The Original Grumpy Old Man.

Monday evening was spent in the company of the original and finest keyboard wizard and grumpy (but very funny) old man, Rick Wakeman at his one-man show entitled ‘Rick Wakeman’s Grumpy Old Picture Show’ in the Swan Theatre in High Wycombe. I’d managed to secure tickets in the second row, right in the middle, so we could almost see his nasal hairs…..

Armed with a mini grand piano, a cluster of modern and vintage electronic keyboards, a projector screen, a lectern and a very long overcoat, Rick entertained us with stories from his life interspersed with ‘very rare footage’ of interviews with people who had influenced him and he had influenced, some silly gags and of course some incredible piano and keyboard playing.

The screen also showed recordings of other musicians playing that he played along with live, which is quite a technical feat. At various points, there were five Ricks on stage, two Gordon Giltraps, a rock band and a school choir!

Highlights of the show for me were ‘Merlin the Magician’, ‘Amazing Grace’ with Rick’s daughter Gemma on vocals, ‘Eleanor Rigby’ in the style of Prokofiev, and the ‘Injured golfer’ gag….

After the show was another big highlight for me. Rick appeared in the bar for a chat and signings, so I managed to get his squiggle on a few items of great historical importance. We had a bit of a natter and he explained why he was reluctant to agree to do any more massive world tours with YES, which is very sad news because if they do tour in late 2008 for their 40th anniversary (as has been strongly rumoured) it will undoubtedly be their swansong. We can only hope that a compromise is reached and a ‘final’ album and tour do actually come to fruition… It would be unthinkable for the band to end their incredible career without Rick.

By coinsidence, we found ourselves leaving the theatre at the same moment as our host. We continued chatting into the car park where a bemused old rocker came to a stop with a puzzled expression on his face. “Where the bloody hell did I put my car?” he quizzed. Di couldn’t help herself and let out a big belly laugh which echoed around the deserted multi-storey. Our hero appeared slightly less than impressed. Eventually, with a little help from us, he managed to locate his big green car on the level below, so all was well and we could chuckle our way homeward.

Definately another grand success from the YES family, and Di, Steve, Nix and Dave all said they really enjoyed it too. Thanks for coming along guys.

P.

  Rick punishes the keys.

  What a bod, eh girls?

  At the bar.

  Steve couldn’t wait to get an autograph…..

  Old mates?

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