Jump to content

Jethro Tull (band)

From Alfawiki
Jethro Tull
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1967 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England
FounderIan Anderson
Headquarters
Blackpool
,
England
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Ian Anderson (lead singer, main songwriter, multi-instrumentalist), Mick Abrahams (former guitarist), Martin Barre (longest-tenured guitarist besides Anderson), Glenn Cornick (former bassist), Jeffrey Hammond (former bassist), John Glascock (former bassist), Dave Pegg (former bassist), Jonathan Noyce (former bassist), David Goodier (former bassist), Clive Bunker (former drummer), Barrie "Barriemore" Barlow (former drummer), Doane Perry (former drummer), John Evan (former keyboardist), John O'Hara (former keyboardist)
ProductsMusic albums, live performances
Number of employees
Various band members over time

Jethro Tull is a British rock ensemble that originated in Blackpool, Lancashire in 1967. Their early sound fused blues rock and jazz fusion, later integrating influences from English folk music, hard rock, and classical music, ultimately crafting a distinctive progressive rock style. The band was established and continuously led by Ian Anderson, who serves as the main songwriter, lead singer, and multi-instrumentalist, predominantly playing flute and acoustic guitar. Key contributors throughout the years have included guitarists Mick Abrahams and Martin Barre—the latter being the longest-tenured member besides Anderson; bass players such as Glenn Cornick, Jeffrey Hammond, John Glascock, Dave Pegg, Jonathan Noyce, and David Goodier; drummers like Clive Bunker, Barrie "Barriemore" Barlow, and Doane Perry; along with keyboardists including John Evan and John O'Hara.

Before releasing their first album, This Was in 1968, the band earned moderate attention within London's club circuit. After guitarist Mick Abrahams departed and was succeeded by Martin Barre, they introduced their folk-influenced Stand Up in 1969, which topped the UK charts and marked their initial commercial breakthrough. Maintaining a rigorous cycle of touring and studio work, they issued a new studio album every year until 1980. Their sound transitioned toward progressive rock with the release of Aqualung (1971), their highest-selling record, before shifting to folk rock during the late 1970s. The early 1980s saw significant lineup changes and a move toward electronic rock. The band earned a Grammy Award for their 1987 album Crest of a Knave, signaling a return to hard rock roots. Globally, Jethro Tull have sold approximately 60 million albums, achieving 11 gold and 5 platinum certifications. Rolling Stone has recognized them as "one of the most commercially successful and eccentric progressive rock bands."

Although studio recordings ceased during the 2000s, Jethro Tull continued performing live until disbanding in 2011. Following the split, both Anderson and Barre embarked on solo ventures; Anderson’s efforts occasionally carried the Jethro Tull name or were released under his own name. In 2014, Anderson declared that Jethro Tull had effectively concluded. Nevertheless, starting in 2017, he revived the band’s name for new studio albums released into the 2020s. The current lineup features musicians from both Jethro Tull’s later era and Anderson’s solo projects, notably excluding Barre.

Origins

Future members of Jethro Tull—Ian Anderson, Jeffrey Hammond, and John Evan (originally Evans)—attended grammar school together in Blackpool. Born in 1947 in Dunfermline, Scotland, Anderson relocated to Blackpool in 1960. At Blackpool Grammar School he completed GCE O-levels in subjects including Mathematics and Chemistry before studying at Blackpool College of Art for two years. Initially aiming for a career in art, he eventually shifted his focus toward music.

Evan developed an enthusiasm for The Beatles after witnessing their performance of "Love Me Do" and transitioned from piano to drums. Meanwhile, Anderson taught himself Spanish guitar techniques, forming a band with Evan; they added Hammond on bass, who contributed an extensive collection of blues music records.

The trio began performing as a three-piece at local clubs until Evan switched to organ duties. Drummer Barrie Barlow and guitarist Mike Stephens joined from the Atlantics; guitarist Chris Riley also became part of the group, expanding it into a six-member "blue-eyed soul" ensemble named the John Evan Band (later renamed John Evan Smash). At Hammond’s suggestion, Evans shortened his surname to "Evan." With Johnny Taylor as their booking agent, they performed throughout northwest England covering blues and Motown tunes. After Hammond left to attend art school, Derek Ward briefly replaced him on bass before Glenn Cornick took over. Riley was succeeded by Neil Smith. In April 1967, they recorded three tracks at Regent Sound Studios in London and played at the Marquee Club that June.

