Ah, the 70's. Remember the days when bands performed huge, grandiose shows, complete with props and orchestras in front of thousands of people? Unfortunately these type of events don't really happen much anymore, but with the help of the DVD, we have this fantastic Rick Wakeman concert from Australia in 1975, which will help us remember the theatrics of the golden age of progressive rock shows.
I mean, where else would you have a full band, an orchestra, and giant inflatable dinosaurs than at a Rick Wakeman concert? Armed and surrounded by a huge arsenal of keyboards (Moog, Hammond, piano, Mellotron), Mr. Wakeman and his band perform many favorites from Six Wives of Henry VIII, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and of course the complete Journey to the Center of the Earth. Dressed in his long, flowing white cape, and with his mid-back length blonde hair (and can of Australian beer!), Wakeman appears to be a mythical figure. While much of his solo material takes on a more classical approach to prog than his stuff with Yes, there are plenty of exciting moments throughout this DVD. Having a full orchestra and choir, as well as narration, adds a nice touch to the live setting, and really gives this concert a "big event" kind of feel. Wakeman's band is very tight, and the man himself is as always, quite the virtuoso on the keyboards.
The sound and picture quality is excellent on both the DVD and CD. It would have been nice to have some extra features, but otherwise this is a great DVD release for all Wakeman, Yes, and prog fans in general.
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