Friday, September 24, 2026 - Rick Wakeman has delivered one of his most unusual concerts yet, performing piano pieces to more than 150 rescued moon bears at an Animals Asia sanctuary in Vietnam.
The former Yes musician played specially written pieces for the bears, including works inspired by rescued bears Dawn and Moon, during the “Free The Final Bears” event at Tam Dao National Park.
Wakeman described the experience as the “most extraordinary concert” of his life, saying he became absorbed in watching the bears as they listened.
Eleven bears reportedly moved into the grass directly in front of the piano, while one named Georges stood near the instrument to investigate. The unusual performance was designed to draw attention to the bears that remain in captivity for the illegal bear-bile trade.
The event carries an urgent message beyond its novelty. Animals Asia says around 125 bears remain trapped in bile farms in Vietnam, while Wakeman is urging greater attention to their rescue and release.
By turning an extraordinary musical moment into a global awareness campaign, the concert has brought fresh attention to a cause that organisers say cannot wait.
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