Jethro Tull - "Living in the Past" (1969)

A repost with audio and video synched up. Thanks to ilGagio89 for the original vid (excerpt from a French documentary).

[@ernestturriziani2489]

One of the greatest songs of all time - Recorded in March 1969 by Jethro Tull - Their greatest lineup Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, Clive Bunker and Glenn Cornick

[@davelogan676]

No Question.. Best Line up.magical chemistry never recaptured after Glenn and Clive left so did Raw Energy

[@marguskiis7711]

Actually american session musicians played on song

[@ernestturriziani2489]

Where is your source?@@marguskiis7711

[@ernestturriziani2489]

Where are your sources. All records show that the American musicians played on the orchestral parts.@@marguskiis7711

[@themossypottery]

I agree. I didn't realise until recently that Martin Barre was also a flautist...wonder if there's any videos of him playing???

[@kayleenilsson3825]

Seriously! I'm so obsessed with this song, just CAN'T get enough. Also feel a bit sad this so darn long ago, wish I could go back in time (and live in the past 😉)

[@kerrystevens3683]

Me too. I was definatly a teenager in the wrong era.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

If you go back, can I get ride? You have only to transport my mind, cause what I want with the body of an old guy, in my youth time? I take over myself and that's it...

[@zoewilding1845]

@@kerrystevens3683 I wanted to be a teenager in the sixties, I was born too late. Missed out on seeing bands I that really love, The Velvet Underground, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix etc. Did see The Stones in Hyde Park when I was a child. My father took me. We were up a tree. He was very young and very musical. That was a massive treat

[@CHThorneSF]

Me too, since I first heard it way back in 1970...

[@beckynelson6786]

Me too.Was 15 then.

[@timhancock6626]

I think this was my favourite line up of Jethro Tull. They were so tight and economical that it all just fits right.

[@marguskiis7711]

actually american session musicians played on song

[@rachel112263]

​@@marguskiis7711 Who? Name them. It wasn't The Wrecking Crew.

[@marguskiis7711]

​@@rachel112263Anderson never named them.

[@marguskiis7711]

JT mark ii never played it live. It shows a lot.

[@dianestevens2659]

Oh wow I'd forgotten how great this song is, nothing like it. Happy to have lived through this time. 71 yrs old, Central Qld Australia

[@zaphodbeeblebrox6627]

50 years old this year. Most kids have never heard this masterpiece. Still sounds fresh and relevant today. If they re-released this song Tomorrow, it would very likely ‘ Blow kids minds’ it’s THAT good.

[@windyhead7960]

I guess it has a lot to do with their parents' taste, I'm 20, my parents always played my country's old, pre-Revolution songs(I'm from Iran); so that classic sound sorta shaped my whole taste in music; that's why I can only listen to classic rock, folk or whatever.

[@ulisesbouree9312]

I'm 16 and LOVE Jethro Tull

[@janelockwood8806]

Fingers crossed they'll see sense one day... my eldest daughter has actually taught me to revisit bands from my younger days that I'd never actually listened to before. It's a whole new world of music!! 😄

[@michaelgasiciel9317]

I loved this when I was 16 in ‘73. I’m 65 now and it still sounds fantastic. Timeless in my estimation.

[@paulryan3951]

God bless you. Please carry the torch for the next generation. This era will never repeat itself…

[@AUBERGINEize]

This is one of the original 1960,s songs. Nothing else Is like it, no Tavistock,no session musicians, just talent and class 🙂🙂🙏🏻

[@rachel112263]

Correct. There were NO session musicians!!

[@johnorillion8968]

He's an insane flute player with totally free expression I love it !

[@nigelwillmott6177]

Groundbreaking track - absolutely brilliant! Wish I had been a teenager in the 1960's, when music really mattered.

[@marguskiis7711]

Nothing groundbreaking. Its intentionally retro styled as old folk song to make it feel nostalgic. Actually the instrumental track is made by american session musicians which makes it even more conservative and old school.

[@nigelwillmott6177]

@@marguskiis7711 This track is unique. Simple as that.

[@paulryan3951]

“ This is one of the original 1960,s songs. Nothing else Is like it, no Tavistock,no session musicians, just talent and class “ Not me. One of the other commentators…

[@gilliansnook5583]

I was a teenager in the 60's and was lucky enough to see them perform the full set live. Didn't appreciate how important their music would become.

