Rick Wakeman Performs for 150 Rescued Moon Bears in Vietnam

Legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman, formerly of the progressive rock band Yes, performed a piano concert for an audience of 150 rescued moon bears at the Bear Sanctuary Vietnam on September 24, 2026. This unique performance aimed to draw international attention to the plight of bears still confined in "bile farms" across Vietnam, where they are subjected to the extraction of bile for traditional medicine. Wakeman, who has had an extensive and prolific solo career, has performed for diverse audiences worldwide, but this marked his first concert for a group of bears.

The event took place at Bear Sanctuary Vietnam, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating bears that have been saved from the cruel practices of bile farming. Moon bears, also known as Asiatic black bears, are particularly targeted for bile extraction due to the perceived medicinal properties of their bile. This practice involves keeping bears in small cages and surgically implanting devices to drain bile regularly, a process that causes immense suffering and health complications for the animals. Bear Sanctuary Vietnam provides these rescued bears with a safe environment, veterinary care, and the opportunity to live out their lives free from exploitation.

Wakeman's performance was intended to highlight the ongoing need for conservation efforts and the eradication of bile farming. By using his platform as a globally recognized musician, he sought to amplify the voices of animal welfare organizations working to end this practice. The concert served as a poignant reminder of the animals that remain in captivity and the urgent need for public awareness and support for rescue operations. The sanctuary currently houses numerous bears, each with a story of survival from the horrors of bile extraction.

This initiative underscores a growing trend of public figures using their influence to advocate for animal welfare and conservation causes. Wakeman's involvement brings a significant spotlight to the situation in Vietnam, encouraging greater international pressure on the practice of bile farming. The success of Bear Sanctuary Vietnam in rescuing and caring for these bears is a testament to the dedication of animal welfare groups, and performances like Wakeman's aim to secure continued support for their vital work in protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty.