would form an inclusive experience. I started by working on music that had more of a cinematic feel than my usual, meaning that when played, it evokes certain imagery in the listener's mind.”

Says Leon, “My goal was to create something that would combine the artwork and the music into one cohesive vision. I thought that basing my project on a sci-fi story would be very fitting and would give me the necessary creative space to make music that entices the imagination, like what Vangelis', Rick Wakeman's and YES' music do for me.”

Billy Sherwood had this to say about his participation on the album, “It was my pleasure to be a part of Leon's new record… I had a blast working on it and I'm sure fans of great music are going to enjoy this new record!”

Leon's first album, “Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff,” drew on his strongest musical influences, primarily, the many styles in Genesis's lengthy career. By the time Leon released his second album, “Strangers in Strange Places,” he had refined his method and his vision, and it's the audience who wins. “Strangers” features Brand X's John Goodsall on guitar and the legendary drummer Bill Bruford (YES, King Crimson, Earthwork) and reveals an intertwining of progressive rock and ambient textural sound that blossoms in, “2014, Music from an Expanded Universe”. For this third release, he enlisted the talents of Trey Gunn (King Crimson) and Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oats).

And now, much to the excitement of Prog fans worldwide, Leon is set to release his latest masterpiece, “The Future Left Behind.” In regards to the guest performers, Leon explains, “To help the story along and properly set the pieces of music we recorded some narrated bits. I wanted a voice with a large presence. A deep resonating voice that more or less commands to be heard. Steve Thamer is a Canadian voice-over talent who majored in Classical Theatre and has work doing voice-overs for audio books, films and animated shorts.

“As for Billy Sherwood, I envisioned his involvement in the project from the outset. He played a big part in the recording and helped me in elevating the music as a whole. Billy is very down to earth and has to be one of the hardest working musicians I have ever met. He is also extremely proficient and doesn't waste any time when it comes to getting things down musically.

“During one of my visits to California I went to see Billy's other band CIRCA:. The guitar player was Johnny Bruhn. I've seen many people perform YES music before but Johnny's guitar playing captured the feel of it so well that it left an impression on me. When this album was conceived, I knew I would have a place for him.

“I have the greatest respect for all the people involved in the project. I must admit that when it came to working with Rick Wakeman, I was a bit nervous at first. But in the end, it was one of those 'pinch me' moments that worked brilliantly. It's not everyday that you have one of your musical heroes performing on a piece you composed.

“The last person to touch the material was Andy Jackson. This is my third project working with him and I couldn't be happier about it. Andy is better known as Pink Floyd's engineer of 30 years and his work has been nominated twice for Grammys. He won two British Hi-Fi Awards for his work with Pink Floyd and was a co-producer for 'The Endless River' album. What I really like about Andy's work is his personal taste for sound. To me he is truly a magician at the controls.”

For the fans, although also available as a digital download, the CD version of the album has the most to offer. Leon envisioned the album to be something more than just a set of musical pieces. Instead, he immerses the listener in the world he has conceived through music, story and imagery, and allows their own imagination to fill in the details, creating a very personalized experience for each. “It is the most ambitious album I have created so far. 'The Future Left Behind' speaks to those who like Science-fiction stories and futuristic artwork. Like many of my projects, my approach is always to create something that I would want to see.”

Tracks:

1. PREFACE 1:16
2. LAUNCH OVERTURE 6:10
3. A VOYAGE… 0:49
4. JOURNEY INTO SPACE 2:39
5. WEIGHTLESS 2:24
6. HARD CHOICES 0:50
7. THE ONES LEFT BEHIND 6:14
8. LIFE IN THE OUTSIDE 0:55
9. AMONG THE STARS 6:06
10. MUCH ADO ABOUT… 0:36
11. IN OUR QUIET ORBIT 6:36
12. TO BE LOVED 2:43
13. A SILVER LINING 0:39
14. THE STAR SEEKERS 3:28

Leon Alvarado: Keyboards, sequencing, drums, percussion, launch control voices
Billy Sherwood: Lead and rhythm guitars on all except for “To Be Loved”
Rick Wakeman: Moog solo on “Launch Overture” and extra keyboards
Johnny Bruhns: Acoustic guitar on “To Be Loved”
Steve Thamer: Narration

Produced and mixed by: Leon Alvarado
Guitar tracks produced by: Billy Sherwood
Mastered by: Andy Jackson / Tube Mastering
All songs by Leon Alvarado
except “To Be Loved” by Johnny Bruhns and Leon Alvarado
Based on “The Future Left Behind”, an original short story by Leon Alvarado
Design and Illustrations: Synergy Design / LA

To purchase:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/leonalvarado5
http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/leon-alvarado/id304356695

For more information:
www.melodicrevolution.com
www.leonplaysmusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman To Release “Starship Trooper” Compilation Feat. Steve Hillage, Nik Turner, Steve Howe, William Shatner and Others!

Los Angeles – On April 15th Purple Pyramid records will be releasing an out of this world collection of extraordinary performances by legendary YES keyboardist Rick Wakeman! For more than four decades Rick Wakeman has established himself as a visionary showman without peer, the creator of some of the most extravagant performances, breathtaking soloing and imaginative passages ever preserved on record, or executed on stage.

Aptly titled “Starship Trooper”, this amazing collection contains 2 previously unreleased tracks including a powerful rendition of Tool's “Sober” plus several more brilliant cover songs of The Who, Pink Floyd, and The Doors including 5 never before heard versions! The compilation also includes performances by Gong’s Steve Hillage, Yes's Billy Sherwood, Steve Howe and Tony Kaye, William Shatner, Colin Moulding, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Carmine Appice and more!

