Progressive Rock Icon Rick Wakeman of Yes Announces His Next Solo Album Release

A New Chapter in the Piano Trilogy

Rick Wakeman, the legendary former Yes keyboardist, has confirmed the release of his new solo album, Melancholia, arriving October 17. The project consists of 12 tracks and completes a trilogy of piano-focused works that began with Piano Portraits in 2017 and continued with Piano Odyssey in 2018.

The album was recorded on a Steinway Model D and marks Wakeman’s first studio project since he revealed plans to retire from touring last year. While he has remained active through live appearances and special performances, this release highlights his return to the studio with a focus on deeply personal music.

Inspiration Behind Melancholia

According to a press statement, the idea for the record began during a quiet afternoon at home. Wakeman’s wife overheard him playing what later became the track “Garo,” described as a “contemplative piece.” Because she knew that he often turned to the piano during difficult times, using it as an outlet for sadness or inner conflict, she encouraged him to share the music more widely.

The release explains further: “What followed was not a conceptual record in the traditional sense, but a deeply cohesive suite, written intuitively at first and later shaped in collaboration with long-time producer and engineer Erik Jordan at The Granary Studio in Norfolk.” The result is an album that combines Wakeman’s instinctive writing with careful refinement in the studio.

 

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Formats and Pre-Orders

Melancholia will be released in multiple formats. Fans will be able to purchase it as a 2-CD/DVD set, which includes high-resolution stereo audio and a short documentary on the making of the album. It will also be available on both silver and black vinyl, as a single CD, and in digital form. Pre-orders are currently live through Wakeman’s official webstore.

Touring Plans and Health Update

Earlier this summer, Wakeman had to postpone a planned US tour due to surgery for an unspecified “ongoing health issue.” Despite the setback, he has confirmed that he will return to live performance in October for a run of UK shows, which will coincide with the release of Melancholia. Tickets are now available.

Tracklist for Melancholia

1. Sitting at the Window
2. Reflection
3. Pathos
4. Dance of the Ghosts
5. Alone
6. The Morning Light
7. Garo
8. All in the Mind
9. Sea of Tranquility
10. Missing
11. Watching Life
12. Melancholia