Oliver Wakeman dives into tracks from ‘Mother’s Ruin’ with Prog keyboardist
Oliver Wakeman, a skilled progressive rock keyboardist, released the album Mother’s Ruin back in 2006. Recently, Mercury Studios has reissued and expanded this album in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Oliver Wakeman, who is currently touring with his father Rick Wakeman, sat down with Goldmine to discuss the album and share insights into some of the standout tracks from this rock masterpiece.
In his conversation with Goldmine, Oliver Wakeman reflected on the process of creating Mother’s Ruin. He expressed his desire to continually push himself to explore new musical territories with each album release, which he recognizes may lead to uncertainty for his listeners. However, for this particular album, he aimed to assemble a core group of musicians that could also serve as a live band, unlike his previous projects that involved a larger cast of musicians. Wakeman drew inspiration from iconic bands like Deep Purple and Styx in his songwriting, focusing on crafting well-written songs that would be complemented by robust instrumentation to convey a compelling narrative. An essential element for him was capturing the essence of the Hammond organ, an instrument he greatly admired due to its use by Jon Lord of Deep Purple, who he described as an unmatched talent on the keys. This influence is evident in the energetic opening track of the album, “Don’t Come Running.”
As the discussion delved deeper into the album, Wakeman highlighted the track “The Agent,” featuring David Mark Pearce’s skilled guitar work reminiscent of Ritchie Blackmore’s signature style. He expressed his satisfaction with the original 2006 recording but acknowledged that technological advancements since then presented an opportunity for improvement. By revisiting the recording, Wakeman seized the chance to enhance the sound quality by adding missing keyboard parts and backing vocals that elevate the overall listening experience. These updates have breathed new life into songs like “Walk Away,” which now exudes a cinematic quality akin to a film soundtrack while boasting a vibrant energy reminiscent of “Holding Out for a Hero.”
One track that struck a deep personal chord with Wakeman is “Wall of Water,” which blends the theatrics of Styx with the progressive intricacies of a Yes composition. He shared a touching anecdote about discovering a Styx album among his father’s record collection, a moment that influenced his approach to songwriting and the value of prioritizing storytelling within music. The profound impact of this experience is evident in the emotional depth of “Wall of Water,” a song that explores the challenges of navigating life’s unexpected obstacles and the resilience required to overcome them.
With the 2026 reissue of Mother’s Ruin, fans can enjoy five bonus tracks, including the lively and previously unreleased song “Busy Going Nowhere.” Wakeman explained that this track, originally recorded with Paul Manzi on vocals, became a staple in their live performances and now finds its rightful place on the expanded album. Among the bonus tracks, “If You’re Leaving,” stands out with its heartfelt delivery by Paul Manzi, offering a fresh interpretation of the original recording by Moon Kinniard.
Oliver Wakeman’s passion for music and dedication to evolving as an artist shine through in Mother’s Ruin. The album’s enduring appeal and the recent reissue by Mercury Studios serve as a testament to Wakeman’s creative vision and commitment to delivering music that resonates deeply with audiences. As fans rediscover this musical gem, they are treated to a renewed listening experience that captures the essence of Wakeman’s musical evolution over the past two decades.