Rick Wakeman - Keyboard Solo

Rick Wakeman, best ever?

[@zeusdvm]

I am a prog rocker from the 70's, I have heard them all old and new. There is NO ONE who plays the keyboards like Rick Wakeman! Yes, his speed is amazing but what distinguishes him is his limitless talent, he is without equal. He has mastered so many genres of music and has a huge catalog of recordings. His solo output is staggering from New Age, classical, rock, soundtracks, huge production pieces with chorus, vocalists and orchestra; he does it all. This video still takes my breath away, wow!

[@glubone]

Jobson from U.K.

[@randymckinley4137]

Jordan Rudess. He can do the speed and stay in time.

[@mooch6925]

beautifully said

[@dvaidr]

Superb. Have seen them all, but for me Rick remains unchallenged.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

It's not just playing ability which indeed limitless as you say, but Rick's always been an excellent composer and songwriter. He's written some terrific stuff in a variety of styles over the years, some of it astoundingly complex, others simply and catchy, and most all of it with just beautiful moments.

[@Ryder916]

Met this guy a couple of times... last time, over coffee I counted his fingers just to be sure he had the same number as I do!

[@LizzieLouiza]

Love this comment!

[@claudio130]

Best comment I read in a long time!

[@francoisblanchard6674]

excellent 👍

[@tose917]

Actually it is a very depressing comment. When you finish counting his fingers and then you look at yours. I’ll bet that people go like this: “ we have the same amount of fingers…what the f*ck is wrong with me!?!?” 🤣

[@NROS2012]

But they are bloody massive!. I’m no small-handed man, but when I shook his hand once, it disappeared! Also, I can play the Merlin part at the end, but it’s not comfortable at all: you can tell the person who wrote it has a large span.

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

I like how Rick looks like he just woke up a half hour before the show and can play a great composition flawlessly

[@NROS2012]

that's because he did just wake up half an hour before the show!

[@dandvoracek8692]

His name is Wakeman after all

[@ReneeNme]

Rick doesn't need to utilize any onboard Arpeggiator's on his machines. He just simply plays the Arpeggio's himself.

[@JetEarlewood]

Sequencers. Moog system 15

[@ProgRockNerd]

@@JetEarlewood Yeah, but not here.

[@felipegama]

Like any classical pianist , no ?

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

The Chuck Norris of keyboard players. 😉

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Nelson Robert Willis at Nick plays some, and can play. Many “musicians” today can barely play anything it seems!

[@eklipsoverda]

I was sitting about 100 feet away from him that night. Damnedest thing ever!

[@seabulls69]

When and where was this? I'd like to get a DVD of the entire concert.

[@eklipsoverda]

@@seabulls69 This was in 1989 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California (between San Jose and San Francisco and near the Bay, if you're not from around those parts). The performance was released on DVD, and it looks like Amazon has some used copies for sale, but they're kind of expensive.

[@Austin_Wingfield]

That's amazing. This video changed my life. My mother plays for our church

[@stevet7487]

​@@seabulls69 A bit late response, but make sure you are looking up the Anderson, Bufurd, Wakeman, Howe concert. ABWH. All yes members but a side group formed late 80's early 90's.

[@77news97]

This is just so fantastic. I was fortunate to see Yes live in Madison, Wisconsin in 1979, with Rick.

[@mikes1686]

Was that the In the Round concert they had back around that time ?I may have been there as well.

[@tomsimpson5896]

There are few who can play the keyboards like Rick Wakeman. A true pioneer who integrated electronic music with classic rock. Sometime it's OK to just watch and listen, and be awed by pure genius and talent!

[@texastornado7725]

Absolutely the best keyboard solo out there. I saw this show twice and have the DVD which I watch to this day and still amazed by this solo. Absolutely love YES and have for years and years.

[@AlexanderPochertPiano]

Could you please tell me on what DVD I can see this wizardry again?

