Rick Wakeman On Prog Rock, Keyboards and His Legendary Career With Yes

[@rogerplothow]

Rick Beato asked three questions in 90 minutes and let Rick Wakeman riff. Journalists should take note.

[@tcdknowlton]

Loved it . Rick asks a question and then lets Mr. Wakeman take off!!

[@jeremythornton433]

Absolutely! Business people should take note too about the "record store" idea. I don't know about you but as a teenager in the 70s, I spent a lot of time with friends in their parents basements listening to new records that we'd all bring over to hear and talk about.

[@dannylgriffin]

You should read Rick's books! He's a riot!!!!!

[@senshinmats]

Exactly

[@PhillipAlcock]

Spot in! Too many interviewers like the sound of their own voice too much, and want to push their own agenda.

[@user-ns3dq9sh9c]

This is NOT an interview, it's simply allowing a man with a great deal of fascinating stuff to say, an opportunity to say it. Well done Rick and Rick!

[@bluelakesail]

It’s possible because he knows Rick and his audience are genuinely interested for the love of music.

[@folkme3042]

And all the better for it.

[@darrell6800]

history. get em all

[@AquarianConspiracy]

Proper Britt

[@onapona]

Could listen to Rick Wakeman telling stories for hours and hours. Thank you to both Rick and Rick.

[@stevew3421]

Make sure to listen to Rick's Rock and Roll HOF acceptance speech while being inducted as a member of Yes. It's very moving.

[@AdamsMusicBox]

@@stevew3421 I see what you did there

[@mikewa2]

@@stevew3421Rick has a sense of humour as quick as his fingers. Not always appreciated or appropriate. His brain works at a different speed to most of us I suppose he has to to keep up with his crazy speed on the keyboard

[@jesperaudi158]

He tells a great joke too!

[@edasm4113]

I saw him post-covid at our local theater. I know he played some songs (I'm sure of it) but the best part was the stories. Including questions from the audience! Magic.

[@mikemc330]

The importance of Rick’s parents in his success cannot be overstated. What a great video.

[@xnyph8490]

One hundred percent.

[@bobwegner]

Yep. As Malcolm Gladwell wrote in Outliers, the family you're born into is the overwhelming majority of what will determine whether you're successful in life.

[@nathangreer8219]

Rick, Bill Bruford has stated on his channel that he'd love an interview if given the chance....

[@zamplify]

Yeah I have a bunch of questions to ask him about Fripp

[@densealloy]

Yes please!

[@jerrybaker6227]

Please rick !!!!!!

[@jmazoso]

yes please

[@StonedJesus]

OH PLEASE YESSSS

[@summerlanduk1377]

When you click on a video thinking ‘oh I’ll have a quick 5 minutes of that’, then end up having to watch the whole thing. Now that’s the sign of a great interview!

[@mikel4797]

Same for me. Excellent.

[@UTsUTube]

That happens to me often.

[@BlackStratCat]

Exactly

[@theunabandsarchives]

Me too! Seriously! I thought "oh ok - big Yes fan. I'll give it 5 minutes and then - pow - watched the whole dang thing and never got bored.

[@0ldg00ner]

Started watching this this morning. Had to stop when I realised I was late for work.

[@simonspeak9288]

Who doesn’t love Rick? He’s a national treasure in the UK.

[@loafersheffield]

Only one thing concerns me. His mentioning that he was happy that (Cat Stevens) Yusuf Islam, found his faith. Islam was very dogmatic over the writing of a Salman Rushdie novel. Roll on another 40 years and... Rotherham Scandal. Big world, small world? Yes, Rock n Roll hall of fame. Geddy Lee, did a great job on bass, covering for Squire. Wakeman's induction speech was funny tho.

[@69spook]

Only the boomers will know this man. So a national treasure, nah.

[@jamesgoddard2321]

Don’t know about a national treasure, but he’s the finest keyboard player in rock music history.

[@AudiophileTommy]

He’s a WORLD treasure ❤❤❤❤

[@SEKr609]

@@69spook Don't forget Gen X! We raided our parents' record collections ... :D

[@stevegunning1806]

That was one of the most enlightening hours I’ve ever spent in the 66 years of my life, and all because Rick let Rick speak, so to speak. Just a delight to hear Wakeman talking about the people and gear behind some of the fine music we love to hear. This was a delight, and a credit to both men. Bravo, from Australia with love.

[@misisipimike8020]

It is a sign of Wakeman's humility and humanity that he recounts making Morning Has Broken with Cat Stevens and never once mentioned that for a very long time he was uncredited (even though only he and Stevens were on the record) and that he was only paid 10£ for the recording. Nor does he mention that many years later Cat Stevens rectified the situation and had Rick paid and the Rick immediately turned around and donated all the money to a school charity that Yusuf (Cat Stevens) had set up in the UK. All he mentions is how great Cat Stevens was and how great the producer of the record was. What a great example of a salt of the earth person.