[@rachel112263]

​@@marguskiis7711Stop saying this until you can prove it!

[@williamsollenberger4081]

This I s 100 percent better than what they call music today .

[@clintdavies491]

I love this but don't be fooled, theres some great stuff out there. rad6 play some really good newbies.

[@martinsaban769]

Yes it's when he gasps for breath... That's rock n roll

[@iure61]

Music? Today? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DostoyevskysCorpse]

Because it isn't music, it's magic.

[@jgfunk]

But, I called this very song music.... Today

[@dannewfield6734]

One of those rare songs that creates a beautiful state of mind for me. Love the footage

[@paulaarmstrong8431]

My favorite Tull composition.

[@geekpie100]

This song was instantly likeable when I heard it in the 70s. It is still just as likeable on September 8 2022.

[@MG63]

It's still great today 10th May 2024.

[@MusicalManchild77]

Greatest Front Man Ever!! A True Scotsman. Proper..

[@stuartdudgeon9693]

Ian is Blackpool born and bred! His dad was Scottish!

[@markthurman281]

Ian Anderson was born in Scotland in 1947. His family moved to Blackpool in 1959.

[@dariomaiello393]

♥️ Not a band, a time machine!

[@LukyGonzo]

Living in the Past/Jethro Tull Happy and I'm smilin', walk a mile to drink your water You know I'd love to love you and above you there's no other We'll go walking out while others shout of war's disaster Oh, we won't give in, let's go living in the past Once I used to join in, every boy and girl was my friend Now there's revolution but they don't know what they're fighting Let us close our eyes, outside their lives go on much faster Oh, we won't give in, we'll keep living in the past Oh, we won't give in, let's go living in the past Oh no, no, we won't give in, let's go living in the past Ian Anderson

[@cindydufala7646]

LukyGonzo thanks Ian Anderson & all associates. Bravo then and now ⚘. Thank you 4 posting lyrics.

[@jackswift7103]

This is what happens when you let a hippy on Guitar, a pirate on bass, a farmer on Drums, and a vagrant on vocals and flute into a studio ! They write A darn good classic song... They should bring back this kind of set up👌

[@jrh11254]

Hippies & Pirates? So difficult to find these days; most are still living in the past.

[@mrgrey361]

Glenn looked most like a hippy, Ian looked most like a pirate (especially once he started wearing the earring)

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

@@jrh11254 Yep! This time is for me more than 30 years gone. But I remeber it well...

[@ianwoolfenden8326]

just met bassist jeffrey hammond ..absolute gent

[@aprayerandpositivethoughts9308]

Yesssss

[@ugluk1]

Tull are one of my favorite bands but there is just something about the flute in this song that really grabs me. Love it.

[@michaelgasiciel9317]

If you love the flute in this song another great one(my favorite) is Bouree’.

[@RobertCeisler]

Tull "are" haha

[@brodydog8447]

Amazing. The good old days. I like how Ian sings, plays the flute, and smokes a cigarette at the same time.

[@gogoyubari366]

One of my favorite Tull songs!

[@mervyngilham2349]

For you youngsters this hit was glued to our psyche at the time whether we knew it or not. Space Oddity, this and so many others just grabbed your attention eternally. Happy Days. I can admit to discovering Jethro's albums only recently. Better late than never.

[@Querencias7]

Nice to see the actual recording of the hit song as it happened. Thank you NH6 for this rare video.

[@michaelgasiciel9317]

Yes. Wow. Was 15/16 in ‘72/‘73 when this came out in the US. One of my favorites along with the whole Stand Up album.

[@00bikeboy]

I always thought this was the best opening to any song I've ever heard.

[@leesaunders1930]

it's brilliant isn't it. just reminds me of England. glad to be born n bred.

[@ritter1808]

00bikeboy I agree. And the bass line is as good as any prop offering and really moves the tune along. I wasn't the biggest Tull fan in high school but I liked them and this song has really stayed with me since. I just acquired it on a 1972 issued 7.5 IPS reel to reel tape. How's that for living in the past.

[@00bikeboy]

David Ritter Reel to reel tape!! That kicks cassette butt :-) Sweet. I got to see Tull twice in Montreal in the early 70s. So happy I had that experience all these years later.

