Rick Wakeman The Return of the Caped Crusader Part 2 - Royal & Derngate Northampton

The Stage is set

Always good to be on 'home turf' for a gig. Tonight I will be in the presence of a 'Prog Rock' legend 'Rick Wakeman' CBE. Probably best known for his time with  the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004. He has also had a prolific solo career as a highly acclaimed Keyboard player and Composer. Along with his band the 'English Rock Ensemble he will be performing two classic albums in full. Act 1 'The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973). Act 2 The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975). 

Prior to the 14 date tour Wakeman was quoted as saying 'playing both of these suites of music at the age of 76 is a remarkable milestone. He tells us he has a special affinity for '6 Wives' as he has almost had that many himself. Unlike the studio album the running order will be in continuity order of the marriages. Joining Rick in his band are Guitarist and backing singer 'David Colquhoun', 'Adam Falkner' on Drums, Bassist and Backing vocals 'Lee Pomeroy'. Also on Keyboards and backing vocals is his son 'Adam Wakeman'. There are also three ladies providing backing vocals. We are all set and the we kick off with 'Catherine of Aragon'. 

I'm in row E, 5 back from the stage to the left facing the stage. It's a pretty good view as well. Nobody seems to be taking photos, they haven't announced that you can't. I brave a couple and seem to get away with it. There will be more to come in Act 2 though. Rick did look rather resplendent in his trademark purple sparkling cape. There is a strong audience demographic of  'Over 60's', mainly white and lots of couples. I always find the audiences at the Derngate very subdued as a rule. But that's fine, we are here for the music ultimately. Highlight of Act 1 was the closing track 'Catherine Parr'. I heard a bootleg version of this years ago and it mad a big impression on me. It was another great rendition, and the band leave to a standing ovation as the interval arrives.  

'The Progettes'

After a very lengthy interval, must have been a good 30 minutes we are back! A new face is introduced, in the form of 'Jesse Smith'. It was announced at the end of September that vocalist Mollie Marriott was no longer able to join the English Rock Ensemble on  the upcoming UK . At short notice Jesse was recruited to fill the gap left. He is regarded as a stunning singer and charismatic front man, He has worked with some of the finest musical talent in his long career, so a very capable replacement indeed. As sort of promised there will be a few photographs this half. We kick off with 'Arthur' from the album 'Myths and Legends'...... Oh and Rick has changed his cape, still as glittering and sparkling as before though. An album that was allegedly written from his hospital bed whilst suffering from life's excesses,resulting in a Heart Attack. 

The band are getting into full swing now as the tempo increases. Am I the only one itching to get out of my seat and wave my arms about? It would seem so for the time being at least. There is more movement as Adam emerges with his 'Keytar'. Against the better advice of Rick, something about not being insured .....he mounts the stage amps regardless. 

The band is excellent! Dave Colquhoun on guitar and Lee Pomeroy are both veterans of the Prog , and sometimes Pop scene.Meanwhile Rick Rick just move from one side of his keyboard rig to the other creating a variety of sounds.The maestro then takes to the journey to the centre of the stage. He is ably assisted by two of the glamorous backing singers (Progettes) in lifting his organ. Please don't titter ....

More 'Keytars'

 As the strains of  'The Last Battle' die down the second Act is drawing to a close. Rick had earlier told us that the his great friend 'Ian Lavender' had provided the narration on this track. He also points out that we might have noticed there has been one glaring omission from the setlist 'Merlin the Magician'. Of course, he tells us Merlin was never actually a Magician. In truth of fact he was a 'Physician'. However selling that idea to the record company proved quite a problem. So the Magician it remained. 

It has been a fantastic two hours though. A pretty near full house has been entertained royally. Proof if ever it was needed that there is still an audience for Prog. A genre that has had it 'naysayers' over the years. Not least the Punk generation that thought they could kill it off!