[@matthewotooleis]

What a good geezer

[@gaycha6589]

He has lunched on that story many times. I have seen him a few times, doing his after dinner and keyboard chat periods, And he told it then. But he is a great raconteur and of course genius keyboard player.

[@barrieainge4937]

That's amazing - lovely guy.

[@JoshMaxPower]

an incredible man who has survived many heart attacks, God bless him

[@johnsenior2566]

Thank you for that info... Could I love him more

[@HistoryandNostalgiaChannel]

Rick Wakeman is an absolute gentleman and a humble genius. What an incredible musical life. I really didn't want this interview to end.

[@LittleJohnaton]

Same 🥲

[@matthewotooleis]

He’s a top geezer.

[@BillKurn]

His "Grumpy Old Rockstar" book series is hilarious!

[@HerrSint]

This could very well last ten hours without being two seconds boring.

[@SM-ie8gn]

He was humble about his contribution to early Bowie and Elton.

[@powlobo.m.b.]

Am I the only one who thinks that these historical interviews could actually be longer? I’m not kidding, they are so precious and rich that I could listen to it for hours and hours.. thank you Rick(s)!

[@tomsmith7292]

Ageed. I once heard Wakeman talk at a seminar (I watched streaming) for about a half hour about Bowies songwriting genius--on "Life on Mars"...then he move on to other songs on the album. I'd of loved Rick to talk about the Bowie sessions.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

It depends on the person, but I agree. This could have easily been 3+ hours long. I felt the same way when Rick talked with Alan Parsons. That easily could have been significantly longer.

[@railworker8058]

Imagine sitting next to Rick Wakeman as he plays the intro to Roundabout!

[@titotequilamusic]

No. You're not the only one.

[@PHILCOLLINSSHOW]

I saw Rick here in Sydney about 15 years ago. It was just him, the piano and a thousand stories. The show went on and on and he got a standing ovation. So, no, it's not just you.

[@festivalexpress8505]

Rick Wakeman isn't just a musician, he's a storyteller, and this permeates his playing. A wonderful interview.

[@jmazoso]

He's also a Wizard

[@Ribbonium]

100 years from now "Rick Beato: The Complete Interviews" will still be a best seller.

[@James-In-Exile]

...and a cherished teaching aid in music colleges the world over.

[@danielwoodard680]

In 10 years, my grandkids will have finished the first 3 volumes..

[@powertuber4.068]

I was waiting the whole interview for him to play the iconic Life on Mars and it didn’t happen.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

"This channel belongs in a museum" - Indiana Jones. This channel belongs in the Smithsonian" - Miguel Baptista.

[@davidsimmons4834]

A best seller, in a multi option music and coffee store with listening booths!!

[@mercurymachines4311]

This legend lives just down the road from me. He’s not only a fantastic musician but a great person from my experience.

[@elponchex]

Tell him to listen to Folklore by Pez. And Los orfebres by Pez too. Make sure

[@Stuboy]

Met him walking in Scole near Diss Norfolk

[@mercurymachines4311]

yep, that’s the area :)

[@Palefirecreative]

@@elponchexJesus dude😂

[@georgerobartes2008]

I met him , his son Adam and the rest of the band after a gig in St. Ives in Cornwall back in 1991 . We went for drinks in a local bar , and Rick was on OJ as a tee totaller . The entertainment from Rick and Tony continued for about an hour until Rick left for a night's rest at the Castle Hotel . Never will you meet a more genuinely friendly, funny and gracious person in your life .

[@davejohnston868]

This is one of the best interviews I have ever watched. Thank you Rick.

[@MBSTYLE57]

absolutly 100%

[@wilsonbrownofficial2828]

I was just about to go to bed and started to watch this … and went to bed very late. Fascinating and hugely entertaining. Wonderful interview 😀

[@davidpancerz5820]

Spot on sir, totally agree. Didn't want it to end.

[@ashberrychapman7117]

Yes x infinity (no pun intended :)

[@Retroscoop]

Which one of the two Ricks ?

[@luckydee7909]

I was performing on Costa Brava,Catalonia,and l met an ltalo-swiss manager,Who told me that contacted Mr. Wakeman,for un unpaid concert in Lugano,to help people of any catastrophe.He went very helpfully,and after his show,was required by the manager,to receive minimum,the money to pay hotel's bill and airplane tickets,but big-hearted Rick W.refused absolutely any money,remarking he had come to help,and really for free.This,makes me appreciate,even more,the Artista,the Man.

