Rick Wakeman in Gateshead

Rick Wakeman is an English keyboardist and composer, born in 1949, whose work spans progressive rock and classically influenced instrumental music. He became known as a member of Yes on albums including Fragile and Close to the Edge, while his solo catalogue includes The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Journey to the Centre of the Earth and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In 1974, Wakeman recorded Journey to the Centre of the Earth at the Royal Festival Hall, performing with the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir and his rock band. He followed it in 1975 with an arena presentation of King Arthur at Wembley Empire Pool that incorporated orchestra, choir, narration and ice skating. In 2009, he performed The Six Wives of Henry VIII in full at Hampton Court Palace.