Rick Wakeman answers our travel questions and answers
Rockstar Rick Wakeman joins our travel Q&A.
He talks about his first package holiday (to Mallorca), why he loves Buenos Aires so much, how he “pulled dry planes” with bandmates and more…
EARLY HOLIDAY REMINDER?
In the summer of 1957 I stayed with my family in a B&B in Exmouth. We went to a cafe by the sea and depending on the weather I drank a cold drink or a cup of hot Bovril.
FIRST FOREIGN TRIP?
A package holiday to Majorca in 1966. It cost £42 but when I got there I found my hotel wasn’t ready so I had to stay somewhere else – classic hand luggage.
HOW HAS TOURING CHANGED SINCE THE EARLY DAYS?
When I first joined the folk band Strawbs and did our acoustic shows, we toured in an old Morris Minor and put our instruments on the roof rack. It’s different now.
HIGHLIGHT TOURS?
Played a solo show in Rio in the 1970s. Little did I know my solo albums were at the top of the Brazilian charts, so fans lined the streets. I was received so warmly.
TOUR LOW POINT?
I was booked to perform in Central Australia but someone got the dates mixed up. I was told I only got paid if I did a gig, so I ended up playing for a handful of employees.
FAVORITE FOREIGN CITY?
Buenos Aires, a great city if you like music and football. After watching a tango show there, you’ll never want to watch it on Strictly again.
EVER BOUND BY THE LAW ON YOUR TRAVEL?
I was stopped by customs in New York after flying in from Barbados with a hard case [1970s rock band] Yes, on an American tour. They thought I had put drugs in a drawer of the suitcase, so they took me aside and sawed it in quarters – then told me I was free to go.
Rick describes Buenos Aires (above) as a “nice city if you like music and football” – and recommends seeing a tango show there
MUST HAVE TRIP? / CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT?
A book of Sudoku puzzles – I’m addicted to this damn game.
TOP TRAVEL TIP?
I always take an overnight flight home from the US so I can get a few hours of sleep. My band and I used to drink on a plane, but in 1985 I became a teetotaler. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t like the bottle.
WHERE NEXT?
Tenerife with my wife next year.
DREAM DESTINATION?
I would like to give a concert in Iceland.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
