Pantheon - Podcasts for Music Lovers First Concert Memories #31: Oliver Wakeman on Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe
The Wolf & Action Jackson were so pleased that Oliver Wakeman agreed to come on First Concert Memories to talk about the first time he saw his father Rick, Rock N Roll Hall of Famer and longtime keyboardist in Yes, on a large arena stage. Though he'd seen Rick play with his solo band many times at theaters as he grew up, he never saw Rick in Yes until the Union Tour in 1991. So when Jon Anderson became disillusioned with the pop leanings of Yes in the late 1980s, he gathered former Yes bandmates Steve Howe, Bill Bruford and his pal Rick Wakeman to form their own version of Yes.
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe not only would release a self-titled album with lead single Brother of Mine in 1988, but would embark on an arena tour billed as An Evening of Yes Music Plus. Oliver and his brother were invited to America to join their father for a week and see 5-6 ABWH shows at the end of the summer of 1988. Oliver shares stories of seeing his dad on the big stage with the other legends of Yes and learning firsthand just how big a star Rick was (and is today).
From there we deviate to how a mixing session for the ABWH single I'm Alive actually lead to his eventual tenure in Yes from 2008-2011. Oliver shares how he got up to speed on all the tunes, eventually recording an album with Yes and fun memories from the road.
He has a 20th anniversary re-release of his 7th solo album Mother's Ruin coming out March 13, 2026 (click his website below to order) and is embarking on his first tour with Rick in the US in March also. And he'll be touring with his band in the UK in April and November to visit From A Page, his album with Yes.
We find Oliver's articulate musings and respect for the fans refreshing and we encourage you to see him live in the US, UK or Europe this year if possible!
Order Oliver's album Mother's Ruin and learn about his 2026 tour dates at www.oliverwakeman.co.uk
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