Jethro Tull

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Thursday 15 May 2008

To quote from Jethro Tull’s famous hit single: “I’m happy and I’m smiling ….and not living in the past!!”

I can’t say that Jethro Tull have been lifelong heroes, their rather esoteric mixture of folk, blues, classical, jazz and prog rock was something that took many years for me to appreciate. However, the waiting was worthwhile, and about two years ago something just “clicked” and I discovered a veritable treasure trove of the most varied and imaginative music imaginable.

Due to their advanced age, I had pretty much despaired of ever seeing them live, so I only heard of this concert by the purest of chance: it was not advertised on the main ticket websites and I only stumbled upon it after a late night surfing session. I had missed the Manchester concert completely – and when, on the night, the whole of Blackburn seemed to be fully parked up, I had virtually given up - what a bit of luck that I found the only space left and got to my seat just as Ian Anderson took to the stage!

What a brilliant concert it was! My personal preference would have been for more of the prog rock epics rather than the early blues/folk, especially in the first half – but hey, it was all classic material anyway!!

On a more serious point, Ian Anderson’s vocals were severely lost in the mix and often completely inaudible. Not an inconsequential point seeing as much of the Tull magic revolves around his mysterious word play.

It all goes to show that Thomas Baines Grammar School in Poulton Le Fylde really was one of the great hot beds of talent……….

(NB: for a more detailed view of Jethro Tull, see my concert review of 23.03.10)