“Over the last few years I have performed on many tracks as a 'guest' but never before has anybody put some of the best of those I played on into a compilation. It's always challenging to be involved in tracks of other people's music and other people's arrangements as it often makes you think and play differently and certainly on many of these tracks I play in quite an unexpected way, but there again, much of my life has been pretty unexpected anyway!” - Rick Wakeman

The liner notes were written by modern rock scholar Dave Thompson, who says of Rick Wakeman, “This most personable of superstars has made inroads into the worlds of journalism, broadcasting and acting - professions which his eye for spectacle, story telling and stylishness might well have made inevitable all along. But he also happens to be among the most gifted, visionary and brilliant performers his chosen instruments have seen.”

Track List:
1. Sober
2. Are We To Believe
3. Random Acts (Revisited)
4. Dynamics Of Delirium
5. Love Reign O'er Me
6. Crime Of The Century
7. The Great Gig In The Sky
8. I'm Not in Love
9. Starship Trooper
10. Check Point Karma
11. Change
12. Nobody Home
13. Light My Fire

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/RickWakemanCD
Download the digital version: http://flyt.it/RickWakemanDig

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman To Release “Starship Trooper” Compilation Feat. Steve Hillage, Nik Turner, Steve Howe, William Shatner and Others!

Los Angeles – On April 15th Purple Pyramid records will be releasing an out of this world collection of extraordinary performances by legendary YES keyboardist Rick Wakeman! For more than four decades Rick Wakeman has established himself as a visionary showman without peer, the creator of some of the most extravagant performances, breathtaking soloing and imaginative passages ever preserved on record, or executed on stage.

Aptly titled “Starship Trooper”, this amazing collection contains 2 previously unreleased tracks including a powerful rendition of Tool's “Sober” plus several more brilliant cover songs of The Who, Pink Floyd, and The Doors including 5 never before heard versions! The compilation also includes performances by Gong’s Steve Hillage, Yes's Billy Sherwood, Steve Howe and Tony Kaye, William Shatner, Colin Moulding, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Carmine Appice and more!

“Over the last few years I have performed on many tracks as a 'guest' but never before has anybody put some of the best of those I played on into a compilation. It's always challenging to be involved in tracks of other people's music and other people's arrangements as it often makes you think and play differently and certainly on many of these tracks I play in quite an unexpected way, but there again, much of my life has been pretty unexpected anyway!” - Rick Wakeman

The liner notes were written by modern rock scholar Dave Thompson, who says of Rick Wakeman, “This most personable of superstars has made inroads into the worlds of journalism, broadcasting and acting - professions which his eye for spectacle, story telling and stylishness might well have made inevitable all along. But he also happens to be among the most gifted, visionary and brilliant performers his chosen instruments have seen.”

Track List:
1. Sober
2. Are We To Believe
3. Random Acts (Revisited)
4. Dynamics Of Delirium
5. Love Reign O'er Me
6. Crime Of The Century
7. The Great Gig In The Sky
8. I'm Not in Love
9. Starship Trooper
10. Check Point Karma
11. Change
12. Nobody Home
13. Light My Fire

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/RickWakemanCD
Download the digital version: http://flyt.it/RickWakemanDig

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Bonzo Dog Band's Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End” Soundtrack by Michael Livesley and Brainwashing House feat. Rick Wakeman and Neil Innes To Be Released

“A tour-de-force and a work of Art” - Neil Innes

London, UK - Vivian Stanshall, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential recording artists of the 20th Century may sadly no longer be with us but the incredible words he created live on via the celebrated rave-reviewed recreation of his meisterwerk 'Sir Henry at Rawlinson End' by actor, singer and comedian Michael Livesley accompanied by his trusted Brainwashing House band.

Originally created for John Peel's Radio 1 show in the 1970's, Sir Henry at Rawlinson End - the meandering gin-soaked saga of a crumbling English stately home and the grotesques who inhabit it headed by the heroically drunk Sir Henry - perfectly distilled and encapsulated Viv's absurdly hilarious wordplay and songwriting which first hit the public consciousness during the 1960s via his work helming the cult Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

The show, now in its 6th year and with the full blessing of the Stanshall family, has earned the praise of Viv's fans, friends and celebrity fans alike including keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman who, due to his admiration for Michael's interpretation, has joined the show on piano as a guest many times. This has led to RRAW Records, the exciting new label from Rick and music industry veteran Robin Ayling, proudly presenting this brand new original cast recording of this critically acclaimed stage show as their debut LP release. The recording features Rick guesting on piano, and also Viv's Bonzo bandmate and sometime Rutle and Monty Python member Neil Innes plus Viv's favourite violinist Susie Honeyman of The Mekons.

