Well placed as the creator of several mammoth music extravaganzas in the 70’s, including Journey To The Centre Of The Earth & The Myths & Legends of King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table, Rick Wakeman meets Jeff Wayne to discover the man, music and making of one of the biggest selling albums of all time, The War of the Worlds. Watch the Interview here: http://www.rockondigital.com/catalog/5849.html - http://www.rockondigital.com/catalog/5849.html
This ‘Face To Face’ episode is as much of a story of an inspired musician’s courage, determination and fervour leading up to the release of ‘The War of the Worlds’, as it is the subsequent success, acclaim and 15 million copies sold worldwide of the double album, since it’s launch in 1978.
Jeff Wayne traces his steps back to his early years, inspired and guided by his musical father, through to the conception and completion of his musical interpretation of HG Wells’ science fiction novel. He reveals the production recipe behind ‘The War of the Worlds’ and an insight into working the ingredients of prog rock, classical and literary influences to produce a true classic, featuring The Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward, Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott, David Essex and the spell-binding narration of Richard Burton.
Is it any wonder why this album garnered two prestigious Ivor Novello Awards and was voted the Best US Recording in Science Fiction voted by none-other-than Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg? This simply epic production is well and truly ‘Alive on Stage’ in a multi-media show featuring an internationally renowned cast touring the globe.