[@HBSuccess]

Another Smithsonian-worthy interview. Rick Wakeman is absolutely NOTHING like I imagined he would be. Instead of aloof and unapproachable as the music press often portrayed him over the years he’s a normal guy and an open book. The Thomas Goff and Queen Mother story is priceless, as are all the studio insights. Just great- thank you Mr. Wakeman and Mr. Beato.

[@GT-mq1dx]

Yes that was one of the best stories I’ve ever heard, it was icing on the cake for me and as for the interview in whole was absolutely amazing.

[@donkeyshot8472]

actually, rick wakeman is famous for his humour and his approachability.

[@jperryfan]

The kind of guy you could have an adult beverage with. Check out old pics with all the beers on his piano. He also hung out with Black Sabbath as well as played on some of their tracks

[@Marathanz]

@@donkeyshot8472he absolutely is! 😃👌🏻

[@RCAvhstape]

@@donkeyshot8472 I mean, at the RRHOF induction he was practically doing standup.

[@BBfrombluffside]

If you had no idea who Rick Wakeman is, and you started watching this, you would not be able to stop watching. Just a mesmerizing story teller.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

@@BBfrombluffside I think that's how he ended up doing various TV/radio stuff in England. He has the vibe that he'd be a great host at parties.

[@eyalsharf1981]

I know his career very well and I still can't stop listening 😂. Fantastic.

[@stevelacker358]

If you had no idea who Rick Wakeman is… where have you BEEN? :p Seriously, though, even people who don’t know the name HAVE heard him play. Not having heard at least a small bit of his playing is virtually impossible.

[@drvee1983]

Rick Wakeman actually did a stand-up comedy act some years ago. He has a great sense of humor.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Safe to say you have not explored music that much

[@TheFunkybert]

Ten minutes in and I want to pour me a pint and sit down next to a warm fire and listen to me mate Rick Wakeman tell stories of his life. ❤

[@kevster1007]

One of the few videos I never wanted to end

[@JL1308]

Same here.

[@tonybanham2301]

You know when someone says: "Well, that's 90 minutes of my life I won't get back"? Well, that's 90 minutes of my life I'd love to be able to replay for the first time again. Rick Wakeman was a huge name for my generation, and I recall listening to Fragile and Close to the Edge time after time. And when Journey to the Centre of the Earth came out I couldn't afford to buy it until the Christmas of that year (1974?). When I did, I listened to it non-stop. Even today, 50 years later, I still listen to it every Christmas. I always wanted to know more about Wakeman himself, and I don't think any other interviewer could match this.

[@kens32052]

Being a trumpet player in school, the one thing I still remember to this day is all the notes the trumpet players missed in Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

[@therealpbristow]

My eldest sister borrowed JotCotE from a record library, and thought I might like to listen to it. I copied it to my reel-to-reel tape recorder (a Christmas 1974 gift) and listened to it again and again until I had the whole thing memorised. =:o}

[@radamesd81]

Just complementing a little, if you don't mind. Rick Wakeman is a huge name for music. Your generation got to hear him first hand, later on I got to hear him through my father and I hope I can pass it on to my children as well. Great music lives forever.

[@winstontk]

One of the greatest storytellers of all time being interviewed by one of the greatest interviewers of all time. Wow. What an amazing hour and a half. Thank you both for this.

[@John-et9yl]

I can agree with that 👍

[@pooletranslation7581]

Hard agree.

[@markb5709]

Absolutely! What a wonderful interview!

[@inindian]

I hadn't even realized it was 90 minutes until I read your post.😅👍

[@sixstringintexas]

It was the 2nd night of the Close to the Edge tour in Houston & they were actually still working in Alan White. Rick's Hammond skid was falling apart, and he needed it, but he couldn't find any metric nuts and bolts. I had snuck into the venue and heard Rick say this, and my dad was a Renault mechanic, so I raised my hand. He gave me $100 and I was off. I got exactly what he needed, got all access passes, and got to meet all the band.

[@philmckenna5709]

Brilliant, mate!

[@ralphsaenz5044]

What an amazing story!! How lucky you were. To be the right person, in the right place, at the right time. Cheers.

[@oldman0995]

Great story

[@tressinar]

Truly awesome

[@johnstinchcomb8156]

Very cool!

[@BohemianMinstrel]

Rick, this is my favourite interview you’ve done. Rick Wakeman… what a brilliant musician and what a down-to-earth guy. Love his sense of humour too. Great stuff.

[@TGRC]

Rick Wakeman is an interviewer's dream. So glad this was captured. Thank you!

[@FUNKYTRUMPETER]

The interviewer doesn't have to do anything 😂

[@stevebonsor]

@@FUNKYTRUMPETER He has to to know when to not interrupt and Mr. Beato is the best.

[@calwells5612]

An hour and a half, and only scratching the surface of what this incredible musician has to pass on to everyone. What a genius! I'll ever be grateful.