[@shoozymusic]

2:54 When you procrastinated so you have three hours to write a 1500 word paper

[@markkens9]

I always love to hear Rick blast through that Korg solo!

[@duggyTwink]

What truly ticks me off is that he doesn't even look like he's trying yet brillant..

[@stevenfetty]

Since he has a mullet too I have to say this is now the most amazing thing I've ever seen.

[@Jhihmoac]

One of my favorite keyboardists... Classicly trained, of course... I absolutely loved his performance with the Yes Union tour along with original keyboardist Tony Kaye back in 1991...

[@markushutto4017]

Yea. Back when a true great keyboard player had to learn classical music. Not like this bullshit today

[@rickmatousek]

he's not only a great player but generous and loving to his children. Met his daughter while I was doing a show at Severance Center here in Cleveland last month. He GAVE her a Yamaha C5 baby grand as a gift. What a great present!

[@patrickfigoli12]

Yeah clevelander

[@oscaralfaro7648]

The first concert I ever went to in my life was on the ABWH tour in 1989, on this very tour, and it was one of the happiest days of my life!!!

[@MicarahTewers]

I had to check my playback speed! For a second I thought I must be on 1.5 speed. I was not.

[@alexthegr8288]

Took my little brother to see Rick last year. My dad complained to him, saying that my brother didn't practice enough. Rick looks at my brother and says, "do you have a girlfriend?". My brother replies "Yes sir i do", to which Rick says "That's all the practice you need". What a lovely man. :)

[@gypsygirl731]

rick wakeman is best ever i saw him when he played with YES his keyboards were suspended in the air at the arena .. yes big wires adn rods of course and he was wired to the seat.. and the whole piano turned around and flipped in mid air

[@juniperwoodgreen4090]

Ha ha. Brill...

[@grobles1]

gypsygirl731 wasn’t that Keith Emerson

[@abk1424]

I remember seeing this video 12 years ago. I am still completely blown away by it to this day. Incredible.

[@oleksandrmorenko139]

Do you know a name of the composition?

[@daveh9335]

Mr Richard Wakeman is the Buddy Rich of keyboards.

[@CaptainJeoy]

This solo is majorly what started my keyboard journey for me

[@davep8221]

No one is ever "best." He is my favorite though. I love the way he shakes out his hand before the fireworks begin. I can't even drum my fingers that fast. Madrigal is making me cry. "Tormato" is so underrated.

[@ToddBaker2112]

The Neil Peart of keyboards.

[@subzero07094]

So you're putting Peart on the Mt. Rushmore of drummers. That's a bold statement. Wakeman for sure is with keyboardists...Peart, not so much.

[@ToddBaker2112]

@@subzero07094 Easy there tiger.

[@subzero07094]

@@ToddBaker2112 If you think Peart is top 5 drummers you need some new ears, tiger.

[@iansnow_]

I mean.. I get what you mean by saying this. But imagine commenting on Neil Peart saying he’s the rick wakeman of drums.

[@lilbarbecuesowse5347]

@@subzero07094 Peart, Bruford, Collins, Cobham.

[@JoseBernardinoCosta]

Absolutamente magnifico , grande mestre das teclas. Adoro discografia deste génio da percussão.

[@stevelaw3886]

He's not of this world, like Bowie

[@paulbaily3164]

behave..one of the great keyboard players ever...not just his ability to play but compose and create great keyboard works....

[@fyremanbill]

This was either the opening or closing song (I was high) back in 76 in Fresno that hooked me on Rick and Yes. Still have some vinyl! Miss those days...

[@gilkj58]

Are you absolutely sure that wasn't the Relayer tour with Patrick Moraz? That tour with the over-the-top laser show and Felizx Pappalardi as the opening act. I only went to the concert at Selland Arena because I had like 90 hits of blotter to sell, but that show changed me genetically forever. It was the single best thing of any kind that I've ever seen. Maybe it was in '77. Did you happen to see that one?

