Rick Wakeman is bidding farewell to touring after his latest solo jaunt.
The prog legend’s iconic one-man piano and keyboard shows are set to conclude in 2024.
Rick – the renowned classical keyboardist known for his tenures with Yes and his session work for David Bowie, Sir Elton John, Marc Bolan, Cat Stevens, and Lou Reed – has just announced a set of North American dates for March, with more to follow later this year, and he also has shows in South America to complete in April before he retires from the stage.
In a statement, he said: “I always planned to stop touring by my 77th birthday – for those of you who wish to send me a card, it’s May 18th! – but there is so much to fit in before then that I’m having to make plans now, and so my final one-man shows will have to cease by that date.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed performing the various one-man shows, but it’s time to call it a day.
“I intend to throw in the best of what I have done in the past, plus a few new surprises on the way, and possibly even the odd guest joining me on the odd occasion.
“The plan is not to perform at the same venue twice throughout this period, so whatever venue you are hopefully thinking of coming to, it will be the last performance there — and I am taking this opportunity of thanking everyone and anyone who has supported me over the last 53 years!”
Fans who attend the shows will get to hear the 30-minute instrumental, ‘Yessonata’, comprising “Yes themes and melodies, woven into sonata form.”