Wakeman in tune with fans

Thursday 8th November 2007, 11:30AM GMT.

wd2441847wakeman-8-ae-07.jpgGrumpy Old Man star Rick Wakeman told his life story through music and film at the city’s Wulfrun Hall last night.

He is the only star to have appeared in every episode of the BBC’s hit comedy Grumpy Old Men, and during last night’s show he commented on all the essentials – divorce, ill health, drinking and, of course, golf.

The 200-strong audience was also treated to his outstanding piano skills, and the 58-year-old performed versions of Amazing Grace, Eleanor Rigby and fans’ favourite Merlin The Magician.

But the real treat came in the finale when Rick, complete with sparkly cape, performed Yes classic Starship Trooper with his ex-band members appearing on the giant screen behind him.

His life story was told via the big screen with embarrassing photographs, mock news reports and appearances by those near and dear to him such as guitarist Gordon Giltrap and daughter Gemma, both of whom were in last night’s audience.

Rick also told a variety of anecdotes, including how Andrew Lloyd Webber stole part of Judas Iscariot for Phantom Of The Opera and how he appeared drunk on The Old Grey Whistle Test.

The Grumpy Old Picture Show took 60 people more than six months to produce and judging on last night’s audience reaction all the hard work has paid off.


  1. 1
    Red

    Great review, but one small point, the band on film during Starship Trooper wasn’t members of Yes, but were members of Rick’s English Rock ensemble.
    Other than that great nights entertainment, I just hope next time I see him he’s with Yes for a proposed 40th Anniversary Tour

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  2. 2
    Paul

    Not only a superb musician but a very funny man too. It was an excellent night out and well worth the drive up the M40 from Bucks. I hope he does release the proposed DVD of this tour as it bridges the gap between his previous one-man shows and his full-on rock concerts with Yes and the English Rock Ensemble.

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