Published: September 29, 2026 · 2:18 AM EDT
The former Yes keyboardist performed original music at an Animals Asia sanctuary to raise awareness for the remaining bears still trapped in Vietnam’s bile-farm system
Former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman performed a special piano concert for more than 150 rescued bears at an Animals Asia sanctuary in Vietnam, using the unusual event to draw attention to bears that remain confined in the country’s former bile-farming system. Ultimate Classic Rock
The performance took place at Tam Dao National Park, where Wakeman played a Yamaha grand piano near the sanctuary enclosure while rescued bears moved around on the other side of the fence. The concert formed part of Animals Asia’s continuing Free the Final Bears campaign. The Guardian
Wakeman had written new material specifically for the visit. In the weeks before traveling to Vietnam, he said that around 60 percent of the concert would consist of newly written bear-related pieces, while the entire trip was being filmed to help increase awareness of Animals Asia’s rescue work. Rick Wakeman
The progressive rock veteran has supported Animals Asia for years and serves as a UK Ambassador for the organization. His earlier solo work has also included music inspired by rescued bears, including “Cyril (Wolverine)” and “Rocky.” Animals Asia
Read: YES and Going for the One: The Album That Marked Rick Wakeman's Return and Reconnected Progressive Rock With Emotion
Animals Asia says bile extraction is now illegal in Vietnam, but bears remain in captivity under legacy ownership arrangements. The organization has been working with Vietnamese authorities to move the remaining animals into sanctuary care and end bear bile farming in the country. Animals Asia
Wakeman told reporters that some rescued animals had spent years confined in cages before reaching sanctuary. Animals Asia founder Dr. Jill Robinson praised his involvement, saying his support has helped bring attention to the campaign and the welfare of the remaining captive bears. Ultimate Classic Rock
The performance adds another unusual chapter to Wakeman’s career, which has ranged from landmark Yes albums including Fragile, Close to the Edge and Going for the One to an extensive solo catalog and decades of work supporting animal welfare causes.
Watch Rick Wakeman perform piano for rescued bears at the Animals Asia sanctuary in Vietnam below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Animals Asia.