[@johannesobier2477]

Jepp, would have listened to both Ricks for 8 hours or more if the interview would have been that long.

[@MBSTYLE57]

i agree 100%

[@tmcb_]

I'm 25 minutes in and Wakeman hasn't stopped talking!. Rick B has hardly been able to ask a question! LOL Brilliant interview...great stories from Rick W.

[@romaneberle]

Wakeman is the best. lol.

[@billr55]

Great interviewers don't get in the way

[@fayesouthall6604]

Top bloke

[@JianLakerson]

Wakeman needs no prompting, set him up and let him go.

[@whiplasher8]

This is where Rick Beato really shines. He knows how to get to the point with his questions and then LISTENS. That is precisely why someone like Charlie Rose is impossible to view . He asks a question then insists on explaining his question as if the person being interviewed is too stupid to understand the question

[@Mark_Ocain]

I love how Rick tells a story. I can barely remember my past. He seems to have a photographic memory of his life. Kind of rare in a bloke who used to drink as much as he did. He's a legend.

[@kmg2480]

It's lovely to see another long form interview with Mr Wakeman. Not just one of the funniest men in the business, but one of the most intelligent.

[@Kevinfordsynthesizers]

If only this was 11 hours longer. Brilliant, brilliant interview.

[@sauletto1]

Pure truth ! I could listen to Mr. Wakeman speak for days !

[@stevephale]

As a Brit approaching 60 yrs I have seen many interviews with Rick Wakeman but this interview was by far the best, it could have been two hours longer with all the stories he had to tell. Excellent work Rick B your interviews just get better and better, I'm now just waiting for the interview that would never happen, bring on David Gilmour, and why he isn't Sir David is beyond me. Keep up the great work.

[@shininio]

Rick Beato enjoying every minute of Wakeman chatting and jamming is the best part of this video. Fantastic interview of one of the wittiest and most amazing musicians alive. Thank you Rick Beato!

[@morzel14]

Rick Wakeman was answering all the questions Rick Beato was not able to ask :) Enjoyed it!

[@828Phatty]

😂Exactly! Cheers!

[@louispoirier6004]

Geddy and Alex absolutely need to be interviewed by you, you truly are the greatest music interviewer and have incredible knowledge about all types of music. Music and it's understanding is one of the gifts that humans have been blessed with. Thank You.

[@katskillz]

I've been thinking about that. They have done so so so many interviews over the decades that there would not be much else they could discuss they haven't already. Yes RIck could dig deeper into the nuts and bolts of the music itself, but honestly I get the impression Ged and Alex are either unable to, or uninterested, in analyzing their music at that level. Rick would have to come up with some original questions, but don't depend on geeking out on the musical vocabulary involved. Just my hunch.

[@barrybrennan1045]

@@katskillzfor sure, eh?

[@MichaelSTaylor]

Anyone else thinking they'd just catch 5 or 10 minutes of this and got so caught up in it they watched the whole thing? Rick wakeman is as gifted a storyteller as he is on the keyboards. Now I'm going to have to do some searching to see if Rick has talked about Close to the Edge in other interviews, classic Yes is just so good and Rick Wakeman is a huge reason why.

[@Frank-Lee-Speeking]

I've seen him interviewed before and I pretty much knew I was going to listen to it all straight through because I *know* what a great story-teller he is. I'd actually heard the stories about the Queen Mum before but they are so good I enjoyed hearing them again. But most of the rest was new to me and was just delightful. I learned that we have Chas. Cronk (the bassist from The Strawbs) to thank for getting Rick into session work so let's be very glad that happened because otherwise he might never have found his way into the business or Yes.

[@marshlanderdumarais264]

I was just going to give it a few minutes but had to watch it all the way through. ❤

[@samtheman1957]

Just priceless. Rick brings out the best in the personalities of all these well-known musicians. I've known OF Rick Wakeman but this is absolutely the first time I feel I have a true insight into him as a person and a human being. The stories are amazing,.

[@AVCOME]

My comments are for Rick Beato; For all music lovers, it is a real privilege to have someone so knowledgeable in all areas of music to conduct interviews of this kind with great musicians.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Oh this completely! Rick B, asks questions you simply do not get in other interviews with these great artists!

[@PS2012ful]

Pure gold. I could listen to Rick talking for hours..

[@fernsehdesign]

both.

[@afitzsimons]

But he talks for days.

[@PS2012ful]

@@afitzsimons even better

[@stephenward7856]

I love how Rick never tries to insert questions into the conversation when the guest is just riffing. He's like a musician who knows when to hang back and let the other shine. Such a rare trait in interviews.

