Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman is “recuperating at home” after undergoing major brain surgery.
In September, the musician announced that he would be postponing a string of planned concerts as he was due to undergo an operation to treat Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) – a neurological disorder characterised by the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull.
And in a statement posted to his website this week, Wakeman revealed he had undergone a corrective “shunt” surgery earlier this month and the procedure was “very successful”.
“I had the necessary corrective ‘shunt’ brain surgery last week which I am pleased to say was very successful and I am now recuperating at home being cared for by my lovely wife and our wonderful furry healing animals!” he wrote. “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 (2026) and will be fine for all future engagements after that.”
Wakeman went on to note that he plans to appear at two charity concerts in Norwich and Ipswich, England on 19 and 20 December.
Elsewhere in the message, the Journey to the Centre of the Earth artist insisted the surgery hasn’t impacted his ability to play the piano.
“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!” the 76-year-old continued. “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.”
Wakeman has faced many health issues over the years, and in 2023, he shared that he had macular degeneration in his left eye and arthritis in his hands, legs, and feet.
