Wakeman, Rick - Return To The Red Planet

At a time when space exploration has moved back to the forefront of human endeavour - with missions to the Moon, Mars & beyond once again capturing the world's imagination - 'Return To The Red Planet' feels both timely & visionary, rekindling the cosmic spirit that helped define progressive rock's golden age. 

Where its predecessor opened the story, this album explores the planet's ancient lakes, vast canyon systems, shifting dust storms & geological epochs, drawing directly on the remarkable images & research that have transformed our understanding of Mars in recent years, Wakeman immersing himself in planetary research, data, & mission reports before a single note was written.

"Once I started looking at the new data & photographs, I realised there was an entirely new album waiting to be written. There was simply too much more to say about Mars - musically & spiritually - not to return." - Rick Wakeman 

Recorded between August 2025 & January 2026, the project also marks a welcome return to full band recording, with all musicians working together at Decoy Studios - a creative approach Wakeman considers essential to capturing the spontaneity & energy of progressive rock at its best. 

The album is performed by Wakeman's English Rock Ensemble, featuring bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Adam Falkner & vocalist Mollie Marriott, daughter of legendary Steve Marriott. The album was mastered by renowned engineer Simon Heyworth.