"I have to take things easy for a while," said the musician, who has rescheduled his upcoming 'Wakeman & Son' tour
By Tom Skinner 25th November 2025
Rick Wakeman performs live. CREDIT: Bobby Bank/Getty
Rick Wakeman has shared an update on his health after undergoing brain surgery.
The musician, composer and former Yes member, 76, had an operation on his spinal cord earlier this year, before having further surgery on his brain last week.
Writing on his official website, Wakeman posted a “positive health update” in which he told fans that he was now recovering.
“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’ and following hospitalised operational tests in September, I had the necessary corrective ‘shunt’ brain surgery last week,” he wrote.
He went on to say he was “pleased” to confirm that the procedure was “very successful”. Wakeman added that was “now recuperating at home, being cared for by my lovely wife and our wonderful furry healing animals”.
The artist continued: “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 19 and 20.”
a big thank you for all the lovely messages ….. I'm doing really well and driving my lovely wife nuts !!!
— Rick Wakeman CBE (@GrumpyOldRick) November 24, 2025
“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!!” he added.
Wakeman concluded: “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. Thanks again… Rick.”
In an update last month, the musician said: “I spent a week in hospital have surgery on my spine and spinal cord, which although was successful, I did suffer afterwards during recovery and then before I knew it, rehearsals were starting… and how great were they!”
His rescheduled US ‘Wakeman & Son’ tour will now take place next March. Oliver Wakeman is an acclaimed musician in his own right, and has also played keyboards with Yes – though not at the same time as his father.
“It’s a bit of a struggle health wise at the moment as my mobility is poor but I am due further operations in November which should help solve many of the issues so that will be a disappointment to all those who dislike prog as I intend to keep going!!!”
As for his forthcoming dates, Wakeman said in a separate statement: “It’s always an honour for me to share the stage with one of my wonderful children, and for the first time, it’s a thrill to be actually doing a tour with my eldest son Oliver.
“I know it will be very special – especially if, on the odd occasion, he buys me dinner!”
Wakeman recently headed out on a run of UK dates, including a stop at the London Palladium last month. He played the last shows of what was billed as his final US solo tour earlier this year.
Wakeman previously served as a session musician for various major artists, including Elton John, Lou Reed, Black Sabbath, Cat Stevens and most notably David Bowie.
