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