Rick Wakeman to release new album Return to the Red Planet

Keyboardist Rick Wakeman is set to release his new album, Return To The Red Planet, on October 16 via Madfish. To promote the project, a sequel to his 2020 release The Red Planet, Wakeman visited the Airbus Space Facility in Stevenage to film promotional material within the company’s recreation of the Martian surface.

The album features The English Rock Ensemble, including bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Adam Falkner, and vocalist Mollie Marriott. The nine-track collection includes a tribute to the late David Bowie titled Bowie’s Vision, which features a false ending and a choral climax.

Scientific Inspiration and Future Performances

Wakeman’s interest in space dates back to the 1961 mission of Yuri Gagarin. While developing the new record, he consulted with technicians and scientists at the Airbus facility to explore the concept that Mars was once a water-rich planet. Looking ahead, the musician expressed interest in performing both of his Mars-themed albums together in a single concert, though he noted that such a production depends on the public reception of the new release. If it’s only bought by eight people and a dog, that won’t be anywhere enough to sell tickets for a concert, he said.

Scheduled Appearances and Retirement Plans

Despite previously discussing plans to scale back his professional commitments, Wakeman’s upcoming schedule includes several high-profile projects:

• STARMUS VIII – The Search For Truth: A piano and chamber orchestra composition based on the lectures of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, scheduled for October.
• A Hint Of Christmas: A six-date tour across Britain with his son, Oliver, in December.
• Wizard Of Prog: A series of 18 UK shows spanning February and March 2027.

While he plans to continue creating music, he noted that he intends to be sensible regarding his future live schedule.