By November 1967, the band moved to Luton, Bedfordshire—close to London—and signed with managers Terry Ellis and Chris Wright. Neil Smith was replaced by guitarist Mick Abrahams. However, due to financial difficulties supporting six members, the group disbanded shortly afterward. Anderson, Abrahams, and Cornick remained together, recruiting drummer Clive Bunker and adopting a more traditional British blues approach. Cornick noted that Evan was welcome to rejoin at any time. During this period, Anderson shared accommodation with Cornick in Luton while working as a cinema cleaner to cover rent expenses. Cornick recalled their financial constraints were so severe that they often shared just one can of stew or soup each evening.

Early period (1967–1968)

Struggling initially to obtain consistent bookings, the group frequently altered their name while performing in London clubs, adopting monikers such as Navy Blue and Candy Coloured Rain. Their booking agent, passionate about history, proposed the name Jethro Tull after the 18th-century agricultural pioneer; this designation was retained when the Marquee Club manager offered them a weekly residency. Anderson later expressed some regret regarding this historical naming choice.

The band recorded a session under producer Derek Lawrence, releasing the single "Sunshine Day" in February 1968 through MGM Records, though it was mistakenly credited as "Jethro Toe". Anderson reconnected with Hammond in London and shared a Chelsea bedsit with Evan. Hammond inspired multiple compositions, beginning with "A Song for Jeffrey".

Anderson’s initial stage persona involved wearing an oversized coat and playing the flute, having switched from guitar to differentiate himself from other musicians. Remarkably, he had only been playing flute for about two weeks when performing live.

Their significant breakthrough occurred at the National Jazz and Blues Festival in August 1968, where favorable reviews and a growing grassroots fanbase elevated their reputation. This success paved the way for their debut album, This Was, recorded between June and August 1968 and released in October, peaking at number 10 on UK charts. The record blended original songs with blues-rock and jazz elements, illustrating their developing sound.

Following the album’s release, guitarist Abrahams departed in December 1968 to establish Blodwyn Pig, citing creative disagreements and unwillingness to endure extensive touring. Efforts to find his replacement briefly considered David O'List, Mick Taylor, and Tony Iommi; only Iommi joined momentarily before returning to Earth (later Black Sabbath).

Ultimately, Martin Barre—who had witnessed the band at Sunbury and auditioned alongside Iommi—was hired due to his technical skill and ability to adapt to Anderson’s evolving musical vision. Barre made his debut with Jethro Tull on 30 December 1968 at Winter Gardens, Penzance.

Stand Up through Aqualung (1969–1971)

After Barre's arrival, Jethro Tull supported Jimi Hendrix during a Scandinavian tour, followed by extensive US tours opening for Led Zeppelin and Vanilla Fudge. Their growing live audience encouraged Ellis and Wright to request Anderson—the chief songwriter—to produce a hit single. This resulted in "Living in the Past," which climbed to No. 3 in the UK and No. 11 in the US in 1969, enhancing their visibility with a spot on Top of the Pops.

The subsequent album, Stand Up, recorded in 1969, became their sole UK No. 1 record. Anderson composed all tracks except for a jazzy adaptation of Bach's "Bourrée in E minor." The album’s inventive pop-up book cover underscored its creative spirit.

Following Stand Up, Jethro Tull undertook their first headline tour across the US, including an appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival. Barre regarded this tour as a defining event for the band's identity and influence. They declined an invitation to perform at Woodstock, consciously distancing themselves from the hippie movement.

In early 1970, John Evan rejoined after contributing as a session musician on Benefit (1970). That album reached No. 4 in the UK and No. 11 in the US; sold-out arenas seating 20,000 confirmed their status as a premier live act. Their performance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival attracted one of their largest crowds.

During a later US tour, Jethro Tull became only the second rock group after The Beatles to perform at Carnegie Hall. Bassist Glenn Cornick left due to differing social preferences; officially he was "asked to leave" and subsequently formed Wild Turkey. Anderson replaced him with Jeffrey Hammond, chosen more for personal rapport than technical ability.

This ensemble recorded Aqualung (1971), which explored themes related to organized religion. Despite difficulties during recording sessions and Hammond’s limited proficiency—leading Anderson to perform some parts solo—the album reached No. 7 in the US, marking their first top ten there. It sold over one million copies and received RIAA gold certification by July 1971.

