Legendary Yes Keyboardist Rick Wakeman Recuperating After Major Brain Surgery
Photo by Aureliomoraes30, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rick Wakeman, the influential keyboardist known for his work with Yes and his long solo career, is recovering at home after undergoing corrective brain surgery. The 76-year-old musician had postponed his 2025 United States tour due to a neurological condition, but he recently assured fans that he is healing well and that his ability to play music has not been affected.
Diagnosis and Health Concerns
Earlier in 2025, Wakeman announced that he needed to cancel and postpone several tour dates while he dealt with a significant medical problem. He later explained that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The symptoms can include trouble walking, memory difficulties, and other issues linked to the nervous system. After going through multiple tests and evaluations, doctors determined that surgery would be the best course of action.
Wakeman shared with fans that learning about the condition was difficult, especially since it forced him to step back from performing. However, the diagnosis also brought clarity to the symptoms he had been experiencing. With the support of his medical team, he agreed to move forward with the recommended procedure.
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The Surgical Procedure
Wakeman underwent what he described as “corrective shunt brain surgery.” In this type of operation, surgeons implant a small tube designed to drain extra fluid from the brain, easing pressure and helping stabilize neurological function. According to Wakeman, the surgery “was very successful,” and he is now resting at home while following a careful recovery plan set by his doctors.
In a lighthearted update, he told fans that the operation had not changed his musical abilities in any way. He joked that he can still “hit the occasional wrong note,” suggesting that everything about his playing remains exactly as it was before the procedure. His comment reassured many longtime listeners who were concerned about how the surgery might affect his performance skills.
Impact on Touring Plans
Because of the surgery and the time needed to recover, Wakeman postponed his 2025 U.S. tour. The new schedule now has the concerts beginning in March 2026. He will be joined by his son, Oliver Wakeman, making the upcoming tour a special event for fans who have followed their work both separately and together.
Doctors have informed Wakeman that he will be fully ready for the rescheduled North American dates. In addition, he confirmed that he will still appear at two charity concerts in the United Kingdom on December 19 and December 20, as planned.
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A Positive Outlook for Fans
Wakeman’s openness about his condition has helped bring attention to normal pressure hydrocephalus, which can be overlooked or mistaken for other illnesses. His successful surgery and strong recovery have brought relief to fans around the world, who continue to view him as one of progressive rock’s most important musicians.
With the operation behind him and steady improvement ahead, Wakeman is preparing to return to the stage refreshed and ready. His 2026 tour will add another chapter to a career now spanning more than fifty years, and his recovery ensures that his music will continue for audiences everywhere.
