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Rick Wakeman's Early Years Trivia Quiz

This is a short quiz on the early career of Rick Wakeman, one of rock music's foremost keyboard players.

A multiple-choice quiz by Glaswegian. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
Glaswegian

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
301,301

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
272

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Rick is a classically trained musician. Where did he study? Hint

Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

Royal College of Music

Royal Academy of Music

Royal Northern College of Music

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Question 2 of 10

2. Rick started out as a session musician, playing with artists such as David Bowie and Cat Stevens. On which Bowie hit did Rick play the keyboards? Hint

Rebel, Rebel

The Laughing Gnome

Space Oddity

Love You Till Tuesday

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which band did Rick join in 1970? Hint

Strawbs

Deep Purple

Amen Corner

Fairport Convention

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Question 4 of 10

4. After leaving the band he joined in 1970, Rick joined Yes. What was his first album with the band? Hint

Close To The Edge

Time And A Word

The Yes Album

Fragile

5. While with Yes, Rick released his first solo album, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII". The album cover shows Rick at Madame Tussaud's with the wax effigies of the king and his wives. Which American President can just be seen in the background? Hint

Franklin Roosevelt

Richard Nixon

John F Kennedy

Ronald Reagan

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Question 6 of 10

6. In 1974 Rick's solo career took off with the release of "Journey to the Centre of the Earth", featuring a fusion of rock and classical. This was a "one-off" live recording with an orchestra and choir. Which well known actor narrated the production? Hint

David Niven

Richard Burton

David Hemmings

Patrick Stewart

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Question 7 of 10

7. Where was "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" recorded? Hint

The Albert Hall

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Arena

The Royal Festival Hall

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Question 8 of 10

8. The next album was "The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table". Which vocalist, who also sang on "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" and several subsequent albums, appeared on this album? Hint

Gary Pickford Hopkins

Ashley Holt

Justin Hayward

Jon Anderson

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Question 9 of 10

9. What rock band did Rick establish to accompany him on tour and on studio albums, appearing on "Journey", "The Myths and Legends" and "No Earthly Connection"? Hint

The English Rock Ensemble

The Rick Wakeman Band

The English Rock Group

Wakeman's Wanderers

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Question 10 of 10

10. Where did Rick write the majority of the "King Arthur" album? Hint

In the studio

In hospital

At home

In the park

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Rick is a classically trained musician. Where did he study?

Answer: Royal College of Music

Rick studied piano, clarinet and modern music.

2. Rick started out as a session musician, playing with artists such as David Bowie and Cat Stevens. On which Bowie hit did Rick play the keyboards?

Answer: Space Oddity

He also played on the Bowie hits "Life on Mars" and "Changes".

3. Which band did Rick join in 1970?

Answer: Strawbs

Rick only stayed for two albums, "Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios" and "From the Witchwood" before moving on to join Yes.

4. After leaving the band he joined in 1970, Rick joined Yes. What was his first album with the band?

Answer: Fragile

"Close to the Edge" was his favourite album with the band. He left after disagreements over the album "Tales from Topographic Oceans".

Answer: Richard Nixon

Strange but true!

Answer: David Hemmings

Patrick Stewart narrated the reprise album "Return to the Centre of the Earth" some 25 years later. The original music was several hours long and had to be severely edited. The UK arm of record company A & M did not want to release the finished product, but Rick persuaded the American arm to do so - and it was a success.

7. Where was "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" recorded?

Answer: The Royal Festival Hall

The recording almost made Rick bankrupt because the record company restricted the budget. Rick sold many of his belongings and mortgaged his house to provide funds.

Answer: Ashley Holt

Ashley Holt became something of a regular and has appeared on various Rick Wakeman studio and live albums.

9. What rock band did Rick establish to accompany him on tour and on studio albums, appearing on "Journey", "The Myths and Legends" and "No Earthly Connection"?

Answer: The English Rock Ensemble

Although the line up was quite fluid, regulars included Roger Newell (bass), Barney James (drums) and Mike Egan (guitar).

10. Where did Rick write the majority of the "King Arthur" album?

Answer: In hospital

Most of it was written in Wexham Park hospital after Rick suffered a heart attack. A specialist recommended he stop playing and retire. Thankfully, for his fans at least, he ignored the advice - after all he was only 25 years old!

Source: Author Glaswegian

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