Classically trained on piano and organ, Rick sang in a cathedral choir, and learned to make dubious noises on the oboe "to get out of games lessons". Attracted to rock in a big way by hearing Focus’s 'Moving Waves', Rick grew his hair long and, to prove he was no softie, formed a pop group. Village halls throughout Gloucester were wowed by extended stylophone solos and huge speaker cabinets (most of them empty…). At Cambridge, participation in murky sounding bands, (Ken Wood & the Mixers was one...), passed the time between music lectures and choir practice.

Today he divides his time between producing, arranging, conducting orchestras for rock bands, and teaching music. Under his other name (Richard Benbow) he has worked with artists such as Jewel, Sneaker Pimps, Omar Hakim, Subcircus, Talk Talk, Ishtar, the Mighty Wah! and Simon Warner. He has recorded in studios as diverse as Abbey Road, Los Angeles Music Complex and Brittania Row (where Rick Wright's old Hammond was sitting in a corner begging to be played...), as well as undertaking major tours of the UK and Europe with Jewel.

Working as composer and MD for many theatre shows, Rick has created music for several original shows. He is currently playing keyboards with the Lennon tribute 'Come Together Right Now', as well as a new progressive rock show called 'Masterpieces'.

Rick's musical influences are shamelessly progressive rock: Focus, King Crimson, Floyd, Gong, Cardiacs, Genesis, Mars Volta, Yes, Gentle Giant. No favourite keyboard player, though Emerson and Moraz are 'scary': favourite musician would have to be Robert Fripp. Rick's favourite Pink Floyd track? "Shine On (all parts), but as we're playing it so much it's losing its novelty, so I'm going with Saucerful of Secrets (Pompeii version). Ask me again in 6 months and it will have changed!"

Contact Rick: Email