Rick Wakeman, Famous Yes Keyboardist, Shares His Experience with Brain Surgery
Rick Wakeman, the iconic former keyboardist of Yes, has recently undergone brain surgery to address a neurological condition. This revelation comes as he previously postponed a leg of his final solo tour, originally scheduled for July 2025, rescheduling some dates to March 2026.
In a heartfelt update posted on his official website over the weekend, Wakeman disclosed the details surrounding his health issue. He stated, “As many of you may be aware, a few months ago I had to reschedule my American tour because of health issues as I was diagnosed with the neurological disorder ‘normal pressure hydrocephalus.’ Following hospital operational tests in September, I had the necessary corrective ‘shunt’ brain surgery last week, which I am pleased to say was very successful, and I am now recuperating at home being cared for by my lovely wife and our wonderful furry healing animals!”
Wakeman expressed optimism regarding his future engagements. He added, “I have to take things easy for a while but have been told by my surgeon that I will be perfectly fine to travel to America for the tour with my son Oliver in March and will be fine for all future engagements after that — and I will also be fine for the 2 Saving Strays charity concerts in Norwich and Ipswich on December 19th and 20th.”
He also reassured fans about his musical abilities, saying, “I am also pleased to say that it doesn’t seem to have affected my piano playing in any way as I still seem to be very capable of hitting the odd wrong note here and there when I lose my concentration!! Once again, I’d like to thank everybody who wished me well over the last few months for a speedy recovery as it really did mean a lot to me.”
The neurological disorder Wakeman faced is similar to the condition that prompted Billy Joel to cancel his tour dates earlier this year. Normal pressure hydrocephalus affects balance, bladder control, and memory, emphasizing the seriousness of the condition.
On social media platform X/Twitter, Wakeman added, “a big thank you for all the lovely messages ….. I’m doing really well and driving my lovely wife nuts!!!”
With touring plans intact, Wakeman is set to perform in several charity gigs in the UK this December, followed by the aforementioned March US tour alongside his son Oliver. The lineup includes several dates across states, reaffirming his commitment to music as he continues to recover.
Rick Wakeman 2026 US Tour Dates:
03/11 – Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
03/13 – Phoenixville, PA @ The Colonial Theatre
03/14 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon
03/15 – Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall
03/18 – St. Louis, MO @ The Sheldon
03/20 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
03/21 – Kent, OH @ The Kent Stage
03/22 – Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
03/24 – Richmond, VA @ The National
03/25 – Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts Center
03/26 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
03/28 – Westerly, RI @ United Theatre
03/29 – Red Bank, NJ @ The Vogel
