Vol. 5, No. 8 - May 1998 - Rick Wakeman
Well here's the announcement that you've all been waiting for...
Rick has signed with EMI Classic to record and perform the sequel to Journey, called "Return to the Centre of the Earth".
Check out the site for full details as they are known today.
That's all for now.
Wayne Smith
Rick is playing at the Liverpool Philharmonic in aid of Cancer Research on Sunday May 31st there will be the Flint Male Voice Choir, Merseyside Youth Orchestra, and pianist Glenys Carroll. I don't know if it is mainly Rick's show with guests or if he is just making a guest appearance. If you can make it you will be supporting a good cause as well as hopefully hearing a good show. I have no knowledge of this but you never know we may get a sneak preview of part of "Return to the Centre of the Earth".
I was under the impression that Rick is not too keen on computers, certainly not on the Internet! Does he have a computer at home? Does he use it? Does he like it?
(Rick) appeared in the last five minutes, after "consonant please" Carol Vorderman (is it possible to have a crush on someone younger then yourself? - sad, aren't I?). Not long enough.
Another interesting thought is that in "The Story of the Mellotron", out of 30 minutes, Rick's only musical contribution was part of his Yessongs solo bit (the Alleluia Chorus) and Space Oddity.
BTW, I've said this on another list, but I know I'm getting old when the likes of Wakeman, Tangerine Dream and Jarre, not to mention King Crimson, are discussed on BBC Radio TWO!
Any budding broadcasters out there know whether Rick chose his contributions to both programmes, or was he constrained by the men in the suits? After all, it is the BBC we're talking about.
If any of this has been discussed before, then I apologise in advance..
Another topic: I asked back in the wild blue yonder about the last stuff I heard from Rick on the Landscape Channel, it was, in fact, Country Airs (Art of Landscape version).
And finally...
I do have a CD-R of "The Story of the Mellotron", and a VHS (PAL) recording of "Computers Don't Bite" if anyone is interested in a copy.
While I remember, the RWCC newsletter came a few days ago, and for those of you who don't see it one of the more interesting things was that an album called THEMES is supposed to be coming out on President Records (!) in May/June. This includes vocals by Fraser and Chrissie and some music that was originally planned for the Linekers Golden Boots programme.
White Rock II is still a *possibility* as a release later in the year and the latest thinking on the two trilogies is that one *might* be released on the dormant Ambient Records label. Noah got mentioned again, this time as a possible first release after Hope is absorbed into Music Fusion but with no commitments or timescales. Otherwise "Return" is taking up much of Rick's time.
BTW for those, like me, who couldn't work out if the Liverpool appearance was a full gig or a guest appearance in another concert, it is actually billed as "Rick Wakeman & Friends" and may be the only public live performance this year unless he does come "church" gigs.
This one was a very pleasant read (normally it is just a very interesting read). At last there is to be a new album out any day. Rick has got me trained to expect more than the average artist so 12 months without a release is far too long.
There was a good lengthy explanation of how Return has come into being. Apparently it was Nic that got the ball rolling.
"Reflections of Winter" with the White Rock II Music has apparently been screen of Sky Sports twice so far. Has any one recorded it. There has certainly been no one mention it so far :-( If I had know when It was on I would probably have take the channel for that month.
Rick Mentioned the Net and it's rumour mongering again. And wonders why people don't just ask Wayne. I could imagine Wayne groaning as I read that :-)
Rick started On Countdown again today. And I found out why May 18 was a special day. It being his birthday. The story was about oscar when he was 4 having a crush on Nigel Mansells then 9 year old daughter. The headmistress said to Oscar wasn't she too old to be his girlfriend. He said no it's OK he was her "Toy Box".
Rick`s career has reached new heights.... guest dictionary man on "Countdown".Why would you want to go on an international tour when you could appear on daytime TV ? He should be on every day this week. V. depressing. I wonder if Vorderman is a Yes fan ?
From (loznik@garbage.bigfoot.com)
RW has been on Countdown a few months ago.
He was on "Computers Don't Bite" (a BBC-TV educational ditty) a few days ago. Showed a brief clip of him in Yes with the long tresses, then he proceeded to tell us all how easy computers are. My wife nearly fell off the sofa at this.
From Simon Barrow (simonbarrow@cix.co.uk)
Hey, don't knock 'Countdown' - it has to be one of Rick's better career moves. So long as they don't let him re-write the theme tune, that is.
I know that many of you do not receive the RWCC Newsletter so I thought I would post a few bits and pieces from the new issue which arrived today.
The issue explains all about The Return To The Centre Of The Earth project and the enthusiastic support of the major label EMI. There is no mention of who the "special guests" will be as confirmation is still needed from a few of the artists- though all have "been very positive about the project". Names may be available in July according to the newsletter.
The release date for the album is scheduled for Monday January 18, 1999, which is in fact the exact date of the 25th Anniversary of the original performance of "Journey To The Centre Of The Earth". Also, January 18 is hoped to be the date of the concert in London which will ultimately feature an incredible cast of players. The venue isn't confirmed yet, but RWCC reveals that they are working on WEMBLEY ARENA! Of course all of this is subject to final confirmation.
RWCC subscribers and members will have access to choice tickets through the RWCC. There will also be a worldwide tour that will take "RETURN" to the USA, Japan, Europe, South America, Australia and Korea. Agents and producers well experienced in setting up a tour this BIG (i.e. McCartney and Michael Jackson) have been enlisted. Please don't call the RWCC office with ticket requests.