Wakeman, it turns out, is prog rock’s class clown. Possessed of a sharp and irreverent wit of which the public has only recently been made aware, his skills on the keys are no laughing matter.

He ditched his studies for an increasingly demanding career as a session player for the likes of T-Rex and David Bowie. This too, would be left behind as he rocketed to fame and fortune as Tony Kaye’s replacement in Yes. His on-again-off-again tenure in that band was often interrupted by a solo career which yielded concept albums that combined his skills on the Minimoog, Clav, Mellotron, piano and more.

Often an object of ridicule for his stage garb of silver capes and flowing locks, he is highly respected for his skill and humour.