I first saw Yes in 1969, supporting the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band before Rick Wakeman was a member of the band. The keyboard player at the time was Tony Kaye. I saw Yes for the third time in 1971 supporting USA rock giants Iron Butterfly at Newcastle City Hall. Rick Wakeman had just joined the band as their new keyboard player. This was to become what was known as the classic Yes line up which released the equally classic Yes Album. Since then I have seen Rick Wakeman many times over the years in many different guises: as a member of Yes, as a solo artist leading his band on orchestral concert extravaganzas and as a grumpy old man on tours of the same name. Each time he has come through as an excellent musician and a great character and showman.
On entering The Glasshouse Jackie and I headed for the merchandise stand where I met up with two friends I had not seen for some time. A nice surprise. The evening was full of surprises; more of which later. I purchased a couple of programmes, a signed poster and a T-shirt. We then moved speedily to the bar and I treated myself to a bottle of Newcastle Brown ale, something I have not had for many years (no Guinness available). Jackie and I then took to our seats.
Having taken up our seats at the rear of the hall, I uncharacteristically decided to have a look through my programme. To my delight I noticed that the lead singer for the evening was Mollie Marriott, daughter of one of my all-time heroes, the late, great and sadly missed Steve Marriott of Small Faces and Humble Pie fame. Another pleasant surprise. Soon Rick Wakeman and his band took to the stage. As well as Rick and Mollie, the ensemble comprised a full electric band, vocalists and on second keyboard, Adam Wakeman, Rick’s son. Rick was indeed a true “caped crusader” wearing a very long, glittery cape, just as we did in the 1970s.
The concert was in two parts: a set of Yes classics, and after a short interval, a full performance of Rick Wakeman’s orchestral extravaganza LP Journey to the Centre of the Earth. So, we were treated to a short run through of some of the greatest prog rock of the early 1970s including a couple of my favourite songs: “Roundabout” and “And You and I”. It seemed a strange idea to have a lady like Mollie fronting the band and in effect taking the role of Jon Anderson, but it worked well. Jon always had quite a high pitched vocal, so maybe it was an inevitable choice. Mollie has a strong, powerful vocal and danced a little, charismatic and mesmerising. The plaudits of Mollie are many.
From the Mollie Marriott website: “Proving she can rock like her father, Mollie started her career in rock music at the age of 15 when working with Britpop legends, Oasis. Since then she has worked with and supported some powerhouses in rock: Robert Plant, The Who, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, The Faces and the Modfather himself Paul Weller, who she worked with on her debut album, Truth Is A Wolf released in 2017.”
“She has this incredibly soulful voice .” Peter Frampton.
“Infectiously vivacious, soulful and connected. Mollie is the real deal.” Whispering Bob Harris.
“Mollie Marriott is shaping up as the Rock Star Progeny to beat.” Classic Rock Magazine
And so came the interval and time for a Jack Daniels, just to set me up for the rest of the evening. Rick returned wearing a different, equally flamboyant, cape and proceeded to lead his band through the entire journey to the centre of the earth album which, to my eyes and ears some 50 years later, was much, much more enjoyable than the first time round when I thought it a little over the top prog. Mollie was again excellent as was Rick, surrounded by an array of synthesisers and keyboards. This was clearly his music, his band/orchestra and it was absolutely fantastic. At the end of this extended piece, the crowd (the hall was full, by the way) gave Rick Wakeman a well deserved standing ovation.
I thought that would be the end of the concert. But the house lights remained down and the crowd continued to cheer for more. And Rick did indeed return to give us more. A wonderful rendition of “Starship Trooper” closed the evening. An evening full of memories, surprises and more importantly, excellent 1970s music. Perfect.
Many thanks to Jan for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site.
Setlist: Set 1: Roundabout; The YES Suite (Part A – The Meeting); The YES Suite (Part B – Wonderous Stories); The YES Suite (Part C – South Side of the Sky); And You and I;
Set 2: Journey to the Centre of the Earth; The Journey Overture; Journey’s Dawn; Crystals; The Gothic Cathedral; A Quest for Water; The Hansbach; Fervent Prayer; Recollection; Lost and Found; Echoes; 4 Miles; The Reunion; A New Vista; A World Within a World; The Raft; The Battle; Cumulus Clouds; The Storm; The Cemetery; Quaternary Man; Mastodons; The Forest; Ages of Man; The Tunnel; In the Hall of the Mountain King; Mount Etna.
Encore: Starship Trooper.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by John on February 28, 2024 at 9:50 am
Hi Peter, Somehow I managed to miss Yes’s music in the 70s. But I was always impressed by RIck Wakeman. I first became aware of his keyboard talent on David Bowie’s Hunky Dory. Sounds like another great concert.
