Icon PLAYED an INSTRUMENT NOT ASSOCIATED with Rock in A Way NOBODY Could EMULATE!--Professor of Rock

Coming up… the story behind the signature song Locomotive Breath by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, a figure who was disenchanted by the rock n’ roll stars of the 50s. Even Elvis repelled him… In an effort to forge his own path, and be like no other performer, Ian learned to play an instrument not normally associated with rock music as his hallmark for distinction and played it on stage in a style that no one could emulate. But it later cost Ian dearly, when he had major health problems because of the stance he took playing this instrument… Truly One of the most interesting icons of the rock era… Anderson started out scrubbing urinals and toilets and later was drenched in urine when he played a live show and a commercial aircraft dumped waste from up in the sky. We also break down his prog rock classic Locomotive Breath spawned from a fear of the future world. It was the lead single from an album with a cover image that… scared the living hell out of me. It’s all coming up next on Professor of Rock.”
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#classicrock #70smusic #vinylstory #jethrotull
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. if you remember back when we only had 3 tv channels and you had to turn a knob to go from channel to channel, you’ll dig this network of deep musical nostalgia… Make sure to subscribe below right now.
SO Growing up, I knew of only two Jethros…. There was that lovable dimwit, Jethro Bodine on the Beverly Hillbillies played by Max Baer, Jr., And the other Jethro that I knew something about was this… strange band with disturbing album covers named Jethro Tull.. ..The cover art that really freaked me out as a kid, but I later marveled at, was the one that graced the front of Jethro Tull’s LP, Aqualung, featuring the progressive rock classic….”Locomotive Breath.” The Rock Era has been dominated by the guitar, but in the sub-genre of progressive rock, there are a handful of bands that have used the flute as a prominent part of their sound. Some of the most notable bands are the Moody Blues, with Ray Thomas, Traffic with Chris Wood, Genesis, during the Peter Gabriel era, and Focus from Amsterdam, Netherlands that had a #9 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in ’73 with their raging, instrumental rondo, “Hocus Pocus” featuring a frenetic flute solo by band co-founder Thijs van leer:
But the band that is really synonymous with the flute, as a focal point of their music, has to be Jethro Tull with its dynamic frontman and founder, Ian Anderson: Ian grew up in the 50s, and unlike most budding musicians that grew up during that time, he was not influenced to pursue a career in music by Elvis Presley. The King actually influenced Ian in the opposite way. Ian knew as a teenager that he didn’t want to emulate any of the rock stars. He wanted to forge his own path, creating something unique.
The desire to be different is what led him to the flute. Ian started off playing the guitar, but he eventually decided there were too many guitarists in the music world. He never regarded himself as being a “good guitar player” anyway, and was also self-deprecating about his singing voice. He became enchanted by the shiny aerophone when he saw one in a window display of a music store. Ian thought the glistening flute in the display was “pretty.”

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST PROG ROCK ALBUM of the Rock era?

[@DC8091]

2112 Farewell To Kings Clockwork Angels

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

Rush and Pink Floyd

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Fragile YES

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate ... The Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson.

[@peterd.9978]

The Dark Side of the Moon

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

I was stopped in traffic at a long red light, windows down radio playing this one, and a homeless person walked up and gave me 1 dollar to crank it up.

[@mournblade1066]

In Soviet Russia, bum give money to YOU!

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Epilogue : I gave him a 20 spot

[@ProfessorofRock]

Serious?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool.

[@vcv6560]

@@ProfessorofRock true or not the story is legend!