Tracks:
1. Aunt Florrie's Waltz
2. Interlewd
3. Wheelbarrow
4. Socks
5. The Rub
6. Nice 'N' Tidy
7. Pigs 'Ere Purse
8. 6/8 Hoodoo
9. Smeeton
10. Fool & Bladder
11. Endroar
12. The Beasht Inshide
13. Junglebunny
14. Aunt Florrie Remembers
15. Rawlinsons & Maynards
16. Papadumb

Here's what's being said about Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End”:

“Michael Livesley embodies to perfection the spirit and brilliance of Vivian Stanshall and adds his own measure of outrageous talent too” – Stephen Fry

“Sir Henry's bluster and his epic lack of drawing room manners are still winning fun. All very odd, all very Stanshall!” - Clive Davis, The Times

“A work of lyrical genius and poetry, on a different plane to the rest of the world” - Rick Wakeman

“What a night, an ensemble of madmen at their best, smashing!” - Rupert Stanshall, Vivian's son

“Brilliant! Berserk! Simply wonderful!” - Suzanne Moore, The Guardian

“Livesley's performance gives weight and truth to that old theatrical cliché - a comic tour-de-force” - Andrew Male, MOJO

“A distorted-mirror celebration of English eccentricity rooted in a riot of linguistic lasciviousness” - Andy Gill, The Independent

For more information please visit www.sirhenrylives.com

Videos:
“Wheelbarrow” (one of the show numbers) -

“Ginger Geezer” (encore from big London show) -

To purchase Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End” soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ACJKQ7A/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_7jf9wb19C1BVF

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Bonzo Dog Band's Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End” Soundtrack by Michael Livesley and Brainwashing House feat. Rick Wakeman and Neil Innes To Be Released

“A tour-de-force and a work of Art” - Neil Innes

London, UK - Vivian Stanshall, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential recording artists of the 20th Century may sadly no longer be with us but the incredible words he created live on via the celebrated rave-reviewed recreation of his meisterwerk 'Sir Henry at Rawlinson End' by actor, singer and comedian Michael Livesley accompanied by his trusted Brainwashing House band.

Originally created for John Peel's Radio 1 show in the 1970's, Sir Henry at Rawlinson End - the meandering gin-soaked saga of a crumbling English stately home and the grotesques who inhabit it headed by the heroically drunk Sir Henry - perfectly distilled and encapsulated Viv's absurdly hilarious wordplay and songwriting which first hit the public consciousness during the 1960s via his work helming the cult Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

The show, now in its 6th year and with the full blessing of the Stanshall family, has earned the praise of Viv's fans, friends and celebrity fans alike including keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman who, due to his admiration for Michael's interpretation, has joined the show on piano as a guest many times. This has led to RRAW Records, the exciting new label from Rick and music industry veteran Robin Ayling, proudly presenting this brand new original cast recording of this critically acclaimed stage show as their debut LP release. The recording features Rick guesting on piano, and also Viv's Bonzo bandmate and sometime Rutle and Monty Python member Neil Innes plus Viv's favourite violinist Susie Honeyman of The Mekons.

Tracks:
1. Aunt Florrie's Waltz
2. Interlewd
3. Wheelbarrow
4. Socks
5. The Rub
6. Nice 'N' Tidy
7. Pigs 'Ere Purse
8. 6/8 Hoodoo
9. Smeeton
10. Fool & Bladder
11. Endroar
12. The Beasht Inshide
13. Junglebunny
14. Aunt Florrie Remembers
15. Rawlinsons & Maynards
16. Papadumb

Here's what's being said about Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End”:

“Michael Livesley embodies to perfection the spirit and brilliance of Vivian Stanshall and adds his own measure of outrageous talent too” – Stephen Fry

“Sir Henry's bluster and his epic lack of drawing room manners are still winning fun. All very odd, all very Stanshall!” - Clive Davis, The Times

“A work of lyrical genius and poetry, on a different plane to the rest of the world” - Rick Wakeman

“What a night, an ensemble of madmen at their best, smashing!” - Rupert Stanshall, Vivian's son

“Brilliant! Berserk! Simply wonderful!” - Suzanne Moore, The Guardian

“Livesley's performance gives weight and truth to that old theatrical cliché - a comic tour-de-force” - Andrew Male, MOJO

“A distorted-mirror celebration of English eccentricity rooted in a riot of linguistic lasciviousness” - Andy Gill, The Independent

For more information please visit www.sirhenrylives.com

Videos:
“Wheelbarrow” (one of the show numbers) -

“Ginger Geezer” (encore from big London show) -

To purchase Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End” soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ACJKQ7A/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_7jf9wb19C1BVF

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Bonzo Dog Band's Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End” Soundtrack by Michael Livesley and Brainwashing House feat. Rick Wakeman and Neil Innes To Be Released

“A tour-de-force and a work of Art” - Neil Innes

London, UK - Vivian Stanshall, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential recording artists of the 20th Century may sadly no longer be with us but the incredible words he created live on via the celebrated rave-reviewed recreation of his meisterwerk 'Sir Henry at Rawlinson End' by actor, singer and comedian Michael Livesley accompanied by his trusted Brainwashing House band.

Originally created for John Peel's Radio 1 show in the 1970's, Sir Henry at Rawlinson End - the meandering gin-soaked saga of a crumbling English stately home and the grotesques who inhabit it headed by the heroically drunk Sir Henry - perfectly distilled and encapsulated Viv's absurdly hilarious wordplay and songwriting which first hit the public consciousness during the 1960s via his work helming the cult Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

The show, now in its 6th year and with the full blessing of the Stanshall family, has earned the praise of Viv's fans, friends and celebrity fans alike including keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman who, due to his admiration for Michael's interpretation, has joined the show on piano as a guest many times. This has led to RRAW Records, the exciting new label from Rick and music industry veteran Robin Ayling, proudly presenting this brand new original cast recording of this critically acclaimed stage show as their debut LP release. The recording features Rick guesting on piano, and also Viv's Bonzo bandmate and sometime Rutle and Monty Python member Neil Innes plus Viv's favourite violinist Susie Honeyman of The Mekons.