[@dancarleton1893]

What's more amazing that what he is doing with his right hand at 3:00, is the fact that his freakin left hand is playing something too.

[@stargate1555]

I'm a drummer, it's called independence. The ability to play different rhythms, chords, or main themes independently.

[@S2Sturges]

instantly recognisable playing .... his chord voicing, melodies and phrasing sets him apart from any other keyboard player. For such big hands, he has incredible speed and fluidity.. Amazing musician...

[@Jaminbenb1]

he's constantly amazing!

[@johnkendrick367]

One of the baddest ass keyboardist I've ever heard. Never been a big fan of keyboard or piano until I heard Rick wakeman. One of the baddest ass keyboardist I have ever met or heard tell of

[@marekfaliszewski4427]

Wonderful,amazing sounds.

[@zeusdvm]

I have read some of these recent comments dissing Rick Wakeman and his fans and I am totally aghast. Do not criticize that which you cannot appreciate nor understand. This man is a true genius and is recognized as one of the finest keyboard players of all time. He has released a multitude of albums in all varieties of genres ranging from classical, new age, pop, rock and huge rock/orchestra productions, demonstrating his mastery of each. He is a true innovator with limitless talent.

[@Tilly850]

Mind blowing. Been a fan of his records since I was a teen...70s, and so awesome to see him play. I'm blown away at how good he is...every. single. time.

[@Quantanthead]

Unbelievable!!! I marvel each time I watch this.

[@andrewsvonja4756]

went to see him do a one man show in leamington spa, he didnt have his keyboards just a piano and interspersed his piano playing with anecdotes hie is a naturally funny man a great pianist and keyboad player

[@andrewhaines8603]

One of my favourite gigs, seeing him play "Six Wives" at Hampton Court Palace. Just fabulous and his caped organ solo was a highlight!

[@RiquezaEmGotas]

That Merlin the Magician part requires some serious technique to play, let alone those single notes fast repetitions he does with two or three fingers shown earlier.

[@davidpeck9834]

YES he is the best. Saw him and YES 6 times. Met him backstage in Denver. He has it all in terms of talent, but his musicianship is deeper than any other Rock keyboarder. Melody, harmony, mixed meters, textures, genres, styles. Wow.

[@Gottenhimfella]

hmmm ... Keith Emerson, at least during the Tarkus period? I think that composition (along with Roundabout, by Yes, with huge and stunning input from Rick, released the same year) provide pretty much the high water mark of keyboard-driven progressive rock.

[@ofsaintsandsufis7391]

No disrespect to KE intended, of course. I Saw ELP plenty, too, and KE is beyond amazing. By "musicianship" I was referring to Rick's knowledge of musical structures and applied theory, as well as mastery of styles (hence, "Melody, harmony, mixed meters, textures, genres, styles"). I suppose that I am looking to his studio work as well as time in Yes. . Totally agree as to high water mark. Tarkus is, imo, ELPs best product. Truly a great era, man.

[@snorkellisab]

Most amazing musical genius

[@john489100]

absolutely wonderful

[@exquisiteoath]

Okay, so normally when I think about music notation I figured it's almost always better to write 64ths as a tempo change. Mr Wakeman actually makes a . good case for them here. :P

[@danpedersen55]

Oh my f..king God 🤯 that's beyond impressing... I love it 😎👍

[@TAPKAC]

Filmed at The Shoreline in Mountain View, CA during the fall of 1989, just about 3 days after I watched him perform the exact same thing at the Griffith in Hollywood (just about 300 miles south). When I heard what might be referred to as "Act II" of this (just a bit after the 2:34 minute mark), I had to use binoculars from the guy sitting next to me to see what the hell he was doing. "HOLY JESUS TAP-DANCING CHRIST ON A POPSICLE STICK" was what he was doing!

[@Rhubba]

At 2:43 he starts to warm up his right hand in preparation for the Catherine Parr section of the solo.

