Rick Wakeman Unites with Sons for First Family Interview
Progressive rock royalty Rick Wakeman has sat down alongside his eldest sons, fellow keyboardists Oliver and Adam, for what marks the dynasty’s first-ever joint family interview. Gathered in a room above a King’s Cross pub at the headquarters of the Grand Order Of Water Rats—a showbusiness charity where Rick has been a member for roughly three decades—the trio discussed their quirky dynamic, music industry highs and lows, and the realities of growing up with a legendary musician as a father.
A Dynasty of Keyboardists
Wakeman Sr. cemented his legacy as a pioneer of progressive rock through his work with Yes and a celebrated solo career, bringing a classical sensibility to rock alongside peers like Keith Emerson, Jon Lord, and Tony Banks. That musical pedigree passed directly to the next generation. Oliver has built a successful career as a solo artist and performed with Steve Howe and a late-2000s incarnation of Yes, while also embarking on a full US tour with his father in March. Adam has played with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne’s band, Headspace, and Whitesnake spin-off Snakecharmer, in addition to recording a series of albums with Rick in the 1990s and playing in his live band.
During the conversation, the trio debated the relative annoyances of various band members. “Well, it depends on the band, but I’d say singers. Male singers, mainly. Male singers followed by guitarists. Bass players don’t tend to be a problem. Drummers? They’re just too loud,” Rick remarked. Oliver noted that bass players are fine if they are paying you, while Adam agreed, though Oliver added that keyboard players are often branded the worst of all.
Growing Up Wakeman in the 1980s
Reflecting on their childhoods, Oliver and Adam recalled growing up in the 1980s when progressive rock was out of favor. Oliver shared that he and Adam faced bullying at school because their father appeared on breakfast television. Perspective shifted around age 16 when a classmate recognized Rick’s connection to David Bowie. Adam noted that he and Oliver had a split household after their parents separated when Adam was roughly three and Oliver was five, balancing a normal upbringing with their mother and visits to their father on tour.
Rick candidly admitted that his hectic touring schedule meant he did not raise them directly, crediting his first wife, Roz, and her second husband, John, for doing a fantastic job. The sons fondly recalled visiting their father on the road, including a memorable trip on the ABWH tour in Dallas where bassist Tony Levin contracted hepatitis, requiring the children to receive immediate vaccinations.
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