Progressive rock era (1971–1976)

In May 1971, drummer Clive Bunker departed the band, citing extensive touring demands and family obligations. Barrie Barlow succeeded him, making his recording debut with Jethro Tull on the EP Life Is a Long Song. Apart from Martin Barre, the ensemble predominantly featured former members of the John Evan Band.

By July 1971, Jethro Tull had moved to Switzerland as tax exiles, a decision that affected Ian Anderson's personal circumstances. Reacting to critics who mistakenly branded Aqualung as a concept album, Anderson set out to create what he described as "the mother of all concept albums," culminating in the 1972 release of Thick as a Brick. This record consisted of a single uninterrupted 43-minute composition, credited alongside the fictitious schoolboy Gerald Bostock, and achieved their first number one spot on the US Billboard charts. Its successor, A Passion Play (1973), also reached the top position but was met with negative critical reviews despite strong commercial performance.

The 1972 double compilation Living in the Past, which included live tracks and singles, enhanced Jethro Tull's visibility in the United States. An initially planned double album recorded at Château d'Hérouville was abandoned that year, leading to the creation of A Passion Play in England. This album featured intricate musical arrangements and metaphorical lyrics but received harsh criticism, prompting Anderson to limit his media interactions.

Although critical acclaim diminished, commercial success persisted with 1974's War Child, originally conceived as a soundtrack for a film. It reached number two on US charts and produced popular singles such as "Bungle in the Jungle," which climbed to number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying tour incorporated a female string quartet to enrich the live presentation of new songs.

The 1975 release Minstrel in the Gallery marked a return to a fusion of acoustic and electric guitar styles amid Anderson’s divorce, garnering mixed critical responses. By this time, Jethro Tull had secured five RIAA gold certifications for albums spanning from Stand Up through A Passion Play, with a sixth awarded for Minstrel in the Gallery. Keyboardist and arranger Dee Palmer joined live performances during the 1975 tour. That year, the band sold out five consecutive nights at the Los Angeles Forum, leading media outlets to speculate whether they had become "Now The World's Biggest Band?". Following this tour, bassist Jeffrey Hammond exited and was replaced by John Glascock from the flamenco-rock group Carmen.

The concept album released in 1976, Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!, explored themes surrounding an aging musician’s life and featured Glascock’s vocals along with Palmer’s arrangements. Although a television special documenting the album’s development was filmed, it was never broadcast. During the tour supporting this album, Jethro Tull innovated by using large projection screens at stadium concerts. Despite Too Old... not achieving previous commercial heights, the 1976 compilation M.U. – The Best of Jethro Tull earned Platinum certification in the United States and Gold status in the United Kingdom.

Folk rock period (1977–1979)

Towards the late 1970s, Jethro Tull produced three folk rock-oriented albums: Songs from the Wood (1977), Heavy Horses (1978), and Stormwatch (1979). With Songs from the Wood, they regained favorable critical attention not seen since Living in the Past (1972). The seasonal track "Ring Out, Solstice Bells" achieved moderate success on UK charts and was later re-recorded for The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (2003).

The band maintained close connections with prominent folk rock acts such as Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, collaborating with musicians including Dave Pegg, Martin Allcock, Dave Mattacks, and Ric Sanders. While not officially part of the folk-rock movement itself, there was considerable musical interchange among these artists. Ian Anderson’s relocation to a countryside farm significantly influenced the pastoral themes evident on Heavy Horses.

In 1978, Jethro Tull released Bursting Out, a live double album recorded during their European tour supporting Heavy Horses. During their 1979 American tour, bassist John Glascock’s health deteriorated; Tony Williams from Stealers Wheel stepped in as his replacement. Glascock’s medical issues persisted throughout recording sessions for Stormwatch, leading Anderson to perform much of the bass work on that album. Following its release, Dave Pegg joined for touring duties; unfortunately, Glascock passed away soon after due to heart complications.

The "Major Division" and Electronic Rock Era (1980–1984)

After completing the Stormwatch tour in early 1980, Barlow, Evan, and Palmer exited the band—Barlow reportedly due to depression following Glascock's passing, while Evan and Palmer were dismissed as Anderson pursued a solo album. Consequently, Anderson remained the only founding member alongside Martin Barre and Dave Pegg.

Although initially conceived as an Ian Anderson solo effort, the 1980 release A was issued under the Jethro Tull name due to pressure from Chrysalis Records. This record incorporated synthesizers, signaling a notable stylistic evolution. Mark Craney contributed on drums, with Eddie Jobson guesting on keyboards and violin. The band produced the Slipstream music video, which combined staged scenes with live footage from the A tour.