[@cudagirl777]

Rick Wakeman will always be the best keyboard player on the planet!!!! I saw the yes union tour and seeing him in person was very exhilerating!!!!

[@markfarrell6810]

I've had the excellent good fortune of seeing Rick in several settings, in the early years... Chicago ========= Fragile Tour Close to The Edge Tour Tales From Topographic Oceans Tour Journey to the Centre of the Earth Every time I saw him play, he "kicked it up a notch" (to borrow a phrase). It was outstanding!

[@rdnzl1]

Absolutely Amazing!

[@sebs2306live2]

NOW I UNDERSTAND ..THIS IS WHO INFLUENCED JORDAN RUDESS !!

[@awaken77]

Rudess cannot neglect such big keyboard icons as Emerson and Wakeman, but he was mainly influenced by other Yes keyboardist - Patrick Moraz

[@jimmygiannakis3638]

In Jordan's dreams... Keith 1st Rick 2nd

[@josephvargas480]

You just can't mention Rick Wakemans name and not mention Kieth Emersons name. Seen them both in the 70's and 80's. Thank you God for both of them!

[@markflemmer1326]

I agree with you 100%, Rick and Keith are at the same level, both sit atop the Mt. Olympus of keyboardists. Wakeman seems to get more accolades from the masses, but Emerson is every bit as deserving, if not moreso. He singlehandedly composed so many of ELP's most masterful instrumental adventures. ELP was also only a 3 piece band, and Keith not only carried much of it but was usually the main driving force. Rick deserves all his accolades as well, but he did have the benefit of Yes being a 5 piece band. Of course, his solo stuff is astounding. Thankfully we still have Rick with us. Among more modern keyboardists, Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater is pretty phenomenal, but not quite the pioneer Wakeman and Emerson were.

[@NROS2012]

Hopefully his wife can...

[@johnkru1295]

And they were good buds, too!

[@marymarlow5598]

I've always been into ELP . Rick did a tribute to Keith after he passed away. It was a mix of his different songs done with that Rick twist. I think he did it all on the piano. When Rick was with Yes they made their best song Round about. When he left Yes they went back to being just another band. The only period where they made outstanding music was with Rick. To bad he didn't join Deep Purple, or Moody blues, or Stepping Wolf. They would have made dozens of million gold records. They would have loved in the top 10 for 10 years along with the Beatles and Stones, and ELO.

[@marymarlow5598]

Ever listened to the Stephen Wolf album For Ladies Only. The whole side B is a piano solo by Johnny Kay. I had no idea how good the guy was on the keys until I heard that album.

[@essentialdefense7694]

One of the most memorable performances ever. From the ABWH tour. Incredible. Amazing, Awesome, Great!

[@przwll]

I find his music inspiring -went to see him live over 30 years ago and he was superb-very talented artist.

[@joseluiscasal7221]

for my rick wakeman is the best pianist and keyboard player ever

[@BerthaDeMellier]

Right, so it is!

[@ProgresivePrototipe]

Cof Cof Jordan Cof Rudess Cof Cof

[@geewhizwhatdiduexpect4666]

I put him neck and neck with Keith Emerson.

[@murraymacdonald4959]

I thought that way once. Then I saw Hiromi Uehara kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6jFp2p-r7amd5Y

[@frepi]

Cough cough....watch?v=Gy5UHK4EeM8

[@GeoffYuleSmith]

Australia. I had the good fortune to meet you in Sydney after one of your last concerts here, and I gave you a copy of my own Single CD contingency 3 of my songs sung and performed by me on the keyboard, one of which is titled “We Can Change The World If We Try” by GeoffYule Smith. Thank you for all your great music, passion and the joy that you have brought into the world. God Bless you Mr. Rick Wakeman. 😀🎹

[@joesycamore2899]

Arguably the greatest keyboard player ever. Only Keith Emerson could challenge him.

