Rick Wakeman double album in 1979, was Wakeman's final studio album for A&M Records. It features Bruce Lynch on bass, Frank Gibson, Jr. on drums, and Tony Visconti on acoustic guitar. In March 1980, after several writing sessions for a new Yes album in Paris failed, Wakeman and Jon Anderson left the group. In 1980, Wakeman reformed the English Rock Ensemble and completed a European tour. He came close to forming a band with drummer Carl Palmer, bassist John Wetton, and guitarist Trevor Rabin, but opted out "on a matter of principle" as the record company was prepared to sign them without
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