All the best, John
Posted by vintagerock on February 28, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Hi John yes Rick Wakeman is a man of many talents. His keyboard playing as a session musician is legendary. Great concert
Cheers Peter
Posted by TerriersFan on February 28, 2024 at 10:29 am
I’m glad that you had yet another “perfect” evening, Peter.
Another friend went to see him at York Barbican and he too said that was excellent.
If Rick had played a little closer to me then I would have gone to see him as well.
Perhaps next time?
Roger 👍🤘
Posted by vintagerock on February 28, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Thanks Roger yes to be honest it was much, much better than I had anticipated. The band that Rick Wakeman has assembled is fantastic! Yes do try and catch him if you can. Best wishes Peter
Posted by nedmalet on February 29, 2024 at 10:57 am
I saw him at the London Palladium 2 years ago. Hayley Sanderson sang. Brilliant. I’m not hugely knowledgeable about JTTCOTE. Great film! I’m a King Arthur man. My friend saw him in Brighton last week, but thought our show was better. I’m glad you had a great evening, and so envious that you have seen him so many times! He is a true genius.
Posted by vintagerock on February 29, 2024 at 12:02 pm
To be honest in the 1970s I didn’t really rate Rick Wakeman’s solo extravaganzas. Now I realise just how great they are. I agree he is a genius. Happy days Peter
Posted by Peter L on March 4, 2024 at 11:09 am
Hello Pete, Greetings again from sunny Blyth on this lovely morning, the last time I wrote to you was a reply and comment on The Residents show, which you attended last year, for me that was about my 8th time at a Residents’ show, having followed them since the late 70’s, but the first time in Newcastle, usually I have to travel to London, Glasgow or Edinburgh. Just to update you on this San Franciscan enigma, we had tickets for the short tour next month which was titled “God in 3 Persons”, it was to be another epic, similar to the “Mole Show” tour in the early 80’s. Our tickets were for Glasgow, there was no Newcastle show this time. To get to the point, we got an alert to say that the tour was cancelled and all monies will be refunded, a few days later a statement was issued on The Residents official site to say that the guitarist had amicably left but The Residents will carry on in another direction, so that is obviously why the tour was cancelled, ah well, never mind, it goes on. Anyway, the reason I have contacted you, I do read and enjoy all your reports on the gigs, and I had intended to go to this Rick Wakeman show but had completely forgot about it, damn…I knew it would be good, however, he will be back. However, in your write up I fear the sands of time have somehow blown over the old memory cells, which is a problem we all have !! You stated that Wakeman had joined Yes for the tour with Iron Butterfly, hmm…er are you sure ?….I too went to this show, it was billed as “The Age of Atlantic” tour, opening the show was a band called “Dada”, a vocal band with about 8 members which included Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer. After them came Yes, and to my recollection Tony Kaye was on keyboards, the new boy was actually Steve Howe who had recently joined on The Yes Album, after the departure of Pete Banks, I’m nearly sure Wakeman didn’t join until Close to the Edge, about the same time as Alan White. After Yes, it was Iron Butterfly, and this is something that will always stick in my mind, they came on stage about 10.10pm, and spent 50 mins just pratting around as if tuning up but it obviously wasn’t, there was the odd thump thump on the bass drum, the little twiddle on the bass guitar but they just could not get started, it was clear they had enjoyed the delights of various powders ! We were only 15 so we had to get the last bus home from the Haymarket which was at 11.05pm, so all we got to see of Iron Butterfly was the World’s longest drawn out tune up, we left when the slow hand clapping started !! All Happy, Happy days Pete, and, I don’t know what you think, but they are times and events which have gone and won’t be repeated. I have attached some images of items that may interest you. I noticed on my ticket there was no seat number, just the 10/- area, we were actually in row D on the right hand side, right infront of Chris Squire….Fantastic !! Keep up the great work Pete, I always look forward to read your gig reports, you never know, one night at a show, you may feel a grisly hand on your shoulder, don’t worry, it will just be me introducing myself !! Best Wishes…Pete Lambert.
Posted by vintagerock on March 4, 2024 at 1:12 pm
Hi Pete great to hear from you
You could be right you know. It could have been Tony Kaye in 1971. My memory is not good these days. I also left during the iron Butterfly performance for a similar reason!
Great memories and thanks for sharing
It would be great to meet up one day
Best wishes Peter
Posted by vintagerock on March 4, 2024 at 1:14 pm
PS the images have not come through Pete
Posted by Peter L on March 4, 2024 at 10:54 pm
OK Pete…i’ll try again..here goes
Posted by vintagerock on March 5, 2024 at 1:24 pm
Don’t think they have come through sorry Peter