LIVE AT MONTREUX 2003

Certainly not trying to front a legendary rock band after so many years, with the dogs of age at one's heel. I'm torn as to how necessary such shows are these days when there are so many fine young bands with more relevant material to check out. My cynical side always brings the famous Grace Slick interview to mind where she says that no rocker of her generation over 40 should be allowed on stage. (Though 50 is the new 40 I they say) Granted there are some worthwhile artists well beyond that age who are still releasing relevant albums which sound like more than just product. There are many more old rockers who are in the phase of "managing their careers" by making obligatory live performances of nostalgia filled set lists, releasing lousy new material (if any), and watching over their legacy by supervising remasters and compiling collections. I won't go so far as to charge Tull with all of that, but I will say there are certainly moments in this performance where I wonder why another live Tull DVD was necessary.

Looking at the upside there are many moments of Anderson's exquisite flute playing to be enjoyed, and Barre and the band are well beyond competent. Bouree, Budapest, and Nothing is Easy were wonderful highlights that I enjoyed very much. The Christmas song God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen was lovely. Anderson was doing his best to stay engaged despite a wilting voice that he struggled to maintain, the others were very good as mentioned but sometimes seemed on autopilot. The performance was professional but the versions presented here just do not grab you by the jugular, this is not the definitive Tull. Sitting through the closing of Aqualung and Locomotive is something I could not do again, bringing the Slick quote back to my mind after I was able to push it out for several tracks. The production is low key with quality views and sounds, with nothing fancy in terms of a light show or frills. A modest recommendation but only for Tull fans really. Beyond the fan base I see no reason why you need to shell out hard-earned cash for this one.

Share this JETHRO TULL review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Finnforest
• Report this review (#260419)
• Buy JETHRO TULL music online with PA partners
• Show all JETHRO TULL MP3/Stream
• Go to JETHRO TULL page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Live At Montreux 2003 page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for JETHRO TULL related discussions