The Six Wives of Henry VIII (album) - 2009 Hampton Court Performances

2009 Hampton Court Performances

"When the opportunity came to re-score all these pieces for Hampton Court suddenly, there was no time limit. There we no rules and regulations about how the music had to be. And I could go back, revisit them, keep all of the elements in that were there originally, and add the other little elements that could never be there."

In 1973, Wakeman wrote a letter asking to perform the album live at Hampton Court Palace. He was denied permission, and "got the impression that what had asked was tantamount to treason". The show was never held until he was asked to perform the album in its entirety for the 500th anniversary to Henry's accession to the throne, 36 years later. A stage was constructed outside the main palace entrance to seat 5,000 people. Wakeman performed with his band The English Rock Ensemble, the English Chamber Choir and the Orchestra Europa, on 1 and 2 May 2009. Featured in the setlist was "Defender of the Faith", the track Wakeman wrote about Henry before it was omitted from the album due to time constraints. The shows were released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray titled The Six Wives of Henry VIII Live at Hampton Court Palace on 5 October that year.