Rock legend Rick Wakeman took time out from his final solo tour to give an exclusive interview with IW Observer, on stage at Shanklin Theatre, before his sell out concert.

Rick recounted his early musical influences, including his dad playing with the Ted Heath Band and how his music teacher enthused his passion for the piano. He also talked about how he enjoyed childhood visits to Bembridge. He continues to enjoy regular returns to the Island and has played at St Saviours Church in Shanklin as well as Ventnor Winter Gardens and catching up with Islander friends, including Melvyn Hayes.

Working with Elton John, David Bowie and Cat Stephens, Rick highlighted how audiences still insist he plays ‘Morning Has Broken’ at each of his concerts.

His charitable work includes support of Island charity, Friends of the Animals, and as patron he visited local volunteers during his visit this week. He was shown around their brand new HQ – the former Brannon House on Pyle Street, to be known in future as Sinclair-Coltman House, named after Helen Sinclair, the charity’s founder and the donor whose generous legacy enabled the charity to purchase it. Rick is also a King Rat, a Mason and a member of The Lord’s Taverners.

During the interview Rick talked openly about his health, as well as appearances on TV shows like Countdown, and how he has been approached to star in ‘Strictly’, ‘Get Me Out Of Here’ and reality cookery programmes.

The full interview can be found at iw.observer/rick-wakeman-interview and, once the tour is over, Rick plans to return to the Island next year.