     Set List 

Act 1 The Six Wives of Henry VIII

• Catherine of Aragon
• Anne Boleyn 'The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended'
• Jane Seymour
• Anne Of Cleves
• Catherine of Howard
• Catherine Parr

 Act  2 The Myths and Legend of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table

• Arthur
• Lady of the Lake
• Guinevere
• Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight
• Sir Galahad
• The Last Battle

Encore 

Merlin the Magician

 

 

 

Jubilee Way (Leics) Stathern to Belvoir Castle

It's god to be back on the Jubilee Way in rural Leicestershire. It has taken over 7 years to return. My walking Buddy was here last walk and lost his dog in the area. Thankfully after 4 days awol 'Little Archie' turned up none the worse for his adventure. Therefore today was about taking down the 'missing' posters and saying thank you to those involved in the safe return.  Our starting point is the village of Stathern.

Stathern is part of the picturesque 'Vale of Belvoir'. About 10 miles north of Melton Mowbray. It has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book. There is a steep climb out of the village to the Bridleway via Tofts Lane through the woodlands. Over to our left are stunning views of' 'The Vale'. Much of the land is owned by the Duke of Rutland. It is a lovely Beech Wood, although Oak; Birch, Cherry, Pine, Spruce and Deciduous Larch are present. Rhododendron and Laurel are also common shrubs. The tree branches above us are blowing well in the aftermath of 'Storm Amy'. It is quite a cloudy day but at least the forecast is for a dry day.

Beacon Hill Memorial

We pass the Beacon Hill memorial. In 1588 a chain of beacons was created across the land. An early warning system should the Spanish Armada be sighted. Belvoir (pronounced Beaver) being the highest point in Leicestershire was one of the sites involved. We continue on our way towards 'Belvoir Castle'. A Sweet Chestnut has spilled lots of its fruit on the path. I was more than happy to forage some of Mother Natures harvest. The word 'Belvoir' comes from the 'Norman French' for 'Beautiful View'. It expands into three counties, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The area is very famous for the production of Pork Pies and Stilton Cheese. You can keep the cheese but I am more than partial to a nice Pork Pie. Melton Mowbray is the traditional home of the pie though. produced by traditional methods using uncured Pork and hand formed pastry and served cold.  Both Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pies are covered by European Protected Designation of Origin orders.   

Memorial Bench

As we reach the end of the outbound leg we come across a lovely memorial bench to a local resident 'Charlotte Louise Stevens'. The view of the 'Monkey Puzzle' tree opposite was her favourite spot. Charlotte sadly passed in February 2024 and was clearly dearly missed by her friends and family in Stathern. We then arrive at the car park for 'Belvoir Castle'. There is a review on my blog of a previous trip posted below.

http://peterja-storytellersnight.blogspot.com/2017/09/belvoir-castle-leicestershire.html

After a quick visit to the Retail Village we make our way back towards Stathern. Away from the sheltered footpath previously, it is like walking into a wind tunnel! Looking back, the shape of the castle emerges above the treetops. The large field on the left is known as the 'West Wong'. Not to be confused with the 'West Wing'. I believe a relic of the Norse settlement originating from the Norse word 'vangr' meaning a garden or field. It is with some relief that our route takes us back into the shelter of the woods. The trees in this part are largely 'Pine'. There is a golden Autumnal carpet of leaves on the ground.  

Golden Scalycap

It's that time of year when mushrooms or Funghi can be found. Autumn, between September to November is prime mushroom season. This is due to the right balance between warmth and moisture. The first one pictured is 'Dryads Saddle' or 'Pheasants Back'. A large, common fungus found on dead or dying trees. The 'Golden Scalycap' also thrives on dead wood.  

We drop down back towards our starting point in Stathern. A very pleasant walk of 9.3 miles.