Tracks:
1. Aunt Florrie's Waltz
2. Interlewd
3. Wheelbarrow
4. Socks
5. The Rub
6. Nice 'N' Tidy
7. Pigs 'Ere Purse
8. 6/8 Hoodoo
9. Smeeton
10. Fool & Bladder
11. Endroar
12. The Beasht Inshide
13. Junglebunny
14. Aunt Florrie Remembers
15. Rawlinsons & Maynards
16. Papadumb

Here's what's being said about Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End”:

“Michael Livesley embodies to perfection the spirit and brilliance of Vivian Stanshall and adds his own measure of outrageous talent too” – Stephen Fry

“Sir Henry's bluster and his epic lack of drawing room manners are still winning fun. All very odd, all very Stanshall!” - Clive Davis, The Times

“A work of lyrical genius and poetry, on a different plane to the rest of the world” - Rick Wakeman

“What a night, an ensemble of madmen at their best, smashing!” - Rupert Stanshall, Vivian's son

“Brilliant! Berserk! Simply wonderful!” - Suzanne Moore, The Guardian

“Livesley's performance gives weight and truth to that old theatrical cliché - a comic tour-de-force” - Andrew Male, MOJO

“A distorted-mirror celebration of English eccentricity rooted in a riot of linguistic lasciviousness” - Andy Gill, The Independent

For more information please visit www.sirhenrylives.com

Videos:
“Wheelbarrow” (one of the show numbers) -

“Ginger Geezer” (encore from big London show) -

To purchase Vivian Stanshall's “Sir Henry At Rawlinson End” soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ACJKQ7A/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_7jf9wb19C1BVF

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Rick Wakeman Releases Piano Version of Life on Mars in Aid of Macmillan

“It was obvious from the listeners’ response to Rick playing ‘Life On Mars’ on Radio 2 Drivetime last Monday, that they wanted to own a copy of this beautiful piece of music, as well as make a contribution. With Rick releasing this new recording it’s a perfect way to do that.” 
- BBC Radio 2 presenter, Simon Mayo:

London, UK - Following the overwhelming response to Rick Wakeman’s piano tribute to David Bowie, Rick has recorded new piano versions of both Life on Mars and Space Oddity with royalties going to Macmillan Cancer Support. The tracks are now available from Amazon, as well as iTunes and Tesco.

Rick, a close friend who worked with Bowie, was the pianist on the original 1971 release of Life On Mars and appeared on BBC Radio 2 last Monday (11th January) on the day of Bowie’s death, to play his own tribute to the star. The video of his emotional performance has since been viewed over 2 million times on the BBC Radio 2 website and after receiving thousands of requests from fans, Rick headed back into the studio to re-record the tracks which include Life on Mars, Space Oddity and Always Together.

Rick said: "I feel extremely fortunate to be able to release my piano version of David Bowie’s Life On Mars and Space Oddity, both of which I performed on the original releases. I think it’s very apt for the proceeds to go to Macmillan, a charity that is so crucial to so many people. I witnessed this first hand when I lost my mother to cancer and the work they do comes from the heart and is truly priceless.

“Whilst some amazing advances in medicine mean that some form of cancers have a very high survival rate and indeed prolonged life in others, with all cancers it is a very tough time for both the patient and their loved ones. Hopefully the songs will not only be a fitting tribute to David, but will also raise some money to help Macmillan with the wonderful work they do, ensuring no-one faces cancer alone.”

Jane Maher, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “We were so very sad to hear the news about David Bowie and our thoughts are with his family and friends. Sadly the number of people with cancer in the UK is growing rapidly and half of us will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives, so it has never been more important that everyone gets the emotional, practical, physical and financial support they need. We want people to feel comfortable talking openly about what they’re going through with friends, family and experts or - through our online community – other people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

“We know that music is something that not only brings people together, but also helps them through difficult times and so we are deeply grateful that Rick has decided to donate the proceeds from these tracks to Macmillan. The money raised will help us to continue to offer a range of support for anyone affected by cancer.”

For more information or support please visit macmillan.org.uk

To purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/LIFE-MARS-Rick-Wakeman/dp/B01ATOATG6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1453455316&sr=8-7&keywords=rick+wakeman
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/life-on-mars-single/id1077404186
Tesco: http://www.tesco.com/direct/rick-wakeman-life-on-mars-macmillan-cancer-support-cd/573-5206.prd?skuId=573-5206&pageLevel=sku

Notes to Editors:
About Macmillan Cancer Support
When you have cancer, you don’t just worry about what will happen to your body, you worry about what will happen to your life. Whether it’s concerns about who you can talk to, planning for the extra costs or what to do about work, at Macmillan we understand how a cancer diagnosis can take over everything.

That’s why we’re here. We provide support that helps people take back control of their lives. But right now, we can’t reach everyone who needs us. We need your help to make sure that people affected by cancer get the support they need to face the toughest fight of their life. No one should face cancer alone, and with your support no one will.

To get involved, call 0300 1000 200 today. And please remember, we’re here for you too. If you’d like support, information or just to chat, call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk

Rick Wakeman press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Rick Wakeman Releases Piano Version of Life on Mars in Aid of Macmillan

“It was obvious from the listeners’ response to Rick playing ‘Life On Mars’ on Radio 2 Drivetime last Monday, that they wanted to own a copy of this beautiful piece of music, as well as make a contribution. With Rick releasing this new recording it’s a perfect way to do that.” 
- BBC Radio 2 presenter, Simon Mayo:

London, UK - Following the overwhelming response to Rick Wakeman’s piano tribute to David Bowie, Rick has recorded new piano versions of both Life on Mars and Space Oddity with royalties going to Macmillan Cancer Support. The tracks are now available from Amazon, as well as iTunes and Tesco.

