Rick Wakeman of Yes has revealed that he underwent «successful» brain surgery last week after being diagnosed with the neurological disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus.<\/b>
\nRick Wakeman is on the mend.
The former Yes keyboardist has revealed that he recently underwent \u201csuccessful\u201d brain surgery after canceling a major tour across the US.
\u201cAs 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,\u201d the \u201cRoundabout\u201d musician, 76, shared on his website this week.
\u201cFollowing hospitalised operational tests in September, I had the necessary corrective \u2018shunt\u2019 brain surgery last week,\u201d he continued, \u201cwhich 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!\u201d
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a serious but treatable neurological disorder that affects an individual\u2019s hearing, vision and balance.
The condition made headlines back in May after Billy Joel, 76, announced that he was diagnosed with the very same disorder and canceled all his tour dates through July 2026.
Although Wakeman is still recuperating from his surgery, he suggested that he may return to the stage as soon as next month for two shows in his native England.
\u201cI 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,\u201d the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer wrote.
\u201cI will also be fine for the 2 Saving Strays charity concerts in Norwich and Ipswich on December 19th and 20th,\u201d he added.
The former Yes member went on to assure fans that his piano playing wasn\u2019t affected as a result of his normal pressure hydrocephalus or brain surgery.
\u201cI am also pleased to say that it doesn\u2019t 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!\u201d Wakeman joked.
The \u201cHeart of the Sunrise\u201d rocker ended his message by thanking fans for their well-wishes and support amid his startling health scare.
\u201cOnce again, I\u2019d 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,\u201d he concluded.
Yes consisted of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe and Bill Bruford when Wakeman replaced original keyboardist Tony Kaye in 1971.
Although Wakeman left the English progressive rock band in 1974, he returned several times over the years \u2013 including most recently in 2004.
The musician, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes in 2017, opened up about his life and career during a candid interview with Express two years ago.
\u201cI wake up in the morning now, throw off the duvet, see if anything has dropped off, and if it hasn\u2019t, I get up,\u201d he told the outlet in 2023.
\u201cI\u2019ll keep playing until it hurts too much, but there\u2019s going to come a time I\u2019ll have to stop,\u201d Wakeman added. \u201cI\u2019d never want to walk on stage and hear someone say: \u2018He used to be good.’\u201d
The Post has reached out to Wakeman\u2019s rep for comment.<\/p>\n