Rick Wakeman, the legendary keyboardist known for his work with Yes and his prolific solo career, has postponed his upcoming Strictly Wakeman U.S. tour to address a medical issue requiring surgery.
Originally scheduled to begin this month, the nine-show run was set to feature vocalist Hayley Sanderson, well known for her performances on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. According to an official statement from Wakeman’s team (via Blabbermouth): “It is with great regret that Rick Wakeman has to postpone his Strictly Wakeman tour of the U.S. with Hayley Sanderson in July, as his doctors have recommended that he undergo surgery this month to correct an ongoing health issue.”
Fans who have already purchased tickets won’t need to worry about refunds just yet. “Please hold on to your tickets as they will be valid for any rescheduled dates. When further information about the shows is available, ticket holders will be informed,” the statement continued. “Rick’s U.K. tour with the English Rock Ensemble in October and other ongoing commitments are not affected.”
Now 76, Wakeman has faced more than his share of health issues throughout his life, including three heart attacks before turning 25, along with bouts of pleurisy, hepatitis, pneumonia, cirrhosis of the liver, a nervous breakdown, and even surviving a high-speed crash.
The now-postponed shows were to offer a new musical experience, described during the initial tour announcement as “music specially adapted for piano and vocals.” The concerts would also have marked a first for Wakeman — touring with a female vocalist.
At the time, Wakeman praised the chemistry he shared with Sanderson, saying: “Hayley is great to work with, as she has the talent to feel the music in such a way as to make all the arrangements seamless. Hayley and I have never worked in concert with just the piano and voice, and so it opens up opportunities for new arrangements of pieces from rare albums.”
Though fans in the U.S. will have to wait a little longer to see Wakeman perform, his The Return Of The Caped Crusader Pt. 2 U.K. tour is still set to launch on October 12 at Aylesbury Waterside and conclude October 29 at the Bristol Beacon. That run will feature full performances of his iconic albums The Six Wives Of Henry VIII , and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table.
