About Jethro Tull

Favorite albums: Thick as a Brick, A Passion Play, Aqualung, Benefit, Minstrel in the Gallery, Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses.

 

I took my youngest daughter to see Jethro Tull in Glasgow tonight ( mar 30th ). I last saw them 35 years ago when Ian Anderson was in his prime.

 

The musicianship is still very evident and Anderson's flute playing is as brilliant as ever - BUT - and it's a big BUT... his vocals are shot to hell. I felt embarrassed for him. My daughter, who has absolutely no axe to grind, said, that in her opinion, the "lead singer" was basically short-changing the audience, knowing full well that his singing is nowhere near up to scratch  - and therefore he  struggles to deliver. She reckons he's in denial and asked me why he doesn't  just call it a day.

 

I tried defending him - but only momentarily - for I knew she was right. The last thing any audience needs is to witness is a watered down version of a once great performer. I love  the music of Jethro Tull; I have nothing but untold admiration for  Ian Anderson, but I really do think it's time to hang up the old flute before he further tarnishes his great reputation. I viewed and listened to the concert with a mixture of sadness and regret. Great musicianship, shame about the voice. I will never attend another Jethro Tull concert.

 

Thanks for the wondeful memories Ian. The hard bit seems to be accepting when you're too old to rock n roll ...