I became a fan of Yes in 1979.... unfortunately for and unbeknownst to me, Rick and Jon had already left the band, which we had only learned after purchasing tickets for their 1980 Drama LP. I had been exposed to their music since as early as 1972-74, through my late brother and his extensive 8-track tape collection thanks to Columbia House. 😂
But I officially became a fan in 1979. I had to wait until 1989 before I could first see this rock and roll maestro in concert for the first time with Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. And wow. I mean [big][b][c=004A59]WOW!!!![/c][/b][/big]
His showmanship is unsurpassed. I saw him again for the 1991 Union tour. Seeing him with Bruford on both tours had me in Yes heaven, but seeing how unexpectedly well Wakeman and Trevor Rabin enjoyed jamming together was a true bonus. I again saw Rick in the early 2000’s on the Yes Masterworks tour, and again in 2012 with Jon Anderson on the Living Tree tour, and most recently with Anderson Rabin Wakeman as another version of Yes.
Have to say I do have a bit of a soft spot for Wakeman. Undoubtedly a very gifted musician and wonderful stage performer.
Just such a shame he doesn’t have an ‘instantly recognisable tune’ that people associate with him. Unlike Keith Emerson and his occasional rambling performances of Fanfare for the common man for Emerson; Lake and Palmer.
SW-User
Do not hate on me for this... I have never been one to follow band people or keep up on their lives...goes for famous people all over really. I appreciate music I hear, but this is the first I knew this guy's name. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am-2L_mdBOM] Rick Wakeman - Welcome to Rick's Plaice | Rick's Plaice
@SW-User wouldn’t hate on you for that! Because you learned he existed and that’s a good thing! Music can be like that. We’ve heard people’s contributions but never knew who they were exactly.
SW-User
@Ambroseguy80 Thank you. :) There's a whole world of people we'll probably never know for their contributions. Thank you for sharing this post.
@Ambroseguy80 he had rejoined them on one of their many reunion tours. It was a mix of old and newer members. Trevor Rabin was on guitar along with Steve Howe. Wakeman had his spotlight towards the end of the show.
