Interview Roundup: Rick Wakeman
Rick Wakeman is known for many things. First and foremost, of course, he’s renowned for his keyboard work for Yes (he joined and left the band no less than five times so far). He’s notorious for his glittery cape and massive bank of keyboards. He’s acknowledged for his prolific nature (he’s released more than 100 albums). And he’s also a celebrated raconteur of the highest order, with television and radio appearances that never fail to entertain.
I’ve interviewed Wakeman a half-dozen times, and all rank among my favorite interviews of all time. He’s a razor-sharp wit, and he’s game to discuss most anything. I’ve also had the honor of writing liner notes for some reissues of his A&M-era album releases. Here’s a quick rundown of our chats.
- A 2016 interview discussing Yes offshoot ARW
- A 2016 interview delving into his instrumental gear
- An interview focusing on solo work, Sex Pistols(!) and more
- Rick Wakeman talking about session work for Bowie and others
- Wakemand discussing his 2019 songs-and-stories tour
- Rick Wakeman talking about his 2021 one-man show
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.