[@robcaiger1781]

Rick is walking musical history. I grew up with all this in London, the studios, the music shops & was privileged to work with some of these guys & their music. Now back at Olympic Studios, with many of the original tapes to mix & explore. Rick is right, a time & world never to be repeated. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@PlanetRoss365]

At 1:23:30, Rick W says, "Music is tactile. You can feel it here [hands on heart] and you can hold it there [grasping imaginary LP]... It's something to hold." Amen. What a great sit-down with an amazingly talented musician. Thank you, Rick.

[@enigmabletchley6936]

I am going to go out on a limb here and say this is the finest interview you have done so far. Rick Wakeman is what we call in the UK, a 'national treasure'. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@johndrx165]

Rick's interview with Ron Carter was amazing as well.

[@iacobustres8032]

Best 1:28:09 I've spent in a long while. Thank you so very much!

[@poeglives]

My thoughts exactly.

[@gervaisbilodeau8465]

Same here.

[@andremello6455]

Valeu cada minuto. 1h 30min foi muito pouco. Nem tinha um Minimoog pra ele tocar alguns solos comentados. Vai ser preciso mais algumas entrevistas como essa pra aprendermos um pouco mais. Foi uma aula e tanto. 🎶🎹🎹🎹👏👏👏

[@mikeshirk2703]

Yes, loved the interview, one of your best Rick. Mr. Wakeman made me feel like I was reliving all those great and treasured moments along with him!

[@guylupo2564]

Just my all time favorite musician, bar none. I've seen him numerous times over the years, and he never fails to give an outstanding performance. He started me in my own keyboard journey. Just wish all the Yes musicians can reunite for a new album or at least a final tour. Abwh i know you've got plenty left in the tank. Come together boys one last time. ❤

[@dreamscuba]

@@guylupo2564 he may just be my favourite musician and I’m a guitarist.

[@andyday7539]

As a retired geography teacher, that skipping a geography exam has my total endorsement. So many of his albums graced my adolescent LP collection: Yes (Fragile), Six Wives, Journey to the Centre of the Earth…. what a great interview (though you’ve never had so work so little, Rick)

[@socaljmac7720]

The look on your face watching Rick Wakeman play the “Roundabout” solo said it all. If you hadn’t filmed it, you might not believe it happened! Amazing interview.

[@dwibelsmagoo4471]

I would not be able to resist at least a burst of possibly obscene expletives and exclamations

[@rabbitfishtv]

haha, I’m 22 minutes in and Beato has barely said a word. Just wind Wakeman up, hit the switch and he runs the show by himself! Amazing stories!

[@crsantin]

Incredible stories. What a pleasure listening to Mr. Wakeman.

[@craigwilloughby5388]

Just wanted to say thank you. You are producing maybe the best content on the internet right now.

[@PaulMikna]

Agreed.... This content is far better than anything I could watch on TV or stream.... Keep up the great work, Rick!

[@TexasJackdaw]

I totally agree!

[@CookingAroundTheWorld]

absolutely agree

[@gruvsufi8491]

Well, from the adopted ‘only son he never had’ Gerry Salisbury was the tape librarian at Trident studios in London with Barry Sheffield and Malcom Toft, I’ve heard many old stories from those great days of the mid to late 1960s, this was a really great interview with one of the swinging sixties finest session players. Much appreciated…. Kev Willoughby

[@michaelhayes2794]

Rick does such a good job, he gets them started and shuts up and lets them talk.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Yes! Exactly! No ego, he just gives his guests the whole stage and lets them unfold their stories. It’s exceptional!!!!

[@DizGuys1]

Yes !!!! fly over to Wakemans house for part 2 when Elton is staying over and have a chat with them both Rick

[@paulb11]

Rick W must be an interviewers dream. You just press go and he's still telling stories and dropping names 2 hours later! Brilliant!

[@cloudrippr]

Where do I start? That is the finest interview I've ever heard. No bickering about the questions; just answers. And m my god ............. the man's memory! So much inside info and stories. And on top of that he is one of the greatest keyboardists ever. Thank you Rick (Beato) for just laying back and let Rick W go.

[@latheofheaven1017]

That bit about the brass players transposing the music they were reading directly in the session shows just what great musicians they were.

[@gener2842]

Rick Wakeman is one of the most priceless treasures of music and just good fun. I have the privilege to say I met him once at NAMM. He is just one of the best humans ever. Awesome interview.

[@pguiel]

Rick, this is without doubt the best interview I’ve ever seen. Not only did you interview the best keyboardist of the last 60 years, but the both of you created a master class in sixties and seventies rock. Rick is a legend and my personal favorite musician. Thank you thank you thank you for doing this interview. It blew my mind!