[@davidrynberk2741]

Its defines like no other ... Original

[@trdacy]

Stargazer by rainbow

[@delbertmain8907]

Amazing flute player and this music is so different not the same old thing over and over love it

[@kosycat1]

This is a golden piece of all of mankind's history. Amazing

[@angelhair9225]

ian anderson,what a charismatic genius, pure pleasure

[@slw59]

Glenn Cornick on bass was incredible.

[@shawnbruce6934]

He Was.

[@deebeeinto]

The phrase actually applies...most underrated bass player. Gorgeous bass lines.

[@malicant123]

My Dad is a huge fan of this band. I can remember hearing this song and others like it as a child. As likely as not, this could be one of the first pieces of music that I ever heard.

[@BG-tn5oo]

Thank you to whoever posted this video. This is a great song Many years ago

[@nh6music]

Ok ;)

[@tsf5-productions]

One of my favorite tunes in the 1970's. Always reminds me of my first year in college...first full day "wake-up" tune from the clock radio. Got the album back in '73. Love almost all the tunes.

[@michaelbruns449]

Provocative footage, this is one of my 10 favorite songs ever and ive listened to 1,000s and its definitely over and over again for this prophetically irrisitable hypnotic rock song, sounds like early 1970s music, released during the late 1960s, May 69 actually.

[@rachel112263]

Yes, it's in my top three favorites of all time. I haven't found any other footage of Glenn Cornick, or Jethro Tull actually, playing this song live before 1971.

[@SuperMbizz]

They should do away with the dislike thumb ~ This music doesnt apply to them and they should move on !

[@MusicalManchild77]

Agreed Man!! Right On!!

[@MLewisDesign]

Indeed - six people with no musical taste whatsoever!

[@PAULLONDEN]

Oh...my....dog....why should you even *care*.......?

[@kayharker712]

Comrades - The Party™ has issued initiatives to completely break down society and degrade culture so the state can take total control. This will require everyone to hand in any 70s rock albums by white artists. Despite most rock being ideologically beneficial compositions, the band members themselves must be photoshopped darker - before being erased from the Collective Consciousness - particularly Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull and Yes. Citizens will have their albums replaced with Bruno Mars, Rihanna and Linda Ronstadt, as well as Islamic Progressive music. MTV will no longer tolerate bands acting "white" by singing in English correctly, having above average tunes, playing their own instruments or using intelligent lyrics. Bourgeois values and the memory of them must be erased from the Collective Consciousness with the help of historical revisionism in the academia, news media, and the Party's branches in the entertainment sector. The proletariat will then undergo re-education and be released from ungood thoughts, by instilling a culture of materialism, physical beauty, sex and financial success without effort or practical ability. Forward !!

[@bonitarogers8843]

MusicalManchild77 These guys were musical geniuses before their time. Amazing lyrics and talent. Not the top 10, but how many true artist are? Long Iive Tull!

[@JohhnyMost]

My favorite Tull lineup !

[@mikehoffer6764]

no doubt about that!!

[@TrulygreenSolution]

This is great! 'Takes me back to the '60's, when some of the most memorable music emerged!

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Watching them playing it elevates it to an even high level of musicianship. What an amazing composition.

[@caravaggio31]

First Tull song I ever heard, back in July 1973 in a disc shop in Miami Beach. Then, I was hooked.

[@michealjones6714]

I was lucky enough to see them live that was in the early seventies here in Melbourne Australia

[@carrietide]

Absolutely BRILLIANT.Period.

[@JMA335077]

A lot of creativity in this song. And maybe a touch of genius...

[@scottstuart6716]

My dad love Tull he died at fifty .34 years ago and he played me this when I was small.Didn’t realise it was released when I was 2.Still love it .

[@Phi1l]

One of the most iconic songs out there

[@MLewisDesign]

Vintage fabulousness from the best band ever!

[@crash48one]

Fantastic, thx for sharing, released June 1972 with the magnificent musicians- Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, Mick Abrahams, John Evan, Glenn Cornick, Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond, Barriemore Barlow, Clive Bunker, David Palmer and Lou Toby

[@zoewilding1845]

What a band, I'd've been nine when this was released. Remember loving it immediately.

[@richardawrhodes6965]

One of my favourite jethro tull tracks and l love this video.

[@thejoker-ie1mm]

A masterpiece...

