Damian Wilson & Adam Wakeman
What will the shows be like? Your guess is as good as ours – and theirs.
Former Threshold singer Damian Wilson and keyboard player Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne, Yes, Strawbs and many more) preview their latest collaborative tour.
When did you two first meet? Adam Wakeman: We were in a band together called Jeronimo Road during the nineties, and ever since we’ve looked for any excuse to work together again. Damian Wilson: This wouldn’t have worked had we tried it back in the nineties, we were just too dumb. Adam: It was actually my dad [Rick] who suggested that we try a duo show.
Although the format of an evening based upon musicianship, banter and anecdotes is simple, the joy of these shows is that nobody has an inkling of what might happen. Adam: Us included. We travel to the gigs together and we include what we talk about in the show. Damian: That spontaneity is vital. We greet people when they arrive, and say goodbye as they leave.
Adam: We’ll even valet-park for you as part of the ticket price.
A couple of years back, during a gig in a church somebody threw a bra at Damian, who responded by putting it on. Damian: Yes. Prog magazine printed a photo of me throwing the horns wearing a brassiere in front of the tabernacle. Adam: It was a little too small for him. Maybe you could let people know that Damian’s cup size is 36DD?
Although you’ve made two very strong records together, you don’t force them down the audience’s throats. Adam: And we’ve been mildly criticised for not playing more Wilson-Wakeman stuff. But our show is more about what we feel like sharing on the night.
Do these kinds of tours you’re doing have a shelf-life? Adam: As long as nobody gets tired with it, we’ll continue. Damian: C’mon, we’re the musical equivalent of Ant and Dec. Nobody gets tired of them, do they?
Adam, will you be playing keyboards on Ozzy’s next world tour? Adam: Yes. It’s been a pretty terrible year for Ozzy, but it’s all on again from May onwards, which is great news.
Will you ever manage to make a new record from your ‘main’ band, Headspace? Adam: Funnily enough, a few days ago Pete Rinaldi [guitarist] told me he’s got some ideas, so we’ll get together in a room quite soon. Damian: That’s three of us. Are the other guys still alive? Adam: So far as I know.
Can you each tell us a secret about the other one? Damian: Adam’s a terrible cook, despite the fact that he’s appeared in a cook book. Adam: Damian is a passionate reader of Motor Home Monthly. Damian: I have to be, as I’m sleeping in a van outside Adam’s house after my houseboat sank. DL
The dates wrap in Walton-on-Thames on January 19.