[@lowellmccormick6991]

I've gone to lots of concerts and performances since I was in high school in 1970. Jethro Tull's concert for the Passion Play album was one of the best. First, they played the entire PP album (40 minutes or so). After an extended period of applause, with the band's active encouragement, Ian walked up to the mike and said, "Now for our second number, the middle brick of Thick as a Brick" (about 20 minutes). After an extended period of applause, again with the band's active encouragement, Ian walked up to the mike and said, "Now for our third number, here is side one of our best selling album". He then proceeded to thank the audience and America for buying Aqualung and sending it to #1. They played side one and then left the stage. It was fantastic. But then they came back for the encore and said, "for our next number" and proceeded to play side 2 of Aqualung. It was incredible. What I refer to as a Cosmic Experience. Locomotive Breath was one of the best live performances I've ever seen. Then came the telephone. It was on a little table, side stage and had an overhead light illuminating it the entire concert. After the band walked off and the crowd started leaving, the phone rang. Everyone stopped and turned around. Ian walked out, picked the phone up, put it up to his ear and then turned around and held it up and said, "It's for you". A perfect ending to a perfect concert.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@jakeoncall]

The most energetic band ever.

[@jetcat132]

Ahhhh you remember….! I saw that tour in Chicago. One of the most memorable endings to a show I ever saw.

[@sidcostello7532]

Anderson has completely lost his singing voice, totally gone. The band and Martin Barre still sound unbelievably good,,,but Anderson has no pipes.....but....not to fear. I dont know where they found this guy, but Anderson has added a young guy to the band who handles all the lead vocals, and I swear to you, he sounds EXACTLY like Ian Anderson in his prime. This guy is unbelievable. Check Tull out if you ever have the chance, you're in for a treat.

[@barclay3160]

I saw Jethro Tull in San Francisco at the Fillmore West in the spring of 1970.. A guy in the audience shouted “ play some rock and Roll”. Ian Anderson replied “why? Do you think you can do better ? The guy in the audience then sang a few lines from the Cream cover of “ I’m So Glad “. Everyone had a good laugh and I was impressed at how well Ian handled the banter. Another band playing that night was the Small Faces featuring some blonde musky voiced singer Rod Stewart. Those were the days!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s pretty cool!

[@lawdogwales5921]

Cool story.

[@cyncty666]

I also was blessed to see him in SF about 5 years later. Your experience sounds amazing

[@flynnlizzy5469]

Muddy Waters, standing not 10' from me, shouted out to a bar filled with chatty people who weren't decent enough to STFU and listen to what he was puttin' down: "If Y'ALL can't dig the blues, GET THE FUCK OUT !!". GREAT moment I will never forget !!

[@timmaertens1583]

As a self-taught flautist, Anderson apparently learned some of his fingerings incorrectly. According to an interview I read some years ago, one of his kids was learning to play the flute in school and told him he was doing it wrong. After initially protesting, he looked into it, found out it was true and went back and re-learned it! A true virtuouso!

[@timothypachonka8642]

He was working around his right little finger. It doesn’t function properly.

[@freddyt55555]

First winner of the Grammy for best heavy metal song. Who knew the flute was a heavy metal instrument?

[@ProfessorofRock]

RIght?

[@jennybates]

Hes proud of that accolade.

[@philipqvist7322]

To be fair Martin Barre played some great guitar riffs and solos on Crest Of A Knave and at least you could hear the bass (Dave Pegg), unlike And Justice For All which all but drowned out the bass.

[@jamesgorski7551]

Yes, I am in the wrong business?

[@williambarry8015]

A Grammy? That's cool.

[@user-pf7jm9go6o]

As a doctor, the last couple of times we saw Jethro Tull or Ian Anderson solo, it was obvious that he had COPD. It changed his voice, unfortunately, but he still sings and plays the flute, as difficult as that must be. As you mentioned, he had a blood clot in his leg after flying to Australia and then threw a clot to his lungs (pulmonary embolism) that did almost kill him. At his shows, he tries to educate people about this risk in long-distance flights.

[@norcoauctions]

Ian Anderson WAS THE GREATEST ROCK PERFORMER OF ALL TIME! No one is REMOTELY close to him

[@nathanielcrain1658]

My earliest memory of Tull is as a kid using my mother's War Child album as a ramp for my hot wheels cars. I could never have known then what a huge Tull fan I would become. Thanks Mom. BTW her only comment upon discovering my play was, "Just dont hurt the record." As an adult I took her to see them. First time for me, second time for Mom.