Following A, both Jobson and Craney departed; a series of drummers filled the position including Gerry Conway, Phil Collins (notably at The Prince's Trust concert), and Paul Burgess for the American tour dates. Doane Perry secured the role of permanent drummer in 1984.

No new album emerged in 1981; however, recording sessions involving Anderson, Barre, Pegg, and Conway yielded tracks later collected on Nightcap. Keyboardist Peter-John Vettese joined in 1982 for the release of The Broadsword and the Beast, which revisited folk roots while maintaining synthesizer elements. The supporting tour featured elaborate Viking-inspired stage designs.

Anderson's collaboration with Vettese produced the electronic solo album Walk into Light (1983), with tracks like "Fly by Night" eventually integrated into Jethro Tull's live repertoire. In 1984, Jethro Tull released Under Wraps, a further electronic-oriented album utilizing drum machines instead of live percussion. Despite internal appreciation—Barre cited it as a personal favorite—the album was critically panned. Its video for "Lap of Luxury" received moderate airplay on MTV.

Vettese departed following his dissatisfaction with the negative critical response to recent albums. The band entered a three-year hiatus due to Anderson's vocal cord problems caused by strenuous touring schedules. During this break, Anderson managed his salmon farming business on the Isle of Skye. In 1986, the single "Coronach" was released after being selected as a theme for Channel 4 television.

Anderson, Barre, Pegg, and Perry: Jethro Tull’s Hard Rock Phase (1987–1994)

Jethro Tull resurfaced in 1987 with Crest of a Knave. With Vettese absent, Anderson handled synthesizer programming while Barre delivered electric guitar work reminiscent of early 1970s styles. The album combined drum machine usage on three tracks with live drumming by Doane Perry and Gerry Conway on others. It achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. Keyboardist Don Airey—formerly of Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Schenker Group, Gary Moore, and Colosseum II—joined for the subsequent tour.

In 1989, Jethro Tull controversially won the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental, triumphing over anticipated winner Metallica and their ...And Justice for All. The decision sparked debate as many questioned Tull’s classification within hard rock or heavy metal genres. Expecting no victory, no members attended the ceremony. Chrysalis responded to criticism with an advertisement featuring a flute on an iron surface accompanied by the slogan "the flute is a heavy metal instrument." Anderson humorously remarked about playing mandolins loudly. This Grammy upset was later ranked No. 1 among biggest surprises by Entertainment Weekly in 2017. When Metallica won again in 1992, drummer Lars Ulrich joked about thanking Tull for not releasing an album that year.

The musical style of Crest of a Knave drew comparisons to Dire Straits, with Anderson employing lower vocal registers and Barre’s guitar tone resembling that of Mark Knopfler. Tracks such as "Farm on the Freeway" and "Steel Monkey" garnered significant radio play. The album also featured "Budapest," a lengthy live favorite portraying backstage life, and "Mountain Men," which resonated more in Europe with its World War II-themed lyrics. The supporting tour—dubbed "The Not Quite the World, More the Here and There Tour"—included Anderson playing rhythm guitar occasionally, marking Jethro Tull's first performances with two electric guitarists simultaneously on stage.

In 1988, 20 Years of Jethro Tull was released as a comprehensive five-LP or three-CD compilation featuring rarities and outtakes spanning their career alongside an informative booklet chronicling their history. Many outtakes were subsequently included as bonus material on remastered studio albums. The follow-up studio album in 1989, Rock Island, achieved less success than its predecessor. Its opener "Kissing Willie" contained risqué lyrics paired with heavy metal riffs seemingly satirizing their Grammy win; its video faced limited broadcast due to explicit content. Other highlights were "Big Riff and Mando," recounting Barre’s mandolin theft by a fan, and the upbeat "Another Christmas Song," later re-recorded for 2003’s The Jethro Tull Christmas Album.

Released in 1991, Catfish Rising marked a renewed emphasis on mandolin and acoustic guitars while minimizing keyboard presence compared to prior 1980s releases. Key tracks included "Rocks on the Road," featuring acoustic instrumentation with urban lyrical themes, and "Still Loving You Tonight," a blues-inflected ballad.