[@CudderMC]

wuuut ? george duke, oscar peterson, bill evans, maybe. But that guy ? pretty good, no more

[@joeysahouria5058]

Pfft, like Keith could lay a finger on this guy! Rick Wakeman is the best keyboardist ever! That’s not to say Keith isn’t good, he’s certainly up there, but Wakeman is the most creative and talented. Just look at the flute sound solos in this video!

[@randymckinley4137]

Jordan Rudess

[@davearonow65]

Hiromi would bitch slap him and take his lunch money

[@SuperJupiter9]

In rock music, maybe, but in jazz and classical? No

[@asswipe4087]

So amazing a super underrated band

[@TheSoundTestRoom]

Unreal and truly brilliant.

[@brianhagen8244]

Classical music critics who put down rock music: get a load of THIS! LOL

[@La_sagne]

do classical music critics really put down rock or are you imagining things?

[@BobMuk08]

The amazing thing is he is still just as good over 50 years later!

[@falconeddymastering5347]

I'm a retired Audio Mastering Engineer as well as classically trained pianist, and hardly a slouch on keyboards where I can perform classical selections from level 9+ of the Henle scale of difficulty. With THAT said, they broke the molds after creating persons such as Rick, Keith, Jordan, and a few others. There was a time in my mid to late 20's when I was on the road in a rather incredible progressive rock band for three years, where I could easily keep up with any one of them. But, now in my late 60's, I found that without that daily ritual of continual practice, I've fallen FAR behind these gods of the keyboards in regards to speed & agility. Never met Rick, (or Keith before his passing), but I played many ELP tunes on the road, including his version of Fanfare For The Common Man. Rick is simply an anomaly, and outstanding musician, with some of the MOST articulate fingering methods I've ever seen.

[@cheeneedejesus3537]

Legend has it that the keyboard was immediately repaired after the solo

[@AntoniaMarieWatts]

A true master - and yes, the greatest keyboardist...

[@pnoplkr333]

I couldn't agree more. ♪

[@MrGpr2012]

Oh yes. In the top 5

[@lucianoalfideo8683]

Ray Manzarek

[@progisloveprogislife4501]

And yes, he's from yes. The answer is yes

[@myrealname7655]

Wakeman or Keith Emerson. Coin toss.

[@hhlomaxx]

Still one of my favorite keyboard players..

[@juniperwoodgreen4090]

Brilliant man...

[@LawrenceSolon]

10/10 would get deafened again

[@c0l57v49]

I doubt there are many keyboard artists that are equal to this man, and there are some great ones out there, just not on the same level,of talent

[@Merlin-pm4vm]

Absolutely love it. I listened to him in the 70’s so much. Thx.

[@themanedmunds2461]

seen him do this live to!!! how does he keep it going!!! rick brilliant!!!!

[@adrianmedforth3033]

Wow oh wow ! Totally amazing !

[@ghostshadow6628]

One of the greats of my lifetime. His legacy will be long remembered.

[@cigarmerchant2238]

Like the way Rick has to occasionally look over to his left hand just to see what it is doing. Saw YES three times in the 70s and even when they were backing up the Eagles. Always thought he and Keith were the best Prog keyboardist and proud to say I saw Rick Wakeman play one day, so satisfied I saw him play...

[@devmiles]

skills ... my god!

[@martybear2995]

Bravo bravo, Maestro at work.

[@Spuweee]

Rest assured, we'll never see the video, "here is my cover of the Rick Wakeman keyboard solo" here on KZbin

[@rickb4806]

Or Kanye West doing it...

[@ВалерийЦапко-е8ы]

Маэстро

[@oiramsq73]

(The first time I saw this solo (on Pay-Per-View) I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes/ears it was so fast!) Actually - I did just see a video of a guy who recreated the solo from YESSONGS... it was pretty good. But there is NO ONE like Rick Wakeman. He is the raw talent in YES. Listen to “Close to the Edge”... the man is just a monster player. CTTE may have been Jon Anderson’s vision... but Wakeman made it possible with his composition and playing skills.

