THE Base Session team has been behind closed doors for an exclusive chat with a rock legend and King Rat.

Rick Wakeman has been elected leader of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a historic charitable group based in central London whose membership includes some of the biggest names in entertainment.

 

The former YES man invited our cameras into the Water Rats’ private museum, which contains treasures including Charlie Chaplin’s cane and Tommy Cooper’s fez, for a chat about his latest projects including a massive concert tour.

The tour features a lavish performance of his 15million-selling album Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, marking 40 years since its release and the 150th anniversary of the Jules Verne book which inspired the record.

During the interview Rick lifts the lid on preparations for the tour, which includes a date at Birmingham’s NIA on Tuesday April 29, after the surprise discovery of the album’s musical score.

He also reveals how his music has played its part in a number of NASA space missions and why he may be responsible for keeping our planet free from extra-terrestrial visitors.

The Base Sessions is recorded and produced at Base Studios in Stourbridge.