[@janetmitchell4452]

Thank you son and my favorite concert buddy.

[@michaelrochester48]

Thank you for finally doing a video on one of the best rock bands of all time. People got angry that they won the best heavy metal album back in the late 80s, but their first three or four albums really rocked hard. Listen to “cry you a song”,” teacher,” “ minstrel in the gallery,” “sweet dream.” yeah they know how to rock.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call Michael!

[@crusheverything4449]

The Grammy was for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal performance and while Jethro Tull was certainly never a metal band, they were a (very unique) hard rock band. The award is regarded as more of a nod to their whole body of work, rather than the then-current Crest of a Knave album alone. And, yes, Metallica probably should've won. Even Tull was so sure they wouldn't win that they didn't even bother to show up to the award ceremony.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Exactly. A true rock and roll band.

[@ndogg20]

Yeah, the gatekeepers and zealots of Heavy Metal with their cliche clown suit of leather and stud jackets and denim cut offs really whined about Tull getting that award. Tull along with a dozen other groups going back to the 60s pioneered the hard rock and metal sound long before these idiots made the rules. And add to that list of songs, New Day Yesterday and Locomotive Breath., both Metal with a capital M in my book.

[@johnnichols3113]

They are one of my all time favorite bands and even though I'm 52 years old I'm still exploring their catalog. "Teacher" is probably my favorite and most listened to song right now. Along with Moody Blues's "Question" and Golden Earring's "Twilight Zone." I've just exited my Southern Rock exploration and while I'm enjoying the Prog Rock trip, I'm looking forward to seeing where I end up next.

[@allanwidner9276]

He developed a persona as a mad, manic bard and yeah, managed to injure himself in a few ways a few times. Reading Tull lyrics as poetry is also an interesting exercise.

[@campaignresources]

Jethro Tull's music has held up better over the years than any other 1970s band. I saw them in concert several years ago and they still sounded great.

[@robertcowart1]

Jethro Tull had a monumental effect on my life. 65 now, but at 11or 12 i looked in my TV guide and saw the album artwork of "Stand Up" in the record sales and was caught by the drawing. A year or so later the hit "Teacher" was on the radio. I quickly listened to all the albums, but then "Aqualung" was released. I drilled and studied that album while learning to play the bass. That album featured Ian's friend Jeffrey taking over the bass guitar position. The next album tour of "Thick as a Brick" came to my town and i was there. Watching Ian and his friend Jeffrey, and the band, was a life changing event for me. That sense of entertainment and theatricality by these guys was incredible! I've seen Tull about 15 times over the years, but that May of 1972 concert was the single most important show i've ever seen! Soon after Ian's voice had a change and the longstanding band members left, but that period from 1970 to 1975 was the most exciting time of Jethro Tull live shows! It was also when they had their longest hair!

[@lear1980]

I saw Jethro Tull in April 1979. Can't believe that was 45 years ago. Ian Anderson was an amazing showman in those days with boundless energy. He was all over the stage swinging his flute like a madman. What a show.

[@artwithmichael5547]

My mum was a huge fan. I’m nearly 50 now so she was a real rocker for her age. Took her to see them for the first time for Mother’s Day in 2010 and lost her in 2012. Rally happy she got to experience it. Thick as a Brick is EPIC!

[@splenderella9]

Sorry for your loss! Wonderful that you were able to share music! 😌 🎶

[@a4s2reckonwith]

I remember it well. A friend of mine broke me out of listening strictly to pop music on the radio. He had quite a collection of classic rock albums. The year was 1984 and my buddy was a huge Beatles fan. I heard enough of that from my Uncle. I started leafing through albums and he sticks on Jethro Tull's Thick as A Brick and I was hooked. Never heard anything like it. He followed it with Locomotive Breath. That sprung an interest in me for prog rock. After that we listened to Yes and ELP albums and fell in love with the richness and uniqueness of the music styles.