[@KevboKev]

Challenge Accepted! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4WnaX2LZbiNq80

[@josephlemko3027]

Wakeman is a brillant musician.👍

[@Helix751]

Imagine this show today with a live HD LED giant screen on top of the stage, focused on his fingers.. Absolutely mesmerizing!!

[@crepellodeltic9454]

I first met Rick when he played in Ronnie Smiths Band at the TOP RANK in Watford and at the Reading TR mid 60's

[@darrennz2008]

Just gorgeous melodies ! ... awesome !

[@MrWkdWilly]

Jeez, how good is he!!! Excellent

[@rolandmishaev5030]

Brilliant musician!

[@ChristopherMilnevcm]

If the tinnitus triggered by the BLAST of sound at the opening of this video, ever subsides, I will be able to enjoy watching this video. Thanks Ariel Goldring!

[@rockwoodbandcom]

There is not a stage big enough for this man.

[@xsited1]

This was recording during Rick's "Look like a Chicken" phase.

[@Gottenhimfella]

I think it suited him. He looks somewhat handsome in this clip. These days his looks are more distinctive than attractive.

[@RiquezaEmGotas]

Amazing display of talent and that final piece, 'Merlin the Magician' is incredibly difficult to play and very exciting to listen!

[@ovidiulupu8484]

Emerson-wakeman are the great history of prog rock.their albums are all great.thanks a Lot keith and Rick!

[@marcovedelago2413]

Fantastico ,meraviglia,la fortuna di ascoltare vivente forse il più grande genio delle tastiere di sempre

[@anneslater5437]

Omigod, freakin genius!!

[@NeonPrism]

At times it sounds like that MIDI file you've played at the wrong speed. What a genius, unbelievable.

[@Noneyabusinessok]

Makes the hairs on my head stand when he plays. N ver have I encountered someone as great as him on a keyboard.

[@norbitcleaverhook5040]

I don't know about greatest keyboardist but he sure has the greatest mullet.

[@BrooklynPerson30000]

he's my favorite keyboard player- don't know what he was thinking with that hair

[@freesoul3371]

That mullet ROCKS!

[@BrooklynPerson30000]

Paul B oh i beg to differ haha

[@anneslater5437]

Lol, sure does!

[@thedolphin5428]

Ahem, there is NO SUCH THING as a great mullet.

[@zeusdvm]

@apieceofeight23 The opening portion is "Madrigal" from the Yes album Tormato, the closing "crazy" section is a portion of "Merlin the Magician" from his solo album The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. As much of a fan of his that I am I have trouble placing the middle rapid fire section...sorry. I hope that helps.

[@SuperEgido]

¡Qué locura! ¡Es fantástico!

[@MegaCirse]

C’est beau comme la non-rétractabilité des serres des oiseaux rapaces; ou encore, comme l'incertitude des mouvements musculaires dans les plaies des parties molles de la région cervicale postérieure !!

[@JohannesC-c9k]

Fast chromatic thirds, fast octaves and big leaps are arguably the real difficulties in classical piano playing.

[@Chefkey]

Such Dexterous fingers, he has got to be the most fluid rock keyboardist of all time. Those trill type runs he frequently does in many songs are unparalled by anyone else in the industry. He's a true rock legend and still going strong as of today.

[@petereyles5583]

Beautiful Rick!!!🎹🎼🎼🎼🎼♥️

[@davidchamberlain5425]

Lang Lang plays on earth👍 Rick Wakeman plays in heaven🙏

[@Abonanno24601]

11 years later and we still can't get anything better than a 240p of this video? hehhe

[@Aftereffect2011]

Yesssss,Mr.Rick Wakeman is the best ; )

[@ThereWasNoFreeName]

That was fucking AWESOME!

[@Spermwhales93]

@apieceofeight23 He's doing a (sort of) improvised keyboard solo while the rest of the band have a rest for a bit. Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater does solos like this as well.