[@f22photos]

This extended conversation with Rick B is amazing! Wakemans tales of his early years making his bones as a session musician while still at school are simply extraordinary, and told with his trademark self-depreciating humour as he name-drops Howard Blake, Thomas Goff, and The Queen Mum (Gawd bless ‘er!); it’s utterly impossible to imagine any of this happening today! Add-in reminisces of him bunking off an exam for a gig, Bowie, The Strawbs, Cat Stevens, and of course Yes, with some gentle tickling of the ivories and the Hammond to illustrate particular points, and you have a fascinating picture of a ground-breaking musician as entertaining as he is masterful. Rick B’s final question about the state of the music industry in 2024 was inspired, and I agree with every word Wakeman said, especially his opinion of “Shitify!” I have fond memories of trawling through the racks of my local record shops in the early ‘70’s and sometimes buying albums based on the cover art; it’s fair to say that didn’t always work out too well! 😮🙂 I’ve been listening to Wakeman since the release of Yes’ “Fragile” in ’71, and managed to see him live with Yes, and on his own solo tours full of musical magic and riotous humour; Wakeman is a superb musician, brilliant raconteur, and, although he’d probably hate the label, a National Treasure!

[@michaelhodgkiss7920]

Thank you for giving airtime to the wonderful RW. As a fan of him and Yes for over 50 yrs this interview was sheer delight.

[@Ffffffgg9]

There have been some great interviews on this channel, but honestly this has probably been my favourite. This was a treat, Rick was a wonderful guest. He has a million stories, each as good as the next, yet zero pretention and no pauses to construct what he thinks might sound cool, simply open dialogue with amazing accounts. The man is simply a living legend. Also, kudos to RB for letting him share his tales uninterrupted.

[@SAVANNAHEVENTS]

Here, here, Mate. ❤

[@qubix8327]

Agreed!

[@filmmakerslegal3115]

well said

[@enginerd27]

I’m 37 years old and Yes is one of my favorite bands due to my dad. This interview made my day.

[@alanwilson8117]

Only had time to watch the first half so far in my lunch break, but this is already the BEST interview I've heard on this channel. Rick W's recollection is incredible. Thanks to Rick B. for not interrupting and just allowing him to tell his tales.

[@TeeMost]

The story about Rick getting wound up by the Queen mother about not remembering him is simply priceless!

[@Zaky-Tocapelotas]

This is my favourite interview ! Love Rick Wakeman and could listen to him waffle all day ! That Harpsichord story was brilliant ! The record shops idea is absolutely spot on and definitely needed in this day and age.

[@FraserBailey-jm5yz]

Utterly fascinating. So many great stories. I have no doubt Rick could speak for a week and not run out of entertaining tales to tell.

[@billmcbillface7467]

That Queen Mother story had me in stiches! What an awesome interview.

[@pixelrancher]

Have followed Mr. Wakeman's career since Space Oddity, with the Strawbs, Cat Stevens and Elton John, Al Stewart to T-Rex. Both stints with Yes and his solo albums. So many of my treasured pieces of vinyl have the unmistakable sound of Rick Wakeman. Very much the sound of my youth. Yet another stellar interview.

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

Both stints! By my count Rick has had half a dozen 😂

[@pixelrancher]

@@frankhoulihanfh4972 I count everything after his first departure as his second stint. 😂

[@pixelrancher]

@@frankhoulihanfh4972 Or, I should have placed a comma after "Both". Both, stints with Yes and his solo albums. 😂

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

@@pixelrancher 😂 It is! It’s just easier your way.

[@JL1308]

After watching the interview, my husband sat down with his cassette tapes box and started listening to the RW albums he’d taped back in 1977…

[@sonicairmusic]

Met Rick years ago in Sheffield - UK many years ago. He’s an absolutely lovely grounded and friendly guy!

[@bernardoconnor5512]

Was it at City Hall by any chance ?

[@sonicairmusic]

@@bernardoconnor5512 Could have been Bernard, I’ll have to ask my bro - he’ll remember 🤪🙈

[@paulpryde1]

Your interviews are so obviously conducted with so much respect and knowledge, from one musician to another. Thank you to both of you.

[@filmmakerslegal3115]

well said

[@louiebee6745]

It's amazing at age 75 and with many health scares Rick Wakeman is still sharp as a tack, and his playing is STILL breathtaking! This coulda been twice as long and I'd want more!

[@sandwhichism]

Rick Wakeman is one of the best, thank you so much for this.

[@roblee7309]

Rick Wakeman is such a wonderful storyteller in addition to being an absolute virtuosic keyboardist. Great guest, and I so appreciate you having him on and letting him talk.

[@Tijuana_Drone]

Two Ricks that I admire.

[@sticksman1979]

Rick squared.

[@paulwatson9217]

Wasn’t it absolutely fantastic to see that Rick Wakeman has as much passion today as he always had. The man is legendary, loved and respected throughout the music industry. Lastly thank you Rick your interview skills get better and better you’ve mastered the art of letting your guests talk. I’ve enjoyed all your interviews immensely but this one was my favourite thank you.

