20 October 2026
Prog rock royalty has returned to the cosmos. Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, famously known for his dazzling 1970s epics like The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, along with his stellar work with Yes, has launched a spectacular new musical voyage. Released on 16 October 2026, Return to the Red Planet is a breathtaking, symphonic sequel to his acclaimed 2020 instrumental record.
This time, Wakeman is backed by the full power of the English Rock Ensemble. Together, they construct a cinematic 52-minute instrumental suite inspired by actual planetary data and high-resolution Mars rover photography. It balances heavy, driving rhythm sections with towering, layered synthesizer arrangements that echo the grandiosity of his golden era.
“Once I started looking at the new data and photographs, I realised there was an entirely new album waiting to be written,” Rick said. “There was simply too much more to say about Mars – musically and spiritually – not to return.”
The emotional core of the album belongs to the track Bowie’s Vision. The song serves as a deeply moving tribute to his late, legendary friend David Bowie. Decades ago, Wakeman famously played the iconic, sweeping piano tracks on Bowie’s masterpiece Life on Mars?. Coming full circle, this poignant new composition bridges the gap between classic glam rock history and modern progressive fusion, proving that Wakeman’s creative stardust is as vibrant today as it was half a century ago.
Return to the Red Planet is performed by Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble, featuring bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Adam Falkner and vocalist Mollie Marriott, daughter of legendary Steve Marriott.
SAMPLE TRACKS
Bowie’s Vision:
Epochs of Mars:
On Bang a Gong:
Life on Mars? – David Bowie
Catherine of Aragon (The Six Wives of Henry VIII) – Rick Wakeman
Journey to the Centre of the Earth (album) – Rick Wakeman
Roundabout – Yes
Where to get Return to the Red Planet CDs, vinyl, blu-rays, and box sets: Rick Wakeman Emporium
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