[@oregonbobv]

I saw Jethro tull at the NJPAC in Nj and they used this film for the concert. One of the highlights of this excellent performance with interactive film and video .

[@Glat64]

This man is a genius

[@gogo-bi9qh]

This is one of my favorite bass lines. I still play it regularly.

[@johngregory4410]

I'm 55 and just now making this discovery. They were too funky!

[@jasonchen9645]

I never saw the original recording of Living in the past! this is awesome! Thank you for posting this! This must be rare footage. Jethro Tull really are just masters of the progressive music genre. It brings back good memories just listening to them. My father was a huge fan, grew up as a kid listening to old records of tull

[@nh6music]

I think it was from a French documentary.

[@michaelgasiciel9317]

I remember the album when it came out had a longer version and I think it was an interesting album jacket.

[@monicacusse2704]

Thanks for posting this great piece ofJethro's history!

[@jgfunk]

Now there's revolution, but they don't know what they're fighting Love that line!

[@Jpeterson7]

First song I remember them playing. Had to be early 70's when I started going through my older sister's records.

[@d.suyen5088]

Can't never get enough of this video. Love the song and adore this video. Many Thanks.

[@TrulygreenSolution]

Excellent... A definite favorite by Jethro Tull!

[@eclecticmagpie]

Was lucky enough to see them live at Oakland Coliseum while working on a summer student visa in 1973. Passion Play tour, supported by Steeleye Span. Got a free ticket 10 days before cos my cousin was in same class as the stadium manager's daughter! Jammy or what? Both Tull and Steeleye Span were magic.

[@sestree]

I was so blessed to be able to be old enough to remember this song. Oh MY !

[@curtisd2842]

Martin Barre and 2 other original members are touring the US in the Spring, in smaller venues, a 50 year tribute to Jethro Tull. One catch, no Ian Anderson. Saw this group 2 years ago and they were amazing..

[@owlgothic248]

Music 🎶 is a rhythm of the heart ♥

[@jnwd1723]

Like this one...also Bungle in the Jungle....60's and 70's great era for music...

[@itchylois]

I'm amazed someone bothered to even film this back then.

[@Anrheiner111]

yes that's amazing. who filmed this? they weren't THAT big before STAND UP.

[@antonhpineda3957]

Tenia 10 años cuando se creó esta obra maestra de JTull, y tarde otros 5 en escucharla por vez primera, desde entonces me acompaña el siseo de la aguja rasgando el acetato que gira y gira, creando atmósferas oníricas y fantásticas....inolvidables🤯🐉🐲

[@boxersmum]

Great tune! love the flute work!

[@WilmerCook]

The first Full line up the Best!

[@drogers1287]

22 year old Ian Anderson. Wow

[@TheRedSetterr]

+D Rogers actually he would still be 21 here!

[@cookmoore3736]

Talent so young like all of them back then :)

[@wreckofthehesperas8323]

And love of my life

[@malegrisrodin3069]

Still a great Song !! After 50 Years !!

[@emilymayer5500]

I love this song. I literally live in the past...the house in my avi is the oldest in my hometown and I own and live in it! I love my historic home.

[@sauquoit13456]

On the day in 1969 {June 25th} "Living In The Past" by Jethro Tull peaked at #3 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 50 Singles* chart... "Living In The Past" reached #11 on Billboard's Top 100 chart in the U.S.A. Between 1968 and 1993 the Blackpool, England band had eleven records on the U.K. Singles chart, three made the Top 10 with the above "Living In The Past" being their biggest hit... Besides "Living In The Past", their other two Top 10 records were "Sweet Dream" {#7 for one week in November of 1969} and "The Witch's Promise" {#4 for one week in February of 1970}... They just missed having a fourth Top 10 record when their "Life Is A Long Song" peaked at #11 for two weeks in October of 1971... The band's lead singer Ian Scott Anderson will celebrate his 74th birthday in two months on August 10th, 2021... * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the U.K. Singles' Top 10 on June 25th, 1969: At #1. "The Ballad of John and Yoko" by the Beatles #2. "Oh Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkin Singers #3. the above "Living In The Past" #4. "Time Is Tight" by Booker T & the MGs #5. "In The Ghetto" by Elvis Presley #6. "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe #7. "Something In The Air" by Thunderclap Newman #8. "Break Away" by the Beach Boys #9. "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival #10. 'The Tracks Of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

[@68blues]

Cool!

