On his 77th birthday, legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman has revealed plans for a major UK tour in early 2027. Joined by the English Rock Ensemble, Rick Wakeman will hit the road for The Wizard Of Prog – Ultimate Highlights Concert Tour, running throughout February and March.
Since reforming The English Rock Ensemble in 2022, Rick Wakeman has steadily expanded the scope of the band’s live performances. What began with two sold-out nights at London’s Palladium evolved into the successful The Return Of The Caped Crusader Parts 1 and 2 tours, helping establish the current lineup as one of the strongest in his long career.
The upcoming trek will be the longest UK tour undertaken by the band to date. The run begins in Brighton on February 17 and continues through Poole, Bristol, Cardiff, Ipswich, Manchester, Edinburgh, Gateshead, Sheffield, Liverpool, Folkestone, Oxford, Southend, London, Birmingham and York before wrapping up in Leicester on March 12. Tickets are available here.
Unlike previous tours that centered around a complete album performance, this show will draw from across Rick Wakeman‘s extensive catalog. Fans can expect selections from landmark releases including Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and The Myths & Legends Of King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table, along with material from his solo career and music recorded with Yes. A number of surprises are also planned for the setlist.
The touring lineup remains unchanged from 2025’s Return Of The Caped Crusader Part 2 tour. Alongside Rick Wakeman, the band features Jesse Smith on lead vocals, Adam Wakeman on keyboards, guitars, and backing vocals, Dave Colquhoun on guitars and backing vocals, Lee Pomeroy on bass and backing vocals, Adam Falkner on drums, and backing vocalists Sara Davey, Jo Goldsmith-Eteson, and Jo Marshall.
Fans attending the shows can expect a career-spanning performance covering more than five decades of music. According to Rick Wakeman, the upcoming run carries special significance.
“All tours are special, but this one is really very special,” Rick promises. “I can’t exactly tell you why, but trust me… it is!”
In addition to the tour announcement, Rick Wakeman is preparing to release his definitive autobiography, The Wizard Of Prog, later this year. The book chronicles the highs, lows, comebacks and excesses of his remarkable career and is scheduled for publication on October 29, 2026. Pre-orders are available now.