[@erickrupa1748]

I love Jethro Tull. Such a unique sound.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

My father was an expert flautist and he played Jethro Tull songs often. I grew up listening to these songs and actually saw Tull in concert when I was about 5. Ian Anderson freaked me out, especially his eyes! 🖖🏼

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s pretty eccentric!

[@nicole-uo9cd]

I remember Ian Anderson saying in an interview that "everyone thinks I take drugs"! He was actually very focused and committed to his art. Glenn Cornick (RIP) was fired from Jethro Tull because Glenn's partying lifestyle was at odds with Ian's work ethic and perfectionist standards! Ian Anderson had a tremendous flair for drama onstage. He was perceived as being a drugged out maniac. He was just determined to provide his audience with an unforgettable experience!

[@johnnichols3113]

Aha! Those bugged out and gleaming eyes were mesmerizing and were portholes to his incredibly eccentric yet intelligent and extremely creative soul. One of my absolute favorite bands of all time.

[@robertweldon7909]

Jethro Tull. Oh boy. I first saw Jethro Tull at the Newport ROCK Festival in Los Angles (June 1969 in the Saturday night session) They did music from "This Was" and "Stand Up". I believe that they followed "Steppenwolf". I had their albums, but had never seen them, at that point. Great performance. Fast forward the Thanks Giving weekend that same year; apparently they were on some sort of layover and were in San Diego. The local FM rock station announced that the band was giving a SMALL HALL concert downtown (in a few hours for $5.00 a ticket). My friend and I jumped on it. There were no seats, we all sat on the floor, the stage was no further away than about 50 feet. Ian and the band seemed to be having huge fun. At one point Ian jumped off the stage and walked into the midst of the crowd. At one point he was no more than 3 feet from me, standing on one leg, playing his flute. (I can't remember which tune he was playing now, to many years have past). That was the last concert I saw before moving back to Cleveland, Ohio. That little concert is one that will live in my memory for all my life. As for "Locomotive Breath". That tune along with "Aqualung" are the bands best two tunes, although two of my favorites are the instrumentals "Serenade to a Coocoo" and Bourrée". As a side note. Back in 1968 I found an old black bowler hat, like the bands bass player wore, his was brown (mine had a crushed top). I wore that hat for years and never fixed the crushed part. I was into bass guitar at the time myself. This video has brought out a very fond memory, Thanks again, Adam. Sorry about going so long ;-)

[@SilkeSaint]

Jethro Tull was my first education into active listening. My brother was 17 years older than I and an utterly committed audiophile. Largely due to this our home always had music playing; of one genre or another. My favorite times of course being my brothers thoughtful collection of vinyl. This was the album he handed me one evening when he would have his "listening sessions" . I reverently followed each step in preparing the record for play and placed the stylus; hearing the unmistakable ride of the sound waves. Then the grin inducing sound of driving guitar riffs followed by a dizzying montage of "everything, everywhere, all at once" in musical style and sonic journey. Track 10 ; "Locomotive Breath", to me, is the most profound of the album. Both musically and lyrically ambitious. For me, this album set the bar for musical/lyrical excellence . My brother and I spent many more sessions listening to it over and over having deep conversations over the sound engineering and the literary connotation's surrounding the song's themes. I have Jethro Tull to thank for a wonderful bonding time with a much older sibling and becoming an utterly committed audiophile myself.

[@Postmortumaz]

Flute solo 🤘 thick as a brick is my favorite. Jethro Tull is Renaissance fair rock. He hums through his Flute.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that one too!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

So did he play or did he hum?

[@Postmortumaz]

@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 both

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great song indeed.

