Having been at the first night of these two performances of 'The Six Wives' album this makes for a perfect reminder of how good the whole concert was.

Rick Wakeman of course was in fine form backed by a very accomplished band including his son Adam on keyboards (and Ozzy Osbourne's current keyboardist) and the legendary percussionist Ray Cooper (who played on the original album).

The album was performed in its entirety along with two specially composed pieces for the shows, 'Tudorture' which opens the show and 'Tudorock' which closed the show in suitably bombastic style.

Of interest to fans as well is the first performance of a song written for the original album, 'Defender Of The Faith' but which never made the original album release. This song was the one for Henry VIII and being written at the same time as the other music first seamlessly into the set.

The whole set was a highlight to be honest although hearing 'Katherine Parr' performed live was a personal highlight.

Sadly no sign of the narrator Brian Blessed who was in danger at times of upstaging the whole event as he is not the quietest of people! But I assume he will feature on the accompanying DVD release.

Excellent sound quality throughout although the crowd only get heard at the start and end of each song as this music isn't really made for audience call and responses like 'Hello Hampton Court good to be here'. This release and the DVD go straight to the top of the 'must have' lists of Rick Wakeman fans.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

Gig review