Yes I know, late again, but I do have mitigating circumstances so don't shout at me too loudly! At the beginning of September I spent a week in hospital have surgery on my spine and spinal cord, which although was successful, I did suffer afterwards during recovery and then before I knew it, rehearsals were starting… and how great were they! The new girls (The Progettes) are amazing and Jesse Smith is doing a fantastic job out front having come in at very short notice as Mollie unfortunately had to pull out of the tour… so far we have done 4 shows and I have been stunned by the performances from everybody in the band. It's not an easy show to perform and at times I look around in amazement at their musical ability… it's a show I'd like to take to America and other countries but unfortunately there aren't promoters out there willing to take on a 9-piece band playing classic prog… How times have changed. Having said all that, the shows here have been great as I said earlier, and by the end we will have done a total of 14 performances in the UK. It's a shame there aren't more, (just the one in Scotland… and what a great night, and none in Wales or Ireland but I'm grateful for having the opportunity to do whatever is possible. It's a bit of a struggle health wise at the moment as my mobility is poor but I am due further operations in November which should help solve many of the issues so that will be a disappointment to all those who dislike prog as I intend to keep going!!!
Rick with The ERE at Liverpool Philharmonic.
Today is the official release of Melancholia and I am so happy at the way it has been received so far. The title track is getting air play in many countries which for me is so rewarding as instrumental piano pieces rarely get played on radio. I really feel creative at the moment and I will nurture the feelings for as long as they last as they don't come every day for sure.
One thing that a tour does allow for, is time for me to sit with my manager and discuss various possibilities for the future. I accept that some things will have to change such as the big shows I love putting on can't continue as they are not financial viable and many of the promoters around the world aren't remotely interested in what I do musically, so it's a matter of finding out what is and what isn't possible.
And talking of stuff around the world, The Isle of Man Post Office have done a fabulous job of producing a set of Rick Wakeman stamps in conjunction with Roger Dean. The Isle of Man Post Office produce some amazing special editions and was really honoured to have these appear. Thanks to all those who made it happen.
Once again thanks so much for all who either have already, or are about to come and see us on this tour . I shall miss it when it's all over...
Cheers Rick