Rick Wakeman - Return To The Red Planet (2LP Crystal Clear Vinyl)

At a time when space exploration has moved back to the forefront of human endeavour - with missions to the Moon, Mars & beyond once again capturing the world's imagination - 'Return To The Red Planet' feels both timely & visionary, rekindling the cosmic spirit that helped define progressive rock's golden age.
Where its predecessor opened the story, this album explores the planet's ancient lakes, vast canyon systems, shifting dust storms & geological epochs, drawing directly on the remarkable images & research that have transformed our understanding of Mars in recent years, Wakeman immersing himself in planetary research, data, & mission reports before a single note was written.
"Once I started looking at the new data & photographs, I realised there was an entirely new album waiting to be written. There was simply too much more to say about Mars - musically & spiritually - not to return." - Rick Wakeman
Recorded between August 2025 & January 2026, the project also marks a welcome return to full band recording, with all musicians working together at Decoy Studios - a creative approach Wakeman considers essential to capturing the spontaneity & energy of progressive rock at its best.
The album is performed by Wakeman's English Rock Ensemble, featuring bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Adam Falkner & vocalist Mollie Marriott, daughter of legendary Steve Marriott. The album was mastered by renowned engineer Simon Heyworth.

1. The Jerezo Crater
2. Bowie's Vision
3. Noctis Labyrinthus
4. Noachis Terra (Land Of Noah)
5. Witch Hazel Hill
6. St. Paul's Bay
7. Martian Dust Devils
8. Medusae Fossae
9. The Epochs Of Mars