Interview With Jeff Wayne

Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War Of The Worlds remains a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.

In 2006 the musical was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. By 2022, which marks 16 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12 trucks, with a host of ingredients and special effects to challenge and excite the senses.

For someone like myself who has listened to the album many times over but has yet to see the touring production, I was curious to know what I had been missing. “I think you will discover the stage version is an all encompassing night out where the audience will be taken on an emotional ride,” Jeff enthused. “We have a talented cast and I think a lot of people do not realise the scale of the show, there are a lot of special effects and tricks that will make you ask “How did they do that?”

David Essex also appeared on the studio album version of The War Of The Worlds, though he was not the first artist to sign up to the project as Jeff revealed: “Richard Burton was the first person to say that he would like to be involved, after that it was easy to ask other artists, with David I played him the demo version. I had done some songs for the record which he liked and agreed straight away to partake in the project.”

Jeff had been successful before The War Of The Worlds album producing other acts. "I actually started working in the background on music for television commercials before working with David (Essex), we worked together for five years working on his number one singles and albums."

The touring version continues to be successful as does the album, why, I ask Jeff does he think this is the case? “I think it is because the story is still relevant today especially with all the events going on around us in the world. It took over two years of planning and recording before the album was released in 1978. Punk rock was the big thing at the time and a lot of people thought we were crazy to release a concept double album. Fortunately the critics and fans liked the album. We have been touring the show for fifteen years now and I am very proud of all that we have achieved.”

Jeff has connections with the north too. “My Stepmother was born in Hull and raised in Manchester so on this tour I am particularly looking forward to coming up to the north," he revealed.

“I never stop listening to music as it keeps my heart beating with excitement and as I will be conducting the orchestra on the tour I have the best seat in the house!

I am so pleased that all these years on people are still coming to see the show and enjoying it."