Rick, a close friend who worked with Bowie, was the pianist on the original 1971 release of Life On Mars and appeared on BBC Radio 2 last Monday (11th January) on the day of Bowie’s death, to play his own tribute to the star. The video of his emotional performance has since been viewed over 2 million times on the BBC Radio 2 website and after receiving thousands of requests from fans, Rick headed back into the studio to re-record the tracks which include Life on Mars, Space Oddity and Always Together.

Rick said: "I feel extremely fortunate to be able to release my piano version of David Bowie’s Life On Mars and Space Oddity, both of which I performed on the original releases. I think it’s very apt for the proceeds to go to Macmillan, a charity that is so crucial to so many people. I witnessed this first hand when I lost my mother to cancer and the work they do comes from the heart and is truly priceless.

“Whilst some amazing advances in medicine mean that some form of cancers have a very high survival rate and indeed prolonged life in others, with all cancers it is a very tough time for both the patient and their loved ones. Hopefully the songs will not only be a fitting tribute to David, but will also raise some money to help Macmillan with the wonderful work they do, ensuring no-one faces cancer alone.”

Jane Maher, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “We were so very sad to hear the news about David Bowie and our thoughts are with his family and friends. Sadly the number of people with cancer in the UK is growing rapidly and half of us will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives, so it has never been more important that everyone gets the emotional, practical, physical and financial support they need. We want people to feel comfortable talking openly about what they’re going through with friends, family and experts or - through our online community – other people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

“We know that music is something that not only brings people together, but also helps them through difficult times and so we are deeply grateful that Rick has decided to donate the proceeds from these tracks to Macmillan. The money raised will help us to continue to offer a range of support for anyone affected by cancer.”

For more information or support please visit macmillan.org.uk

To purchase:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/LIFE-MARS-Rick-Wakeman/dp/B01ATOATG6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1453455316&sr=8-7&keywords=rick+wakeman
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/life-on-mars-single/id1077404186
Tesco: http://www.tesco.com/direct/rick-wakeman-life-on-mars-macmillan-cancer-support-cd/573-5206.prd?skuId=573-5206&pageLevel=sku

Notes to Editors:
About Macmillan Cancer Support
When you have cancer, you don’t just worry about what will happen to your body, you worry about what will happen to your life. Whether it’s concerns about who you can talk to, planning for the extra costs or what to do about work, at Macmillan we understand how a cancer diagnosis can take over everything.

That’s why we’re here. We provide support that helps people take back control of their lives. But right now, we can’t reach everyone who needs us. We need your help to make sure that people affected by cancer get the support they need to face the toughest fight of their life. No one should face cancer alone, and with your support no one will.

To get involved, call 0300 1000 200 today. And please remember, we’re here for you too. If you’d like support, information or just to chat, call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk

Rick Wakeman press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Collaborates With 15-year-old Soprano Emmie Beckitt On New Single "Welcome A Star"

London, UK - “Welcome A Star” is the first single from 15-year-old soprano Emmie Beckitt, in collaboration with classically trained pianist, composer and TV presenter, Rick Wakeman. Rick first met Emmie, who has been singing classical repertoire since the age of ten, at a fundraiser for Kids 'n' Cancer – and was so impressed by her crystal clear voice and effortless range that he decided her to record a song from his oratorio The New Gospels, which tells the real story of Christmas.

The result is “Welcome A Star”, a beautifully melodic Christmas song, released by Hope Records via Nova Distribution, on Friday 4 December. “Welcome A Star” was recorded by Emmie with the English Chamber Choir and the Orion Orchestra, and features Rick on keyboards.

Currently studying for her Grade 8 exam in singing, Emmie Beckitt takes part in the Senior School Chamber Choir at St Augustines, Scarborough, North Yorkshire and is also a member of her school orchestra and jazz band, as she plays tenor saxophone, violin and piano. When aged only 13, she supported Katherine Jenkins in concert and a year later, appeared at Roy Wood's sell-out show at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, where she received a standing ovation. She recently sang “The Hymn”, composed by Sir Tim Rice and Rick Wakeman, with an orchestra and choir, at The Sage Gateshead, as part of the Tim Rice Concert Series.

A Fellow of the Royal College of Music, Professor of the London College of Music, former YES keyboard player, Watchdog presenter and renowned Grumpy Old Man, classically trained pianist Rick Wakeman began his career as a much-sought-after session musician in the late Sixties, playing on more than 2,000 records by a wide variety of artists, including Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Black Sabbath. In the early Seventies, he found fame in his own right as a member of first Strawbs and then YES. As a solo artist and with YES, he has sold more than 50,000,000 albums. He has written a number of film scores and has become a TV regular, appearing on shows like Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Countdown and of course, Grumpy Old Men and Watchdog. He still finds time to perform numerous concerts around the world every year, ranging from his extremely popular one-man show to extravaganzas that feature symphony orchestras and choirs.

Both Emmie and Rick are patrons of the Chesterfield charity Kids'n' Cancer and a percentage of the profits from the sale of Welcome A Star will be donated to that organisation.

