Self-confessed grumpy old rock star Rick Wakeman revealed that he is no stranger to Devizes as he got ready to perform at Devizes Festival on Saturday.
Mr Wakeman, who shot to fame in the 1960s as the keyboard player with bands like Yes and The Strawbs, delighted fans by signing copies of his latest book Grumpy Old Rock Star at Devizes Books before his gig at the Corn Exchange.
He said: “I first came to Devizes in 1954 with my dad who wanted to see the Moonrakers pub. We loved the place so much we came back every year for many years.
“It’s a nice town and it has not lost its character like a lot of market towns in England. It’s still a smiley town. A lot of market towns have got the miseries.”
The gig at the Corn Exchange was organised by one of Mr Wakeman’s biggest fans, Paul Chandler from Devizes, who set up Mr Wakeman’s two Christmas specials at Marlborough College.
The solo piano concert at the Corn Exchange was one of only three Mr Wakeman is doing this year. It was a sell out.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here