[@MrBittsteller]

Ask one question and he is giving you a movie...brilliant!

[@PeterDAmoreMusic]

My cherished Rick Wakeman story: I bought the most expensive concert + meet/greet tickets I've ever purchased, for the Anderson/Rabin/Wakeman tour in 2016. I thought I may not get the chance to see this group live again, and I chose a more remote city so it wouldn't be so crazy. I even wrote up a fan letter for each of those guys separately, along with one of my albums on CD (...I know, so cliche', but their influence on my music is everything to me) ... On the day of the show, at the venue's lounge area, I saw Rick sitting at a cafe. I did NOT want to bother him, but I thought... world renowned... I'll never get this chance again... so I went in there and said hi briefly and handed him my fan letter and CD directly. Made it short and sweet. He was so kind. But then the actual meet & greet was a half hour later! We are waiting in line, and I wait at the back of the line. Jon Anderson and Trevor Rabin get seated in, and ready to sign things and say hi to us. I even recognize long time Yes manager Brian Lane sitting there, and I say 'Hi Brian' to him as well. While we are waiting in line, suddenly Rick walks in and is standing, towering right behind me (I'm short and he is tall LOL) ... and he asks us all, "Are Jon and Trevor going to be here?" like he is also a fan, full of anticipation, waiting to meet them with us! Staring up at this keyboard legend who proceeded to do his comedy for us the whole time. Just the best. Worth every penny I paid. I appreciated his funny interaction with us fans more than the autograph and the photo. I just saw his solo piano show in Milwaukee last month. He is always at the top of his game.

[@Paul-b1k5h]

You were lucky. I paid for a meet and greet when he did the Journey tour a few years back and he never spoke to me. There were only 7 there and he only spoke to 4 of us.

[@innertides]

Excellent interview Rick. One of your talents is surrendering to the genius of your guests. Of the 90 minutes maybe you spoke 5 and allowed us the enjoyment of the history and experiences of such a legend. Wow. Thank you.

[@dreamscuba]

Absolutely. Rick is a natural at this. He really give the guest space… I agree that Rick Wakeman is a national treasure for us Brits… but I also feel that Rick Beato is a national treasure for the US.

[@blindsidedka]

@@dreamscuba rick got it easy this time with wakeman, he can be left alone with a mic and still get something out of it.

[@drabbster]

I love you for getting Rick Wakeman on! Firstly, he's a proper idol and second he's just such a wonderful person and musician! I could listen for hours more! ❤

[@skivtonten294]

His memory is INSANE!!

[@leffe9941]

My thought as well, quite amazing! I'm 16 years younger than him and I can't even remember what I had for lunch yesterday 😂😂😂

[@janpierzchala2004]

Only the greatest mind could invent that ratatataratatatatata motive in Close to the Edge

[@NormanStansfield1]

Remember that some of these things happened when he was 16,17, 18 years old which is about 59 years ago. He seems to be well liked by many people and knows so many music people. I followed his career since pre-high school aka Close to The Edge/Six Wives. Rick has had an amazing life. Hard worker and had a heart attack when he was 20 or so. Was homeless broke at one point. He is just a gem. Rick's stories and Andy Summers going to see Sir George Martin when The Police were hating each other in the recording studio are some of the best stories on Rick's channel.

[@Anahita61]

Right?!? I'm blown away by his recall!

[@martinheath5947]

Yes!

[@55billmarshall]

Magnificent! We'll never see another keyboard wizard with such depth of musical knowledge and experience of working with so many other legends.

[@jj9749]

Elton John?

[@55billmarshall]

@@jj9749 Pinball Wizard maybe ;-) Seriously though, Elton is a fine pianist but Rick is a master of any keyboard instrument - Hammond, Mini-Moog, Mellotron, Harpsichord, and then any new synch that came out. And still plays piano perfectly.

[@medusaman1]

This interview had me riveted to my chair. What a fantastic musician and human being in general. Hats off to Rick the interviewer for conducting this by intervening the minimum possible. That's how it should be.

[@1satisfiedmind]

That's the beauty of a Rick Beato interview, they're all like this. Some of my favorite musicians have sat down with him, producers, etc. Alan Parsons, Sting, Pat Metheny, Michael McDonald, Joe Satriani, and so many others.

[@markfaris4735]

Every time Rick Wakeman let loose with his fingers, I tightened by belt buckle and sat up. He's an extraordinary composer and keyboardist. I vividly remember so many Yes concerts as a teen and watching the man is his cape just dominate. He's still Superman to me, and kudos Rick for letting your subscribers get upfront and personal!!