Welcome a Star is released on Friday 4 December, and is available in CD and digital single formats:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/welcome-a-star-single/id1052288010
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Welcome-Star-Emmie-Beckitt-Wakeman/dp/B01762UWC0/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1447065657&sr=1-1-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=emmie+beckitt

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/
www.facebook.com/RickWakemanMusic 
Twitter: @GrumpyOldRick

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Collaborates With 15-year-old Soprano Emmie Beckitt On New Single "Welcome A Star"

London, UK - “Welcome A Star” is the first single from 15-year-old soprano Emmie Beckitt, in collaboration with classically trained pianist, composer and TV presenter, Rick Wakeman. Rick first met Emmie, who has been singing classical repertoire since the age of ten, at a fundraiser for Kids 'n' Cancer – and was so impressed by her crystal clear voice and effortless range that he decided her to record a song from his oratorio The New Gospels, which tells the real story of Christmas.

The result is “Welcome A Star”, a beautifully melodic Christmas song, released by Hope Records via Nova Distribution, on Friday 4 December. “Welcome A Star” was recorded by Emmie with the English Chamber Choir and the Orion Orchestra, and features Rick on keyboards.

Currently studying for her Grade 8 exam in singing, Emmie Beckitt takes part in the Senior School Chamber Choir at St Augustines, Scarborough, North Yorkshire and is also a member of her school orchestra and jazz band, as she plays tenor saxophone, violin and piano. When aged only 13, she supported Katherine Jenkins in concert and a year later, appeared at Roy Wood's sell-out show at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, where she received a standing ovation. She recently sang “The Hymn”, composed by Sir Tim Rice and Rick Wakeman, with an orchestra and choir, at The Sage Gateshead, as part of the Tim Rice Concert Series.

A Fellow of the Royal College of Music, Professor of the London College of Music, former YES keyboard player, Watchdog presenter and renowned Grumpy Old Man, classically trained pianist Rick Wakeman began his career as a much-sought-after session musician in the late Sixties, playing on more than 2,000 records by a wide variety of artists, including Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Black Sabbath. In the early Seventies, he found fame in his own right as a member of first Strawbs and then YES. As a solo artist and with YES, he has sold more than 50,000,000 albums. He has written a number of film scores and has become a TV regular, appearing on shows like Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Countdown and of course, Grumpy Old Men and Watchdog. He still finds time to perform numerous concerts around the world every year, ranging from his extremely popular one-man show to extravaganzas that feature symphony orchestras and choirs.

Both Emmie and Rick are patrons of the Chesterfield charity Kids'n' Cancer and a percentage of the profits from the sale of Welcome A Star will be donated to that organisation.

Welcome a Star is released on Friday 4 December, and is available in CD and digital single formats:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/welcome-a-star-single/id1052288010
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Welcome-Star-Emmie-Beckitt-Wakeman/dp/B01762UWC0/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1447065657&sr=1-1-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=emmie+beckitt

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/
www.facebook.com/RickWakemanMusic 
Twitter: @GrumpyOldRick

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Legendary Artist Roger Dean To Appear At Rick Wakeman's WAKEmanFEST

London, UK - Legendary artist Roger Dean is the latest celebrity to be added to the line-up for Rick Wakeman's WAKEmanFEST in October 2015 in Lincolnshire. Roger will be holding a Question & Answer session on Saturday October 31st at 3:40pm – 4:00pm, as well as showcasing his spectacular art.

Known primarily for the dreamy, other-worldly scenes Roger Dean has created for Yes, Budgie, Uriah Heep, Gentle Giant and other bands, Dean has said, "I don't really think of myself as a fantasy artist but as a landscape painter." His first album cover work was in 1968 for The Gun. He also did the artwork for Atomic Rooster's album In Hearing of... This album cover hinted at the inimitable style for which he would later become famous. In the same year Dean produced the cover for the first album by the African/Caribbean band Osibisa, which featured a hybrid insect/elephant. This was much closer to Dean's work as we came to know it and it attracted widespread attention. Later that year, he began the partnership with the progressive rock bands Yes (and Asia) for which he is best known. His first design for Yes was for their album Fragile. Dean designed the now-classic Yes "bubble" logo, which first appeared on the album Close to the Edge, and continued to create covers for the band. In addition to their album covers, Dean also contributed to his brother Martyn Dean's stage set designs for the band.

Though he primarily works with watercolour paints, many of his paintings make use of multiple media, including gouache, ink, enamel, crayon and collage. In addition to his cover paintings, Dean is respected for his calligraphic work, designing logos and titles to go with his paintings. There are three books chronicling Roger Dean's art: “Views” (1975) “Magnetic Storm” (1984) “Dragons Dream” (2008).

His work has inspired generations of young men and women who have become professional designers and artists!

WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.

The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950's. The venue's golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

Says Rick, “I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this 3 day event, The Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history. I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with YES. We are also hoping to organising various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5pm so everybody can head off home”.

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this...

Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm - Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.

Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm - The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm - Wakeman Cubed.

Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End
3:40pm – 4:00pm – Q&A with Roger Dean
4.30pm – 5:00pm - Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm - Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.

Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm - Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm - Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm - English Rock Ensemble

Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm - lunch and table magic
During lunch - Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.

Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm - The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm - Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm - Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm - Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble - Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

For more information: www.wakemanfest.com
http://www.rwcc.com/notice_wakemanfest.asp

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Legendary Artist Roger Dean To Appear At Rick Wakeman's WAKEmanFEST

London, UK - Legendary artist Roger Dean is the latest celebrity to be added to the line-up for Rick Wakeman's WAKEmanFEST in October 2015 in Lincolnshire. Roger will be holding a Question & Answer session on Saturday October 31st at 3:40pm – 4:00pm, as well as showcasing his spectacular art.

