Renowned musician Rick Wakeman has delivered a unique concert to a group of rescued moon bears at Animals Asia’s sanctuary in Vietnam. The former keyboardist of the iconic band Yes performed a selection of bear-themed compositions on September 24, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing support for the charity dedicated to rescuing these vulnerable animals from bear bile farms.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Rick-Wiseman-Bear-piano-concert-100726-4-6bb54f0c6b7d4959a5a77dcae8492f23.jpg)
Wakeman’s private performance was profoundly special, as it was attended by eleven moon bears that had been saved from a life of neglect and abuse. During the concert, the bears actively engaged with the music and some stayed near the grand piano for the entire hour, clearly captivated by Wakeman’s melodies. The concert was not merely a musical event but also a heartfelt connection between the artist and his furry audience.
The idea of performing for the bears was first proposed by Wakeman back in 2019. He expressed a desire to not just play music for the bears but to them as well. Animals Asia’s CEO and founder, Dr. Jill Robinson, recalled how the team was immediately excited by his vision. However, plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Wakeman’s health issues, which required major surgery. After several years, his dream came to fruition at the sanctuary, much to the delight of all involved.
Wakeman has long been an advocate for Animals Asia. He has been deeply moved by the plight of moon bears, which are often confined to small cages to extract bile for traditional medicine. In 2017, he became a U.K. Ambassador for the organisation, using his influence and creativity to highlight the cruelty these bears face. “The barbaric treatment these wonderful animals endure compelled me to support this extraordinary charity,” he stated in a recent interview. His commitment grew after he learned about the horrific conditions suffered by bile farm bears in 2016.
During his visit, Wakeman debuted four original piano pieces inspired by the bears he has grown close to throughout his visits. He described the experience as one of the most extraordinary moments of his life, stating he felt deeply connected to the bears as he played. He shared that he spent little time focussing on the piano keys, preferring instead to observe the bears’ reactions. The turnout exceeded his expectations, with Wakeman initially anticipating perhaps a couple of bears might listen briefly, yet instead, eleven gathered, many of which lingered for the full duration of the concert.
According to Dr. Robinson, it was a remarkable sight to witness the bears gravitate towards the piano as Wakeman began to play. “Some sat quietly, others lay down with their heads resting on their paws, and a few even stood on their hind legs to catch a better view,” she recounted. The logistical challenge of bringing a grand piano to the sanctuary was daunting, but the heartfelt reaction of the bears made every effort worthwhile.
While Animals Asia routinely plays background music for the bears as part of their rehabilitation, this concert represented their first live musical performance within the sanctuary. The organisation is continually exploring new avenues to comfort and enrich the lives of the bears, who have faced significant trauma in their pasts. Although bear bile farming has been banned in Vietnam, there are still 125 bears remaining in inhumane conditions on closed farms.
Wakeman expressed hope that his performance would inspire people to support efforts to rescue the remaining bears. “We need to get them to the sanctuary as soon as possible,” he urged, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy and action in the fight against bear bile farming.
Dr. Robinson shared her own aspirations for the future of rescued animals, emphasising that with the right resources and love, these animals can flourish. “Our mission has shown that compassion and perseverance can lead to significant transformations in the lives of these bears,” she noted, reflecting on the journey of the organisation over the past three decades.
The story of Wakeman’s concert is a testament to the profound bond between humans and animals and serves as a call to action for animal lovers everywhere. As Animals Asia continues its fight against bear bile farming, the hope remains that the final bears still trapped in cages will soon find their way to a life of peace and happiness within a sanctuary.
For those interested in supporting Animals Asia’s work or advocating for the freedom of the remaining bears, more information can be found on their official website and through their community outreach programs.