Review: Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star by Rick Wakeman

I was lucky enough to secure an event with Rick Wakeman before Christmas and I have to say I was somewhat over excited at the prospect of meeting him. I'm a long time fan of YES, and Rick is not only a great musician and composer in his own right, but also legendary for his 'antics'. Meeting him was going to be interesting. The event was being held in the Firestation Arts Centre, and as Rick was promoting his latest book, it was only fair that I read and review it for our local online magazine Beat.

Rick's book, Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star, is a second volume of tall tales and stories from his interesting life. Here is an extract from my review...

...If you buy this book expecting a conventional biography, then you’ll be disappointed. Rick’s autobiography Say Yes! was published back in 1985 but so far hasn’t been updated. Further Adventures takes a less conventional approach, following the same format as his previous book, Grumpy Old Rock Star, re-telling various incidents and episodes from Rick’s sixty odd years of colourful and eventful living. Originally a trained classical musician, Rick is now one of the legends of British Progressive Rock, as well as a world famous composer and solo artist. He has toured the world many times over and, as he would be the first to admit, tired to drink it dry in the process, so he has a vast catalogue of mishaps and misdemeanours to draw from...

...Imagine meeting up with an old friend after many years and being regaled with stories of what they’ve been up to all this time. Reading Rick’s reminiscences is like sitting in the pub with a mate who tells a great yarn exceptionally well. Written in an easy, relaxed style, these hilarious reminiscences about life on the road as a working musician, will make the grumpiest grump smile...

For the full review go to Beat.

I had a great time chatting to Rick before the event, and he entertained the audience brilliantly. Afterwards, signing his books, he had time to talk to his fans, something certain other authors would do well to note. Everyone waited patiently, knowing that when their turn came, Rick would give the same time to them, chatting, answering questions, having his photo taken. It was a fun evening in great company. I hope he'll come to WIndsor again.