Rick Wakeman performs piano concert for rescued bears in Vietnam

Rick Wakeman, the 77-year-old progressive rock keyboardist known for his work with the band Yes, performed a special concert for approximately 150 rescued Asiatic black bears in Vietnam. The performance took place at a sanctuary managed by the charity Animals Asia, located in Tam Dao National Park.

Wakeman used a Yamaha grand piano to play original compositions, including pieces titled ‘Dawn Reborn’ and ‘Moon,’ which were written specifically for two rescued moon bears. The musician noted that the animals appeared to respond to the music, with some approaching the stage to listen.

The event served as a platform to highlight the plight of bears rescued from the bear bile industry, a practice involving the invasive extraction of bile for traditional medicine. Wakeman stated the performance was intended to celebrate the rehabilitated animals and remind the public that many bears remain in captivity.