Text by Alessandro Siciliano
If there's one name that makes the strings of progressive rock vibrate, it's Rick Wakeman . With his keyboard magic and boundless creativity, Wakeman changed the game of music, bringing an explosion of emotions and adventure to the world of sonic art. Born in 1949 in England, Wakeman was a piano prodigy from a young age, studying at the Royal College of Music before pursuing a career that led him to become the keyboardist for the legendary Yes in 1971.
On April 11, 2024, Porto Alegre hosted Final Solo Tour at the PUCRS Auditorium.
From the moments of anticipation before the show, the audience could already feel the electricity, the excited comments of the people who were anxiously waiting for Rick Wakeman to take the stage. The electricity was in the air, in an auditorium full of expectation to witness a great show by a legend of prog and music in general.
On stage, awaiting Wakeman, were a piano and two Korg (Nautilus) guitars, the artist's symbols. With the announcement of the imminent start of the concert by the presenter, silence fell, that silence of anticipation for the artist… and “Ascraeus Mons” began to play in the background. Everything was ready… now was the time for the magic of the music… Rick Wakeman entered and the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation.
He takes control of the electronic keyboard and becomes a unique entity fused with the instrument. The rapid notes, the symphonic melody, playing “Jane Seymour” (“The Six Wives of Henry VIII”). The music reigned supreme.
After the performance, in a friendly manner, he "apologizes" for his Portuguese and begins to talk about the wives of "Henry VIII". "Catherine Howard" is among the first songs that Wakeman presents to delight our ears.
It's that moment, perhaps one of the most anticipated, of "Space Oddity" and "Life on Mars?", which David Bowie wrote together with Rick Wakeman. Something fascinating, exciting, unique. That sequence of incredible notes that makes these two songs immortal, played by a phenomenal artist. The intensity of "Life on Mars?" was truly captivating and breathtaking.
The concert continues with “Arthur / Guinevere / Merlin the Magician / The Last Battle”, then leading into the beautiful “Sea Horses”. The dance of the fingers on the keyboard keys is admirable both visually and aurally, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
“Yessonata”, a medley of some of Yes's most iconic songs that Rick Wakeman selected and “mixed” together to create a single song.
In the final moments of the concert, Wakeman played "Help" and "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles , a band with the same origins as the keyboardist. Both British , both musical icons.
He left the stage and returned for one last magical moment that only experienced hands like Rick Wakeman's can perform on the piano, playing "The Journey / Recollection." The audience rose to their feet in a prolonged and well-deserved round of applause for a concert that featured a man, a piano, and two Korg keyboards. Three elements that alone created a shower of unforgettable notes.
The PUCRS Auditorium was the perfect venue to attend this concert; the fact that the audience was seated was fundamental in fully appreciating the sound and intensity that Wakeman brings to the piano.
Our contributor Sophia Velho was also at the show and captured the evening. Check out our photo gallery below.
