With A Gallery Of The Imagination due for release at the end of February, Rick Wakeman reflects on childhood memories, climate change and some of the best advice he’s received. Plus he puts paid to those rumours of ongoing friction in the Yes camp.

Words: Dave Ling Images: Lee Wilkinson

Rick & The English Rock Ensemble take a break from live rehearsals. L-R, top row: Adam Falkner, Adam Wakeman, Lee Pomeroy. L-R, bottom row: Dave Colquhoun, Hayley Sanderson, and Rick Wakeman.

To move forwards we must sometimes look over our shoulders. During the preparation of his latest solo album, A Gallery Of The Imagination, Rick Wakeman found himself dwelling upon a piece of advice offered almost a lifetime ago by his first piano teacher. Evolving into adulthood, many of us are fortunate to meet their own counterpart of the lady known as Mrs Symes; somebody astute and caring enough to spot an early glimmer of inspiration, gently moulding that promise into a talent that becomes a career. Symes taught Wakeman from the age of five until he enrolled at the Royal College Of Music 14 years later, his heart set on becoming a concert pianist – though that plan changed a little, of course.

“Mrs Symes was so sought-after as a teacher that my dad put me on her waiting list when I was three years old,” Wakeman recalls. “After Dad passed away, I found out that my lessons had cost 7/6d, and I took two per week plus theory classes. My parents didn’t have much money back in the 50s. Factoring in other things like ensuring the piano was tuned, that accounted for nearly half of his wages. So I have a lot to thank him for.”

An inaugural lesson at Mrs Symes’ place in Sudbury Hill, Greater London, remains etched upon Wakeman’s mind. “She arrived through a side door and her first words were: ‘Now then, Richard, let’s talk about music,’” he recounts fondly. “‘Music is painting pictures. That’s what we do. It’s not just for listening, it’s for visualising.’ She taught me to read music, to memorise it and, finally, to play it with my eyes closed. Even today, for 90 per cent of the time my eyes are shut.”