Known primarily for the dreamy, other-worldly scenes Roger Dean has created for Yes, Budgie, Uriah Heep, Gentle Giant and other bands, Dean has said, "I don't really think of myself as a fantasy artist but as a landscape painter." His first album cover work was in 1968 for The Gun. He also did the artwork for Atomic Rooster's album In Hearing of... This album cover hinted at the inimitable style for which he would later become famous. In the same year Dean produced the cover for the first album by the African/Caribbean band Osibisa, which featured a hybrid insect/elephant. This was much closer to Dean's work as we came to know it and it attracted widespread attention. Later that year, he began the partnership with the progressive rock bands Yes (and Asia) for which he is best known. His first design for Yes was for their album Fragile. Dean designed the now-classic Yes "bubble" logo, which first appeared on the album Close to the Edge, and continued to create covers for the band. In addition to their album covers, Dean also contributed to his brother Martyn Dean's stage set designs for the band.

Though he primarily works with watercolour paints, many of his paintings make use of multiple media, including gouache, ink, enamel, crayon and collage. In addition to his cover paintings, Dean is respected for his calligraphic work, designing logos and titles to go with his paintings. There are three books chronicling Roger Dean's art: “Views” (1975) “Magnetic Storm” (1984) “Dragons Dream” (2008).

His work has inspired generations of young men and women who have become professional designers and artists!

WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.

The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950's. The venue's golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

Says Rick, “I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this 3 day event, The Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history. I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with YES. We are also hoping to organising various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5pm so everybody can head off home”.

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this...

Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm - Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.

Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm - The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm - Wakeman Cubed.

Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End
3:40pm – 4:00pm – Q&A with Roger Dean
4.30pm – 5:00pm - Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm - Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.

Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm - Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm - Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm - English Rock Ensemble

Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm - lunch and table magic
During lunch - Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.

Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm - The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm - Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm - Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm - Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble - Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

For more information: www.wakemanfest.com
http://www.rwcc.com/notice_wakemanfest.asp

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Presents WAKEmanFest 3-Day Event October 30-November 1, 2015!

London, UK - WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.

The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950's. The venue's golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

Says Rick, “I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this 3 day event, The Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history. I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with YES. We are also hoping to organising various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5pm so everybody can head off home”.

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this...

Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm - Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.

Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm - The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm - Wakeman Cubed.

Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.
4.30pm – 5:00pm - Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm - Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.

Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm - Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm - Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm - English Rock Ensemble

Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm - lunch and table magic
During lunch - Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.

Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm - The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm - Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm - Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm - Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble - Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

Says Rick, “The Cadbury Sisters supported me on my last tour and were absolutely amazing. Everybody simply loved them.

“The Electric Strawbs of course will be very special as I will be joining them for 2 pieces. The Hangman and the Papist and also Where is this Dream of our Youth...and I will be using an original Hammond L100 similar to the one I used on the original recording at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

“Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End is that wonderful piece written by the late Viv Stanshall who I worked with. Mike Livesley does an amazing version which I join in with every year at the Bloomsbury Theatre. His entire 11 piece band (plus me) will be performing it.

“The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra are heavily connected to the Water Rats who will benefit from the Sunday which will be a great day of entertainment. High Energy Music & Comedy

“Kevin Orkian is a music and comedy genius and also a Water Rat, hence his appearance which is not to be missed!

“All in all, it is going to be a really fun weekend and also the launch of the new book company HaGaTaS and there will be readings going on in adjoining rooms as well, so something happening all the time. We plan this to be an annual event and really hope people will enjoy themselves...expect an early visit from father Xmas as well!”

For more information: www.wakemanfest.com

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Presents WAKEmanFest 3-Day Event October 30-November 1, 2015!

London, UK - WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.

The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950's. The venue's golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

Says Rick, “I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this 3 day event, The Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history. I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with YES. We are also hoping to organising various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5pm so everybody can head off home”.

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this...

Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm - Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm - Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.

Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm - The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm - Wakeman Cubed.

Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm - Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.
4.30pm – 5:00pm - Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm - Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.

Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm - Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm - Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm - English Rock Ensemble

Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm - lunch and table magic
During lunch - Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.

Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm - The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm - Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm - Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm - Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble - Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

Says Rick, “The Cadbury Sisters supported me on my last tour and were absolutely amazing. Everybody simply loved them.

“The Electric Strawbs of course will be very special as I will be joining them for 2 pieces. The Hangman and the Papist and also Where is this Dream of our Youth...and I will be using an original Hammond L100 similar to the one I used on the original recording at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

“Sir Henry of Rawlinson's End is that wonderful piece written by the late Viv Stanshall who I worked with. Mike Livesley does an amazing version which I join in with every year at the Bloomsbury Theatre. His entire 11 piece band (plus me) will be performing it.

“The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra are heavily connected to the Water Rats who will benefit from the Sunday which will be a great day of entertainment. High Energy Music & Comedy

“Kevin Orkian is a music and comedy genius and also a Water Rat, hence his appearance which is not to be missed!

“All in all, it is going to be a really fun weekend and also the launch of the new book company HaGaTaS and there will be readings going on in adjoining rooms as well, so something happening all the time. We plan this to be an annual event and really hope people will enjoy themselves...expect an early visit from father Xmas as well!”

For more information: www.wakemanfest.com

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Concert Review: Rick Wakeman-40th Anniversary Tour Journey to the Centre Of The Earth

Rick Wakeman-40^thAnniversary Tour Journey to the Centre Of The Earth

May 6, 2014

Glasgow Auditorium

Website: www.rwcc.com

Rick “The Caped Crusader” Wakeman is surely one of rocks lucky gentlemen. Lucky, in that he has survived a couple of heart attacks in his 20’s and a gentleman, well because he conducts himself as a gentleman should. Having been a fan of The Caped Crusader since the release of The Six Wives of Henry VIII, the present of a VIP ticket to see Journey to The Centre of The Earth being performed 40 years after the album was released and toured with, made a special birthday, even more special.

