Keyboard legend and prog-rock pioneer Rick Wakeman CBE has announced a massive UK tour for February and March 2027. Titled The Wizard Of Prog – Ultimate Highlights Concert Tour, the run will see the iconic musician hit the road alongside the English Rock Ensemble for their longest UK trek to date.
The announcement lands alongside news of Wakeman’s definitive autobiography, also titled The Wizard of Prog, which promises a wild and witty look back at over 50 years of rock ‘n’ roll excess, dramatic comebacks, and musical triumphs. The book is set for publication on 29 October 2026.
A Career-Spanning Setlist
While previous tours under the English Rock Ensemble banner—such as the highly successful Return Of The Caped Crusader series—focused on full-album performances, the 2027 shows will take a broader approach. Audiences can expect a career-spanning setlist packed with global fan favourites, featuring epic extracts from solo masterpieces like Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and The Myths & Legends of King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table.
The tour will also heavily feature classic material from his era-defining tenure with prog icons YES. It bridges the gap between his symphonic solo work and the legendary 1970s arrangements that RAMzine recently highlighted in our retrospective feature, Rick Wakeman – In The Seventies.
“All tours are special, but this one is really very special,” Wakeman teased. “I can’t exactly tell you why, but trust me… it is!”
The powerhouse band line-up will mirror recent touring ensembles, featuring Jesse Smith on lead vocals, Dave Colquhoun on guitars, Lee Pomeroy on bass, Adam Falkner on drums, and Rick’s son, Adam Wakeman, handling keyboards and guitars.
Extra Date Added Due To Demand
The tour kicks off on 17 February 2027 at the Brighton Dome, winding through major UK venues including the Bristol Beacon. This follows massive momentum for the wider progressive scene in the UK, fresh off the heels of the YES Announce UK Fragile Tour announcements earlier this year. Due to exceptional demand during the initial onsale, an extra date has already been added at the Reading Hexagon on Tuesday 9 March 2027.
Tickets for the newly added Reading show go on sale today, Friday 5 June 2026, at 10:00 AM via MyTicket.
Rick Wakeman 2027 UK Tour Dates:
- 17 Feb — Brighton Dome
- 18 Feb — Poole Lighthouse
- 19 Feb — Bristol Beacon
- 21 Feb — Cardiff New Theatre
- 22 Feb — Ipswich Regent Theatre
- 24 Feb — Manchester Opera House
- 25 Feb — Edinburgh Usher Hall
- 26 Feb — Gateshead Glasshouse
- 28 Feb — Sheffield City Hall
- 01 Mar — Liverpool Philharmonic
- 03 Mar — Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall
- 04 Mar — Oxford New Theatre
- 05 Mar — Southend Cliffs Pavilion
- 07 Mar — London Coliseum
- 08 Mar — Birmingham Symphony Hall
- 09 Mar — Reading Hexagon (JUST ADDED)
- 11 Mar — York Barbican
- 12 Mar — Leicester De Montfort Hall
