The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is the third studio album from the English keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in April 1975 on A&M Records. Its concept based on the legend of King Arthur and the various figures and events associated with him. Wakeman started writing the album during his recovery in hospital following a heart attack. Recording began in October 1974 after his North American tour in support of his previous two albums, The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Wakeman performs with an orchestra, choir, and his rock band, The English Rock Ensemble.

King Arthur received a mostly positive review from critics. It reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 21 on the US the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold in the US, Brazil, Japan, and Australia. The album was promoted with three sold out shows at Wembley Arena in May 1975 that were performed on ice. The album was reissued in 2015 with a simulated Quadrophonic mix.

Contents 1 Recording 2 Release and reception 2.1 King Arthur on Ice 3 Track listing 4 In popular culture 5 Personnel 6 References

Recording
Much of the album was written while Wakeman, at 25 years old, recovered from his first of three minor heart attacks at Wexham Park Hospital. After a specialist advised him to stop playing and retire, he ignored it, and wrote "The Last Battle" on the same night.[1]

Release and reception
Professional ratings

Review scores

Source

Rating

Allmusic 4/5 stars[2]

Upon its release in April 1975, the album peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and number 21 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. King Arthur became Wakeman's third consecutive gold album to be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America, and was also certified gold in Brazil, Japan and Australia.[3] The album has sold 12 million copies in total.[4]

King Arthur on Ice

The tour in support of the album included a theatrical production of King Arthur on Ice, which sold out three performances at Wembley Arena in London, but ultimately lost money.[4][5] The production was ranked No. 79 on "100 Greatest Shocking Moments in Rock and Roll" by VH1.[6]

Track listing
All tracks and lyrics were written by Wakeman. Side one1."Arthur" – 7:26 2."Lady of the Lake" – 0:45 3."Guinevere" – 6:45 4."Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight" – 5:20 Side two1."Merlin the Magician" – 8:51 2."Sir Galahad" – 5:51 3."The Last Battle" – 9:41

In popular culture
The theme of "Arthur" was used by the BBC for its election night coverage from 1979 to 1997, and again in 2005.[7] The theme of "Arthur" was used by the Cuban TV channel 6 for years, without crediting or paying royalties.[8]

Personnel
MusiciansRick Wakeman – synthesisers, keyboards, grand piano Gary Pickford-Hopkins – lead vocals Ashley Holt – lead vocals Geoff Crampton – lead and acoustic guitars Roger Newell – bass guitar Barney James – drums John Hodgson – percussion The English Chamber Choir ProductionTerry Taplin – narrator Guy Protheroe – choirmaster Paul Tregurtha – engineer Jeremy Stenham – assistant engineer David Katz – orchestral co-ordination Wil Malone – orchestral arrangement David Measham – conductor