3 RICK WAKEMAN
Rick Wakeman discusses the key components of progressive rock, creativity, inspiration and a final Yes reunion.
Words: Nick Shilton
“There’s no formula in progressive rock, and quite rightly so,” Rick Wakeman states forthrightly. However he’s equally clear about a vital component of prog and substantiates his thesis by enlisting his own 1973 solo album The Six Wives Of Henry VIII and this year’s tour de force The Red Planet.
FUTURE OWNS
“Six Wives… was very strong on melodies. A lot of prog rock lacks a melody to latch onto. You need the solos and a good band, but the melodies are the glue that holds it all together. That glue was very important to me for inspiration for The Red Planet - all the songs started from having a tune.”