Rick Wakeman

Birthday: 18 May 1949, Perivale, Middlesex, England, UK

Birth Name: Richard Christopher Wakeman

Rick Wakeman's work on the classic albums of the progressive rock band Yes, his hugely successful solo albums, as well as his contributions to classic David Bowie songs, has earned him a reputati ...Show More

[speaking about his keyboard playing] I avoid preset sounds wherever possible, and all the sounds I Show more [speaking about his keyboard playing] I avoid preset sounds wherever possible, and all the sounds I use I have edited. Hide

[on progressive rock] I've always believed that these days there is hardly a band or musician anywhe Show more [on progressive rock] I've always believed that these days there is hardly a band or musician anywhere who haven't used some element of prog in their music. It's all about freedom of expression, which in my case is often in seven different time signatures! Hide

[on Freddie Mercury] I only got to meet Freddie a few times out in Montreux and got on great with hi Show more [on Freddie Mercury] I only got to meet Freddie a few times out in Montreux and got on great with him, an absolute character. Hide

[speaking on The Weakest Link (2000), 2005] It's got a bit sad, really. I've stopped drinking, I don Show more [speaking on The Weakest Link (2000), 2005] It's got a bit sad, really. I've stopped drinking, I don't smoke anymore, I've stopped getting married and I play golf and eat shepherd's pie. Hide

I joined Yes in July 1971. I had heard Yes live, as The Strawbs had supported them at a gig in Hull. Show more I joined Yes in July 1971. I had heard Yes live, as The Strawbs had supported them at a gig in Hull. I thought they were amazing - incredibly different. Hide

Bohemian Rhapsody broke every single rule. It broke the rules in radio too because it became the mos Show more Bohemian Rhapsody broke every single rule. It broke the rules in radio too because it became the most played radio track and yet it didn't fit into any of the genre that it should have done. Hide

[speaking about Jon Anderson]: Jon is the only person I know who cares about the planet but lives on Show more [speaking about Jon Anderson]: Jon is the only person I know who cares about the planet but lives on another one. Hide

I'm always writing or playing because that is my life. I'm always writing or playing because that is my life.

Rick Wakeman's FILMOGRAPHY - Page 5

as Actor (105)

Portrait Artist of the Year - Season 5