Roots to Branches and J-Tull.com: Incorporating World Music Elements (1995–2000)

In 1992, Jethro Tull embarked on a semi-acoustic tour featuring Dave Mattacks on drums; this was documented as their second official live album titled A Little Light Music. During this timeframe, Anderson relearned flute fingering techniques after his daughter pointed out previous inaccuracies. This refined flute style appeared in the 1993 25th Anniversary Box Set, which included remixed tracks, unreleased live recordings, and re-recorded songs performed by the current lineup. The box set also contained the Nightcap compilation of unreleased studio material featuring updated flute parts.

Longtime bassist Dave Pegg departed during sessions for 1995’s Roots to Branches, choosing to concentrate on Fairport Convention due to dissatisfaction with Anderson’s increased focus on world music influences. Pegg contributed bass to only three tracks before concluding his UK performances in September 1995. Drummer Doane Perry resumed full-time duties and enlisted session bassist Steve Bailey for studio recordings; Bailey did not become a permanent member. Jonathan Noyce succeeded Pegg as bassist in October 1995.

Both Roots to Branches (1995) and 1999’s J-Tull Dot Com diverged from earlier rock styles exemplified by Crest of a Knave (1987) and Catfish Rising (1991), embracing global musical influences accumulated through extensive touring over decades. Songs like "Out of the Noise" and "Hot Mango Flush" evoke vivid imagery of developing world street life, while compositions such as "Another Harry's Bar," "Wicked Windows," and "Wounded, Old and Treacherous" reflect Anderson’s contemplations on aging within the music industry.

Live Recordings, Global Tours, and Holiday Releases (2001–2010)

In January 2002, Jethro Tull reunited its original 1967 lineup—Anderson, Abrahams, Cornick, and Bunker—for a singular performance at an English pub captured for the Living with the Past DVD; this marked their first gathering since 1968.

Released in 2003, The Jethro Tull Christmas Album, featuring both classic carols and original holiday compositions, became their most commercially successful record since 1987’s Crest of a Knave. It also represented their final studio album for nearly twenty years. In 2005, Ian Anderson issued a live double CD/DVD entitled Ian Anderson Plays the Orchestral Jethro Tull, alongside archival releases including the concert film and album Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970.

On November 23, 2004, Anderson joined Barre, Perry, Giddings, and Noyce to perform the entire iconic 1971 album Aqualung live before an intimate audience during a US tour date. This performance was broadcast via XM Radio as part of a series celebrating classic albums; it was later released commercially as Aqualung Live, with proceeds benefiting homeless charities.

In 2006, a boxed DVD set titled Collector's Edition combined footage from both Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 and Living with the Past. That year also saw bassist Jon Noyce and keyboardist Andrew Giddings depart due to touring pressures; they were succeeded by David Goodier on bass and John O'Hara on keyboards. The compilation The Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull (2007) gathered twenty-four acoustic tracks spanning both Jethro Tull’s catalog and Ian Anderson’s solo work—including new live renditions of “One Brown Mouse” and traditional piece "Pastime with Good Company."

In 2007, Jethro Tull released a DVD/CD capturing their live performance at Montreux in 2003 featuring Anderson’s stable lineup along with Barre, Perry, Noyce, and Giddings. Notable songs performed included “Fat Man,” “With You There to Help Me,” and “Hunting Girl.” In 2010, PRS for Music honored Jethro Tull with a Heritage Award commemorated by a plaque affixed to Blackpool church where they played their debut gig back in 1964.

Anderson-Barre Separation & Band Dissolution (2011–2017)

In November 2011 Martin Barre announced he had no intentions to continue working under Jethro Tull’s name; he formed Martin Barre's New Day in 2012 featuring former bandmate Jonathan Noyce focusing predominantly on classic Tull material. By 2015 Barre confirmed that no further Jethro Tull projects would occur—with only solo endeavors such as Ian Anderson Band and Martin Barre Band continuing—as Anderson wished to conclude use of the band name entirely.

On January 30, 2012 Ian Anderson revealed his follow-up concept album titled Thick as a Brick 2: Whatever Happened to Gerald Bostock?, released April 2 that year under his own name rather than Jethro Tull. The accompanying “Ian Anderson Touring Band” featured former members David Goodier (bass) and John O'Hara (keyboards), along with Florian Opahle (guitar), Scott Hammond (drums), and vocalist Ryan O'Donnell. The album premiered April 14 at Perth Concert Hall launching an extensive eighteen-month tour showcasing both new material alongside original classics.