[@nyccolm]

These sessions are historical documents. Anyone who watches needs to subscribe. These are fabulous records of hugely talented people.

[@arielsobelman]

This interview felt like breathing a lung-full of the freshest air on earth. The kind of air I had forgotten even existed. What an amazing person to listen to. This really made my day. Thank you!!!

[@eivindkaisen6838]

Adding to that, Wakeman has released three albums with "air": Night Airs, Country Airs, and Sea Airs.

[@DannyHood-j]

@@eivindkaisen6838 Rick Wakeman played ‘Country airs’? You people still listen to “Picnick and breath of fresh air? The absolute worst ‘Pink floyd. Sentimental value is through the roof! Lmao. Laughin

[@hbradymfi1]

You know you’ve got something magical when the interviewer rarely needs to prompt the interviewed. Thank you, both Rick’s, for the time, both live and in post production to preserve these fantastic stories and the talent of “Mr. Rick Wakeman on keyboards”, as he was introduced before the live excerpts of 6 wives.

[@jayevergreen-t9n]

I could listen to Rick stories all day long!

[@starrynightguitars]

Man- when he played the organ solo to “Roundabout”, that brought me back to my senior year in 1976. I loved everything about Yes- the brilliant guitar work of Steve Howe, Chris Squire on bass, Jon Anderson’s vocals and of course, the keyboard wizardry of Rick Wakeman. Thank you Rick!!!

[@bronzeagekid8223]

I never wanted it to end. I wanted to hear stories about every Yes album and more. I also loved and share his passion for physical media. Thank you for another great interview.

[@Heyhowareyafine]

What a fantastic interview. Mr Wakeman is so fascinating to listen to. It’s amazing how he takes you through his career, starting as that 17 year old skipping his geography exam to go to his first session, through playing harpsichord in a room full of budgies for the queen-all the way to his time as a rockstar with Yes-an finally regaling Rick Beato with music and stories. One of my favorite interviews. Thank you Rick for being a historian and a musician so that future generations can understand how music came to be.

[@stuartkline1611]

Rick was actually referring to the mother of Queen Elizabeth, whose name was also Elizabeth, and who lived between 1900 - 2002.

[@taylormoe6312]

I just gotta say props Rick, most interviewers would’ve tried to shape and direct the conversation, but you let him just ramble on and share some wonderful stories that are probably not recorded anywhere. His family and avid fans are surely very grateful for you capturing this!

[@neilh9442]

I ❤ Wakeman. This is a HOF interview for the ages! Great job letting this rock icon talk!

[@EclecticInstinct]

Everyone has said it already, but now it is my turn. You are a brilliant interviewer. Rick Wakeman was a great choice. I am a 70 year old Brit and got all his references from place names to band names and their music. Loved the anecdotes. Saw him with Yes during the Tales From Topographic Oceans tour. A difficult venue in Edinburgh meant a much later start than advertised. Was so tired the next day but managed to sit an early morning University exam without falling asleep or singing out loud.

[@gandjconway30]

I didn’t plan on watching the whole interview, but that was just captivating! Watched it from start to finish, and would happily watch a Part 2!

[@daniellacroix-t9h]

Such a pleasure to hear Mr Wakeman telling his stories. Love and respect for the guy from an old Yes fan. Funny enough how Mr Beato was listening, like a hardcore fan (he surely is). Thx to him.

[@charlesfleeman1765]

Another example of how much personality and experience and talent went into 70s Prog Rock.

[@jimsmith-s7o]

yes, didn't last for me, but Rick W's homage to Keith Emerson was classy beyond compare'

[@deepblueday4817]

Rick W is one of our national treasures...great interview Rick.

[@stephensherlock5307]

This has got to be one of the best interviews I’ve ever watched!!!

[@jamescpotter]

Rick is a legend. I still get goosebumps listening to his work on Roundabout and the organ solo on Close To the Edge is PERFECT! And he is an incredible story teller. I would pay to sit and listen to his stories.

[@GBHP]

Wow what a guy and what an incredible interview. Well done Ricks.

[@bobm6016]

Nice to see one of the "Grumpy Old Men" being really listened to. Go Rick Wakeman!

[@dougthornton6884]

Rick Wakeman was a household name as I was growing up. A HUGE Strawbs and Yes fan, I have always loved Rick's keyboard work. I saw Yes on Nov 20th 1973, and they were awesome. This is a super interview and I really enjoyed every second of it. Rick Wakeman is a great man, and a fantastic artist !!! Thank you both...Ricks'

[@THaughton]

Just watched this interview for the third time. Words like prodigy, prodigious talent, genius... Fall short to describe Rick Wakeman. And such a sense of humor... such a great storyteller. Yes has been a part of my life for decades, especially albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge. So grateful for this. Very much look forward to David Gilmour.