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.