Renowned keyboard player to perform for Birmingham Lord Mayor 's Charity

Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman CBE is to perform an intimate evening event for just 300 fans in Birmingham this September to raise money for the Lord Mayor 's charity.

The event is being overseen by Carmen Watson, chair of Warwickshire-based Pertemps Network Group, who is both a trustee of the charity and chair of its Women in Business group.

Rick is the first celebrity to support the Lord Mayor 's Charity 's new celebrity series of 'An evening with�. '.

The virtuoso musician, who was famously part of the prog-rock group Yes and playing on hits for Cat Stevens and David Bowie, goes on his Grumpy Christmas Stocking tour in November and December.

But before that, Rick will perform at Millennium Point on Thursday 8 September, where fans will also be able to ask him questions about his career in a more intimate setting.

The event is expected to be a sell-out and raise thousands of pounds for the Birmingham Lord Mayor 's Charity, which supports good causes around the city.

Rick said: “I am really looking forward to supporting the Lord Mayor 's Charity and doing what I can for such a good cause.

“It is going to be wonderfully intimate with a mix of music and chat, so I am really looking forward to it. I may even ask the audience a few questions! ”

Birmingham 's Lord Mayor, Cllr Maureen Cornish, added: “I am so grateful that Rick is giving up his time to support our city 's charity, helping so many good causes.

“It 's a chance to get to see him before his Christmas tour later in the year and we 're sure the tickets will go fast so get yours now! ”

Rick made his name as a session musician and collaborator in the late 1960s and early 1970s, notably playing mellotron on David Bowie 's breakthrough 1969 hit Space Oddity and the piano on Life on Mars , while giving Cat Stevens ' 1971 version of Morning Has Broken its famous rolling piano introductions.

After leaving the band Strawbs in 1971 he joined the prog rock band Yes as well as enjoying a successful solo career spanning a number of decades, selling more than 50 million copies of his albums.

Carmen Watson (pictured), said: “It 's a great pleasure to be part of a charity that goes above and beyond to support our local communities.

“This event is another great way to raise essential funds and awareness. It will be a fantastic night and one to truly remember. ”

VIP tickets are strictly limited and only 40 are available at a cost £85. This will include an arrival drink and a meet and greet from Rick himself. General admission is £45. All bookings are subject to a booking fee.

To buy tickets, go to https://an-audience-with-rick-wakeman.eventbrite.co.uk