[@shirleyarnold9686]

The most perfect single of all time, and the greatest of bass lines too. I really miss glenn cornick.

[@jeffj9322]

Happy Birthday Ian Anderson born on August 10, 1947. He is a Scottish musician, singer and songwriter best known for his work as lead vocalist, flautist and acoustic guitarist of British rock band Jethro Tull. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Anderson

[@chomocharlie3997]

Back in the Summer of 1970, I was 10 and listening to this song often on FM radio riding in a new 1969 Chrysler with my family pulling a Steury tent camper to California.

[@kerryhudson4607]

Thank you nh6music. Thank you, Ian Anderson.

[@michaelgasiciel9317]

My favorite Tull song along with Bouree and the Stand Up album.

[@z2002marlene]

Great job with this video!!! Thank you!

[@stevenkimsey7039]

This sounds fantastic.

[@SmardioasaPrincipala-cu9mu]

Privighetoarea muzicii!JethroTull❤❤❤❤

[@sdushdiu]

Cornick was truly amazing.

[@jimlucia3625]

one of my favorite Tull songs...

[@johnorillion8968]

PLAYS his heart out, very underrated.

[@watersidelapper6314]

I can’t believe IAN Blasted away Cornick such a great bassist!!!!!

[@davegoldsmith4020]

Bought the single when it first came out, been listening to Tull ever since, no one sounds like them, Ian Andersons voice instantly recognisable and brilliant

[@Querencias7]

T E R R I F I C Tull. Essential Tull. A great, memorable tune. I like this video session too. Many thanks NH6!

[@MikeXoman]

Haven,t hear this song for a long time

[@carolebarker2195]

I love that, with Ian, singing is a whole body experience!

[@jestes100]

Ian smoking while singing and playing the flute as he is recording. Unfortunately he did'nt quit soon enough. Wish some of that 21 year old voice still existed.

[@thisistheworldtoday]

jestes100 ... and the smoking definitely aged him prematurely as well

[@TheGodofMustard]

Not only was he a smoker, he was a chain smoker. Lit the next one when the one he was about to stub out. Such a shame as I'm convinced it played a part in ruining his voice. His voice on APP and Minstrel was just amazing!

[@chuckuhs]

There's Baller… And then there's holding a cigarette while playing the flute Baller…

[@carlacaputo9882]

I I Love. Caputo .Sent to my sister who's 6 yrs older &,no surprise to me alw one of here favorites In 50 y.o. now..Ian Wonderful & hope he doesn't take OT too hard regarding nsome comments I head about his "aging" voice.That voice not only finance his rocker lifestyle but is 1 in 10s of millions..Bless his & band members talents & Gift to us all.Carla. Jean

[@PAULLONDEN]

How *good* is this ......truly original..

[@thecostarules631]

PAULLONDEN is tully original, unique

[@eddiecriglington400]

Great video. Great memories. 🎶❤️🎶

[@lekunberriko1]

To me, Masterpiece.

[@kevinz8930]

great old footage. thanks for sharing

[@themossypottery]

Thankyou for posting...my favourite Tull track...what great musicians...

[@stefanoturci2386]

Masterpiece!

[@andrewhaddon5159]

A thousand times better than anything you'll see on X-Factor.

[@dionisioiacobelli9569]

Recorded on their first trip to the states. Of all places Vantone Studios, West Orange, New Jersey.

[@thisistheworldtoday]

Dionisio Iacobelli .. that’s so interesting... the ease with which he knocked out such beautiful songs is mind blowing

[@raysibley9721]

I was a young teen when this came out. I only heard this on the radio occasionally. It was like no song I had ever heard, the flute, and the 7/8 beat. Just a really cool song. I enjoyed the lyrics, but in those turbulent times, these are the words which have continued to live with me: "Now there's revolution, but they don't know What they're fighting"

[@JoseGarcia-md9lv]

Unas de las bandas más grandiosas del rock progresivo grande IAN ANDERSON Y SU JETRHO TULL GENIALES

[@davelogan676]

The Great Glenn Cornick on Bass..he made Tull pure like a Tiger back then.

[@rupertbobrowicz963]

Brilliant days 😎💙🇬🇧😻🤔

[@patdoor3700]

This music just turns on my Celtic blood.