Intuitive Music

Rick Wakeman, the legendary progressive rock keyboardist of Yes, has announced his retirement from the stage. On May 2005 he already pointed out the possibility that 2006 could be the last year he would appear live on stage. This decision could be mainly provoked by the latest health problems of the keyboardist, who suffered a car crash in September 2002. In an interview for the Western Daily Press in May 2003 Wakeman said: “There was no way I should have survived and I am very grateful I did and think I should use my extra time wisely. Despite all the self-inflicted illnesses I had gone merrily on. But that one has changed me. After the Yes tour I am going to stop and smell the roses. I think I have had the big warning. I have asked the agents and promoters I currently deal with to look for final dates in as many countries as possible up until December 31st 2006. These final shows will be either those with an orchestra, with the English Rock Ensemble, the One Man Show (or a derivative of), The New Gospels or Church shows.”

Rick Wakeman has officially announced that he will concentrate on recording and writing for films after ending live work in 2006. This opens a big question mark about the involvement of the keyboardist in future plans of the band Yes. In a recent interview in the Q magazine’s “Classic Prog special” he answers about this question: “I think so. When asked who’s currently in Yes, Chris Squire usually says: the first five that turn up for rehearsals. Which isn’t far from the truth.”

The fans speculations point out the possibility of keyboardist Geoff Downes (Buggles, Yes, Asia), who is currently involved in Alan White’s band White, replacing Wakeman in the forthcoming Yes tours.