Auri - Union Chapel London

The Union Chapel

A rare foray down to the capital for a midweek gig. I let the train take the train down to Euston. A very reasonable £9 for a single ticket. I will be catching up with a couple of friends at the venue and travelling back with them to Bedford all being well. It's a lovely sunny day, my plan was to walk to Islington and still arrive in good time to get a good spot in the queue. I've never been good with Google maps, and soon got lost on Grays Inn Road. I made the decision to abandon the idea of walking and made my way back to Euston to catch the Tube. Amazingly 'Highbury and Islington' tube station is only two stops on the Victoria line. The Union Chapel is just round the corner to the right. I did have to ask for directions though...  A small gathering had already arrived two hours before the doors would open. 

The Union Chapel is an architectural treasure , and really is a working church. Since 1992, Union Chapel has been hosting concerts and events. This has grown over the years and they now have hundreds of events a year. A not for profit organisation. Profits generated from hiring the venue and from sales in the Bar go to the conservation and development of the building. Built in the Victorian Gothic style of architecture , services are held every Sunday at 11AM. 

It's a very pleasant afternoon for standing in a queue. I'm 5th in line and the company is good. Some stewards emerge and set up a separate queue for the 'Meet and Greeters'. I understand they have paid £45 to meet the band and get stuff signed etc. Strikes me as a slightly ironic as this is more than the ticket actually cost. Still, a nice little earner for the band. I don't begrudge them that at all, making a tour pay is extremely difficult. Merch sales are usually what makes the difference between profit and loss. A third queue also emerges, this one is for those who have pre-booked a meal. Hope that's cleared everything up as far as queuing goes? My friends have arrived and we soon make our way inside the venue a little after 7PM.

 

Johanna Kurkela

It is a very dignified entrance, no mad dash to get the best seats. I opt for centre stage, some seven or eight rows back. There are no seat numbers of course because we are in church pews. I find myself next to my friend from the Queue David. He has brought his camera and has promised to share any photos I might need. Anyway, without any further ado lets get down to Auri!   

Auri are described as a Finnish progressive rock band. The band was formed by Tuomas Holpainen (Nightwish) keyboards and backing vocals, his wife Johanna Kurkela, vocals, violin, viola, keyboards, and Troy Donockley (Nightwish), guitars, bouzouki,  Uilleann pipes and vocals. Joining them on drums is Kai Hahto of Wintersun and Nightwish. Other guest musicians will also be joining them on this tour. This being their first ever European Tour celebrating the third album 'Candles and Beginnings'. The lights dim, a hush gathers as the show begins. We start with the title track from the second album 'Those we don't speak of'. Although I'm very unfamiliar with most of the songs to be perfectly honest. This is very much a journey into the unknown, something that is very different for me. As  a long term Nightwish follower it would be remiss not to check it out as they say. 

Kai Hahto

The songs are gentle, melodic and at times whimsical with poetic license to delve into the slightly eccentric perhaps? They do remind mind in many ways of 'Blackmore's Night and the neo-medieval music they make. Also hints of the wonderful Loreena Mckennitt too. It is a far cry from the pounding stage show of a Nightwish gig. Nonetheless it is captivating all the same , just in a more atmospheric almost mindful type way. The performance is made up of two halves. We take a 20 minute break, a chance to explore the building in a little more detail. The band return, Johanna has changed into another flowing dress of the orange variety. It compliments her hair, I then start thinking how long it must take to wash and dry? Her hair that is not the dress! Stop it , I say to myself and hastily get back into the vibe.

The Auri Tour started on August 13, 2025, in Kitee, Finland, and will wind its way through several European countries, including . cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna and Stockholm. The tour ends on October 10th in Bergen, Norway. The second half follows very much in the same vein as the first.With the odd exception there is nothing that I would call upbeat or rousing. It feels like Troy is being underused with his array of  pipes. It is all very pleasant though in a fairy-tale kind of way. You just have to let yourself go with the sense of awe and storytelling. I think I have struggled largely by being so unfamiliar with their catalogue of work.

Thanks again to David Warne for additional photos.