“You know who it is”: Rick Wakeman names his two guitar heroes
Rick Wakeman has an in-depth knowledge of how music is crafted. While playing in Yes, the keyboardist wrote some of the most intricate pieces that make up elongated prog-rock numbers, as well as short and snappy melodies that will sit nicely on the radio. Regardless of what musical feat Wakeman is attempting to accomplish, he has always retained a unique sound and element of individuality throughout.
This has always been important to Wakeman, as it is present in his music and what he holds in high regard. When asked questions about his favourite musicians, the topic of who the best guitarist is came up, and Wakeman was quick to provide two names.
“Brian May. He’s such a unique player. There are very few guitarists that the moment you hear them you know who it is. Brian is one of those,” he said. “Eric Clapton’s another. When Cream’s ‘Strange Brew’ came out, everybody went: ‘What’s that?’ Every band were playing like The Shadows, then along comes Eric and changes the whole face of guitar work.”
The individual element of music Wakeman holds so close is present in those he admires, and he cites two excellent guitarists as an example. He’s right as well: Both were trailblazers, not only in terms of the bands that they contributed to but also in terms of how, as individuals, they also opened the minds of many music lovers.
Wakeman isn’t the only musician to cite the two as influences. Fellow prog-rocker Geddy Lee has always been incredibly vocal about how much Cream influenced him, to the point that the first gig he ever played with Rush was predominantly made up of Cream covers.
When recounting the first time he saw the band live, Lee said, “Cream sort of changed my life. They blew my mind and I remember they were coming to Toronto. I couldn’t get any of my friends interested to go see them; they were playing at Massey Hall, and I went down and bought a ticket, and I went by myself.”
He continued, “They were such an important band to me. Jack Bruce’s bass playing was just out of this world. Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, I mean they were the ultimate trio.”
Brian May has also been acknowledged not just by musical royalty but also by actual royalty. In 2023, he was awarded a Knight Bachelor for his contributions to music. This is only fair, given that his guitar playing, riffs, and solos have contributed to some of the UK’s most iconic songs in recent decades. His unique tone and ability make it so that people recognise him the moment he starts playing the guitar.
Wakeman carried this individuality into his own music, and that’s one of the reasons Yes continues to attract fans from around the world today.