The run-up to these concerts began when a “lost” 18 minutes of the original Journey were rediscovered. Initially the record company, back in 1974, would not agree to release a double album and so some music required to be removed to allow the remainder to fit on 2 sides of vinyl. At the time, the “going” rate on a side of vinyl was around 20 minutes. This removed section was, assumedly, stored away in a “safe” place and then was lost. A revamped, extended version of Journeywas issued in 2012 and indeed featured, in its entirety, on the 2012 Christmas Eve show of The Ancient One.

Fast forward a year or so and the announcement was made that Journey was to be dusted down and taken out on a 40^th Anniversary tour. This was news that would shake the very foundations of progressive rock and indeed it was true, and dates started to appear for April-May 2014.

On the road, Journey was a huge undertaking with Rick Wakeman, Ashley Holt (vocals), Hayley Sanderson (vocals), David Colquhoun (guitar), Matt Pegg (bass), Tony Fernandez (drums), Guy Protheroe (conductor), Philip Franks (narrator), The Orion Symphony Orchestra and The Glasgow Singers (replacing The English Chamber Choir for this, the Glasgow date). All of those participating would be worked very hard for the duration of the 14 dates.

Arriving shortly before 4pm at the Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, the select few with VIP tickets were given a glossy laminated pass and led into the main hall to attend the sound check/rehearsal, which although scheduled for an hour, stretched to 90 minutes. Watching various sections of the musicians playing and then repeating chunks of Journey and the “new” choir being put through their paces, was a revelation into how frustrating getting it just right, can be. The sound check over, the three original intrepid travelers from the Journeyback in 1974, Rick, Ashley Holt and Tony Fernandez  held a short meet and greet with people before disappearing off to ready themselves for the 8 pm start.

The main event was split into two sections, the first was Rick plus a keyboard and the chance for him to flex his storyteller muscles and the second, Journey itself. Having already seen Rick do his storytelling act several times over the years, I was not concerned I might already have heard the stories as over 40 years in the business certainly provides masses of tales that could be told. He concentrated specifically on people who had been instrumental in pushing him to “follow his dream” and not be put off by negative comments. Starting with Cat Stevens, as Rick had played those amazing piano passages on “Morning Has Broken,” the Glasgow Singers provided a superb vocal accompaniment, and then Rick introduced his female vocalist, Hayley, who sang “Life on Mars,” in a nod of thanks to David Bowie for also telling him to do what he believed in. Next up was Ashley Holt and the pair reminisced about the “early days” and then traded stories relating to the first World Tour of Journey, before presenting a bluesy rendition of that old classic, “Summertime.” To conclude the first part, Rick mentioned two more people, his father and Sergei Prokofiev. His late father, also a musician, gave him very solid advice, but also when Rick was young, took him along to Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and this was the point that the young pianist realized that you could tell amazing stories through the medium of music and led, somewhat later, to Jules Verne’s Journey To The Centre of the Earthbecoming a musical reality.

The first section completed, there was a short interval prior to the main event of the evening. Resplendent in one of his characteristic glittery capes, Rick stood amidst an array of keyboards, (I was not sure if there were 11 or 12 assorted synths/keyboards), there was an immaculately dressed orchestra, a similarly impressively dressed choir, a variety of band members, Guy the conductor, and seated, almost throne-like, center back, was Philip the narrator. There was a tapping of Guy’s baton, a brief silence, and then the Journey started.

To pick out high spots in the performance would be a thankless task, as this was a majestic hours’ worth of stunning performances by everyone involved. From the point that the requested silence was broken by the voice of Philip, the narrator, the musicians on stage served up an almost flawless performance of Jules Verne’s Journey To The Center of the Earth. From the opening narration of “The Preface,” the Journey merges into “The Journey Overture” with the orchestra and choir in full flow and the first sounds of synthesizers from Rick put in an appearance. From that point on, the audience was transfixed as the story moved through the adventures of the explorers. Crystal clear confident narration throughout, note perfect orchestral passages (together with beaming smiles from the musicians), beautiful ethereal sounds from the choir and the tight knit set of musicians forming the Rick Wakeman Band, all played their part in the spectacle. Rick himself, merely confirmed that he is a true master of all manner of keyboards as he moved from one to another seamlessly.

Both vocalists, Ashley and Hayley, performed superbly, but I did detect a little bit of wavering on occasion, probably down to the demanding schedule of the shows.

As one, the audience rose to applaud the spectacular performance at its completion, and the encore, which Rick joked “could last another hour and a half,” encompassed material from the sequel album, Return to The Centre of The Earth. This led on to a fast, furious and frenetic return to “Hall Of The Mountain King” and “Mount Etna” before the crowd was again back on its feet.

It may have been 40 years since this particular show had been presented live, but to those present in the Auditorium that night, it was indeed worth the wait. Everyone knew that they had witnessed a majestic keyboard wizard in his element, backed by superb musicians and singers. The sights and sounds of that night would live in the minds of the audience for a very long time.

I wonder when Rick might decide to do The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and The Knights Of The Round Table?  Perhaps we will have to wait until the technology exists to allow the title to fit onto a t-shirt.

5/5 Stars

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

May 28, 2014