Rick Wakeman Confident After Brain Surgery: ‘My Piano Playing Is Fine’

Rick Wakeman, the former Yes keyboardist whose career spans more than six decades, has revealed new details about the health issues that recently forced him to postpone his U.S. tour. Known for leaving London’s Royal College of Music in 1969 to become a full-time session musician, Wakeman went on to record with icons such as David Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. His catalog now includes more than 100 albums, including over 20 solo releases.

The progressive rock veteran had planned to launch his Strictly Wakeman tour this summer, but ongoing medical concerns pushed those plans into next year. In a new post on his official website, Wakeman offered fans an encouraging update on his condition.

A “Very Successful” Surgery and a Positive Outlook

Wakeman announced that he is currently recovering from corrective brain surgery after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid that places pressure on the brain.

A “pleased” Wakeman described the operation as “very successful,” adding, “I am now recuperating at home being cared for by my lovely wife and our wonderful furry healing animals!”

While he emphasized the need for continued rest, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer said his surgeon expects him to be “perfectly fine” to travel to the United States for his March 2026 tour and “all future engagements after that.”

Wakeman also reassured fans that his musicianship remains intact. “I am also pleased to say that it doesn’t seem to have affected my piano playing in any way as I still seem to be very capable of hitting the odd wrong note here and there when I lose my concentration!!” he joked.

He closed his message with gratitude:

“Once again, I’d like to thank everybody who wished me well over the last few months for a speedy recovery as it really did mean a lot to me.”

A Revamped Tour Plans a Heartfelt Family Twist

Following the postponement of his original tour, Wakeman announced a major change: rather than hitting the road alone, he will now perform alongside his son, fellow keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, in what is being billed as the Wakeman & Son Tour.

This will mark the first time Oliver — who once filled his father’s spot in Yes — joins Rick onstage for a full tour. “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,” Wakeman previously said. “I know it will be very special — especially if, on the odd occasion, he buys me dinner!!”

A Career’s Final Chapter Strengthened by Family and Fans

Wakeman has spoken openly in recent years about wanting to bring his long career to a meaningful close, and the complications of his health scare have only sharpened that sense of purpose. Pairing with Oliver adds a personal dimension that longtime fans are already celebrating — a symbolic passing of the torch and a heartfelt reminder of the generational impact of his music.

As he prepares for his return to the stage, the support of his audience, the reassurance from his medical team, and the presence of his son seem to form a powerful foundation for this next chapter. For a musician who has spent decades collaborating with legends, scoring films, and reshaping the role of the keyboard in rock, the upcoming tour feels less like a farewell and more like a final, well-earned victory lap — one that honors where he’s been and who will carry the legacy forward.