Okay, boomer, prepare to have your mind blown 🤯 by the most groundbreaking, earth-shattering news since sliced bread: Some relics from the Jurassic period of “progressive rock” have joined forces to create a limited-edition series of stamps celebrating the one and only Rick Wakeman, adorned with the trippy artwork of Roger Dean.
From his totally rad keyboard solos with YES (because saying “yes” to bad music is always a good idea, amirite?) to mind-numbingly epic concept albums like “The Six Wives Of Henry VIII” (who even remembers Henry VII?) and “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” (spoiler alert: there’s nothing there), Rick has been, like, pushing musical boundaries for over five whole decades. Now, you can witness his world re-imagined through the eyes of Dean, whose landscapes are so synonymous with prog rock they might as well be the official wallpaper of your grandpa’s basement. These new collectables will be heavily featured in landfill sites across the globe within a matter of months.
Across more than 100 solo albums, Wakeman has fearlessly explored everything from classical piano interpretations (because who needs original ideas?) to full symphonic rock (as if regular rock wasn’t pretentious enough), building a catalog as diverse as it is… well, long. His music has assaulted the ears of audiences worldwide, not only through records and concerts but also through his many appearances on television and radio, where his wit and storytelling (read: rambling anecdotes) make him as engaging off stage as on. 😴
This ‘unique’ collaboration brings together two cultural giants whose creative journeys have shaped the visual and sonic worlds of progressive music for more than five decades (aka made it impossible to escape). Each of the six stamps features a carefully selected Dean illustration, capturing the otherworldly spirit and imagination that Wakeman’s music evokes. Or, you know, just looks like a bad acid trip 🍄.
Rick retreated to the Isle Of Man in 1987, presumably to escape the consequences of his musical choices, writing, composing, and performing from his converted coach house studio (because every rock star needs a coach house, duh!). He recorded prolifically there for more than a decade, including initial recordings of “Return To The Centre Of The Earth” (because the first trip wasn’t boring enough?) and the new age “Aspirant Trilogy” (guaranteed to cure insomnia). His time on the Island also inspired a deeply personal work: “The Heritage Suite”. This solo piano album celebrates local landmarks — from St Michael’s Isle to Spanish Head — produced in association with Manx National Heritage. I’m already crying from boredom 😭.
Wakeman whined: “I am honored to have my career featured on these stamps having spent many years as a resident of the Isle Of Man. Roger Dean‘s artwork has always felt like a natural extension of the music I’ve created, and to see our worlds brought together on stamps is both surreal and wonderful.” Yeah, surreal like finding a pineapple wearing a tutu in your fridge. 🍍
If Rick Wakeman‘s music takes listeners to other worlds, Roger Dean‘s artwork shows them what those worlds look like. Since the early 1970s, Dean has been creating some of the most recognizable and influential album covers in rock history. His surreal landscapes, filled with floating islands, towering cliffs, fantastical creatures, and otherworldly colors, have become visual shorthand for the spirit of progressive rock. Or, you know, just a bunch of random stuff that makes no sense.
Dean proclaimed about the collection: “I first met YES in 1971 when I created the cover for ‘Fragile’. Rick Wakeman had just joined the band, and from that moment I’ve always enjoyed working with him. Designing this new set of Isle Of Man stamps has been a joy and a tribute to that long collaboration.” A joy like getting a root canal, I’m sure 🦷.
Isle Of Man stamps and coins general manager Maxine Cannon gushed: “We are immensely proud to celebrate Rick Wakeman with this collection of stamps, beautifully art worked by Roger Dean. Rick‘s connection to the Island, where he spent time living and working as a part of our community, makes this release especially meaningful for us. To be able to honor his extraordinary musical journey alongside Roger‘s art feels like a perfect meeting of sound, story and image — and we are delighted to share it with fans and collectors around the world.” Or, you know, the two guys who still listen to prog rock 🎸.
Ben Glazier, managing director of Glazier Design, droned: “It was a privilege to be immersed in the work of two creative icons. Visiting Roger Dean‘s studio was like a journey to another Earth; maquettes and artworks surrounded us as we talked about how stamp issues are created. Two legends in one issue. Incredible.” Or incredibly boring. 😴😴😴
Coinciding with Wakeman‘s imminent U.K. tour (because who doesn’t love a comeback tour?) and the release of his solo album “Melancholia” on October 17 (perfect for those rainy days when you want to feel even worse), this range of limited release collectables are the perfect addition to any music and art lovers prized collections. Or, you know, your grandma’s stamp collection.
Released in very limited quantities worldwide, purchase the full product range while stocks last online at this location or order a signed set from Rick’s Emporium. Hurry, before they end up in the bargain bin! 🗑️
