Rick Wakeman to Tour the U.S. with Son Oliver in 2026

Legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman is set to embark on a U.S. tour in 2026 alongside his son Oliver Wakeman, a fellow musician and former member of the iconic progressive rock band Yes. The tour will feature a series of performances that promise to be both personal and memorable for the Wakeman family and fans alike.

Rescheduled Concerts and New Releases

This upcoming tour will replace several postponed dates from the previously planned Strictly Wakeman Tour, which was originally set to feature vocalist Hayley Sanderson. Earlier this year, Rick Wakeman had to cancel over six concerts due to an undisclosed health issue that necessitated surgery. The new shows are scheduled to take place in March 2026, and between now and then, Rick will release a solo piano album titled Melancholia.

For those who purchased tickets for the postponed concerts, select tickets will still be valid for the new performances. Fans are encouraged to check with local venues for ticket availability and on-sale information.

First Tour Together for Father and Son

Rick Wakeman expressed his excitement about touring with his son for the first time, stating, “It’s always an honor for me to share the stage with one of my wonderful children, and for the first time, it’s a thrill to be actually doing a tour with my eldest son Oliver. I know it will be very special – especially if, on the odd occasion, he buys me dinner!” This lighthearted remark underscores the familial bond and joy they share in making music together.

A Legacy of Yes

Rick Wakeman’s association with Yes spans several decades and multiple tenures. His first significant period with the band was from 1971 to 1974, during which they released seminal albums such as The Yes Album and Fragile. He rejoined the band in various phases between 1976 and 2004, cementing his status as a key figure in the band’s history.

Oliver Wakeman, who played with Yes from 2009 to 2011, shares a musical legacy with his father. During his time with the band, he co-wrote the track “Into the Storm” for the album Fly from Here and was involved in the release of From a Page in 2019, which featured material from his era with Yes. The duo has also collaborated in the band Strawbs, showcasing their combined talents.

One of their most memorable performances together occurred in 2016 at London’s O2 Arena, where they performed selections from Rick Wakeman’s The Myths and Legends of King Arthur.

2026 Tour Dates

Rick Wakeman 2026 Tour Schedule
3/11 – Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse*
3/13 – Phoenixville, PA @ The Colonial Theatre*
3/14 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon*
3/15 – Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall*
3/18 – St Louis, MO @ The Sheldon
3/20 – St Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
3/21 – Kent, OH @ The Kent Stage
3/22 – Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage*
3/24 – Richmond, VA @ The National*
3/25 – Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts*
3/26 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
3/28 – Westerly, RI @ United Theatre
3/29 – Red Bank, NJ @ The Vogel

*Tickets from the postponed Strictly Wakeman Tour will be honored at these new shows.

Conclusion

The upcoming tour featuring Rick and Oliver Wakeman is not just a musical event; it represents a heartfelt collaboration between a father and son who both share a deep passion for music and its legacy. With the anticipation of new music and the excitement of live performances, fans are sure to be treated to a memorable experience that celebrates the Wakeman family’s rich musical heritage.

FAQs

Will tickets from the postponed tour be valid for the new shows?

Yes, tickets from select postponed dates of the Strictly Wakeman Tour will be valid for the new shows. Please check with local venues for specific details.

When will Rick Wakeman’s solo piano album Melancholia be released?

The release date for Rick Wakeman’s solo piano album Melancholia is set to occur before the March 2026 tour.

Is this the first time Rick and Oliver Wakeman will perform together?

While Rick and Oliver have performed together in one-off live performances, this will be their first full tour together.