Rick Wakeman to record a new and extended version of King Arthur…

Rick Wakeman has today announced his intention to re-record an extended version of his 1975 album The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table…

Speaking via PledgeMusic, Wakeman said: “I have always had in mind re-recording and performing an extended version of King Arthur as it has only ever been performed three times in the UK. I am delighted to now have the opportunity to do this and especially so with the help of the fans and my campaign on PledgeMusic……and if all goes well, maybe one day put it back on ice!”

The new recordings will be free of the single disc duration of the original and the new version of King Arthur will be issued as a double album – as originally intended.

There will also be new artwork by Roger Dean and the album will be available as a 2CD set, a limited edition 2LP vinyl package, and there will also be a high quality digital download available. The new recording will feature alll the original music and also five new pieces of music all in the style of the original recording.

This PledgeMusic campaign features the usual array of pre-order options, including signed items, test pressings and even limited places to a studio recording session.

The original album was very successful back in the day, reaching number two on the UK albums chart and number 21 in the USA. It was promoted with just three sold out shows at Wembley Arena in May 1975 that were performed on ice (hence Rick’s reference). King Arthur was also reissued in 2015 as a CD+DVD set with a Quadrophonic mix.

• Head over to PledgeMusic for more information