1984 (Rick Wakeman album) After leaving Yes in early 1980, Wakeman resumed his solo career and reformed his band, the English Rock Ensemble, and completed a European tour. For his next project, Wakeman secured a recording deal with Charisma Records which granted him an advance and without a deadline to complete an album. Wakeman estimated the album took around two-and-a-half years to produce from conception to completion. It stemmed from his longtime wish of working with other musicians, blend electronic keyboards with an orchestra and choir, and to write an album based on the future rather than historical concepts. He chose to make a
Classic Tracks (Rick Wakeman album) Classic Tracks (Rick Wakeman album) Despite the good reviews by fans, Wakeman claims this album was finished and released without his authorization. He also claims that he was threatened with violence if he interfered with the release and was told he wouldn't receive any compensation for it. In this album, lyrics were added to the 1975 instrumental song "Merlin the Magician" from "The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table". Despite Rick's feelings about this album, this new version of "Merlin the Magician" was later played on tour and one of those performances can