In November 2013 Anderson unveiled another solo project entitled Homo Erraticus, which debuted April 2014 as a progressive rock concept work performed during UK/US tours similarly branded under his own name rather than Jethro Tull.

Following these releases Anderson stated in April 2014 that future recordings would bear his own name exclusively since he had been principal composer since inception; he indicated that Jethro Tull had effectively ended over preceding decade though he intended to continue performing solo.

During his extensive touring from 2015 onwards—including “Jethro Tull – The Rock Opera” featuring lyrically reworked classics alongside new songs themed around agricultural imagery supported by elaborate visuals—Anderson employed Icelandic female vocalist/violinist Unnur Birna Björnsdóttir among band members. Tours spanned Europe, Australia, and North America through 2016; in 2017 he toured under “Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson.”

Reunion Era: Anniversary Tour & New Releases (2017–Present)

September 2017 saw Ian Anderson announce plans for a commemorative tour celebrating fifty years since debut album ‘’This Was’’ alongside intentions for new studio material slated for release in early 2018. This lineup consisted of members from his solo group since 2012—Hammond (drums), Opahle (guitar), O'Hara (keyboards), Goodier (bass)—with Martin Barre notably absent. On January 2nd, 2018 Anderson posted studio images hinting at forthcoming recording sessions targeting March 2019 release.

On June 1st that year Parlophone Records issued ‘’50 for 50’’, an expansive fifty-track anthology spanning all twenty-one official Jethro Tull albums commemorating their half-century milestone; accompanying notes clarified that upcoming studio work would be credited solely as an Ian Anderson solo project rather than under Jethro Tull branding.

In late November 2019 “Ian Anderson and the Jethro Tull band” announced The Prog Years Tour scheduled across UK venues for late-2020 but postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions; guitarist Joe Parrish was set to replace Florian Opahle who departed late-2019 citing family commitments.

March 2021 marked announcement of ‘’The Zealot Gene’’, representing Jethro Tull’s first studio release under their name since holiday-themed record in ’03—and first entirely original material since ’99’s ‘’J-Tull Dot Com’’. Significantly it was also their first without longtime guitarist Martin Barre since debut era.

April that year celebrated ‘’Aqualung’’’s fiftieth anniversary through an animated video directed by Iranian artist Sam Chegini premiered via ‘’Rolling Stone’’. July saw signing with Inside Out Music preparing ‘’The Zealot Gene’’ release set for early ’22; by November ’22 recording completed for twenty-third studio effort titled ‘’RökFlöte’’ scheduled April release next year.

Their twenty-fourth studio project ‘’Curious Ruminant’’ arrived March 7th 2025 preceded by lead single/title track launched January 10th 2025.

Legacy

Jethro Tull has served as inspiration for numerous artists across genres including Iron Maiden's Steve Harris & Bruce Dickinson; W.A.S.P.'s Blackie Lawless; Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder; Dream Theater's John Myung; Blind Guardian's Marcus Siepen; blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa; indie-folk band The Decemberists' Jenny Conlee; plus folk doom metal group Blood Ceremony.

Rush’s Geddy Lee cited Ian Anderson’s dynamic stagecraft as pivotal influence shaping Rush’s own performances while Gentle Giant’s Derek Shulman lauded them among progressive rock’s elite following joint tours in ’72.

Nick Cave notably named one son ‘Jethro’ honoring them; his group Grinderman performed “Locomotive Breath” during soundchecks upon request from Cave who received Ian Anderson’s Album of the Year award at MOJO Awards in ’08.

Despite commercial achievements & widespread impact Jethro Tull has never been inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Ian Anderson expressed disinterest citing focus should remain primarily on American artists whom they do not fit categorically.

Members

Main article: List of Jethro Tull members

Current line-up

  • Ian Anderson – vocals, flute, acoustic & electric guitars plus various instruments (1967–2012; rejoined since 2017)
  • David Goodier – bass guitar (2007–2012; rejoined since 2017)
  • John O'Hara – keyboards including accordion & backing vocals (2007–2012; rejoined since 2017)
  • Scott Hammond – drums (since 2017)
  • Jack Clark – guitar (since 2024)

Former members

Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2

Template:Col-2

Guest contributors

Template:Col-end

Discography

Main article: Jethro Tull discography

Studio albums Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2

Template:Col-2

Template:Col-end

Sources


External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Jethro_Tull_(band)&oldid=85854"