[@hughjass1044]

Just one glance at the thumbnail photo and headline and I KNEW it couldn't be anyone else but Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull! Fun fact - I was 1 week from being at that concert at Shea Stadium in 1976 where the band got "pissed" on. Our family was visiting friends in NYC at the time and one of their boys was a HUGE Tull fan. In fact, it was he who introduced me to them. I was excited not only to see the band but to go to my first ever major stadium concert but alas, it wasn't to be. My dad got called back to work early so we had to hit the road home. Talking to my friend later and he told me what had happened. Evidently, it was quite a mishap and Ian wasn't the only one to get hit. One last thing - I absolutely HATE the word "underrated" because it's the most overused and misused word I know but still... Martin Barre HAS to be the single most underrated guitarist EVER!! Another great one, Professor! Love your channel.

[@MWesley75]

So glad you covered Tull, Professor! I first heard Aqualung in 1987 when I was 15, which sent me down the rabbit hole to fandom. My mom was a flautist and I am a guitarist. Anyhoo, I’d put their era from 1969-1979 up there against anyone’s. What a full gamut of colors. And that lineup with Glascock, Barlow, Evans, Barre and Palmer? Foughettabbouttit !!!

[@rogersmith9049]

Our angelic, saintly mom who passed away in 2021 was heartbroken when she found my brother's Aqualung album while she was tidying his room in (I think) 1977. She started reading the lyrics, and the excerpts "his woman and his best friend/in bed and having fun" and "by the balls" broke her heart, leaving her in tears; it was just over-the-top offensive to her. Also, for reasons I never understood, my mom thought "snot (running down his nose)" in the title track was just as bad as the other s-word that, at the time, would've made a movie R-rated. My weaselly brother pretended to break his Aqualung album and threw it away. He actually threw away a different one, and sneakily listened to Aqualung over & over throughout his teen years.

[@eggsngritstn]

One of my all-time favorites! Such a great record from start to finish.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So good!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The whole album.

[@petercena9497]

One of my top 10 all time bands. I don't have a problem with Ian dissing 50s rock so long as he could come up with something better (he did). Locomotive Breath rocks, and I always hated seeing the band criticized due to the stupidity of the Grammy voters. Jethro Tull rock harder and better than a lot of metal bands anyway.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Peter!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Listening to it, it does sound like someone rebellious with 50s music.

[@johdo_lodet]

I remember my friend dragging me along to a Jethro Tull concert. I was like, are you serious? Comes out of the gate and played Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, then goes into Songs from the Wood. I was in awe. I was thinking, "What is going on right now?" Left the concert that night a fan and have been once since. It's amazing what a great concert can do!

[@greganderson8374]

Aqualung is filled with great songs and Locomotive Breath has to at the top. I was blessed to see Jethro Tull play this song in concert. In fact the whole concert had no backup band, it was just Jethro Tull playing Thick as a Brick and Aqualung for 3 hours. Incredible, #1 Concert for me (and I have seen Black Sabbath with Ozzy, Pink Floyd, Yes, Moody Blues, Frank Zappa to name a few).

[@rebeccamcdaniel1033]

My favorite, Locomotive Breath. I just knew Ian Anderson had to have an air hose shoved up somewhere to play that flute the way he did and still have the ability to prance all over the stage the way he did. Brilliant.

[@missourimole]

One of my all time favorites, rock flute was badass, but professor left out the best flute, the Marshall Tucker Band.

[@jiffin1]

There's nothing one-legged about Ian Anderson, except the way he stood onstage ...

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

The "One-Legged" Rock Star.

[@Freetruthforever]

Jethro Tull was the only band that I purchased every album/CD they made as soon as it came out without listening to it first until the 1990s and was never disappointed. Saw them five times in concert and every show was unique, entertaining, and sounded great. Enjoyed this episode.

[@paultheroman6637]

Saw the band for the first time in 1971 Columbus, Ohio. After which I tried to catch the boys every time they chanced by. Never a bad show always a flawless performance. Their act left such an impression on me that my son was named for Ian and who through some sort of cosmic coincidence was born on August 10th which I later learned was Andersons birthday. In spite of the bands snub by the Hall of Fame, I contend that Jethro Tull was and is a defining example of prog rock and will forever be remembered as the thinking mans rock band. "Minstrel in the Gallery" and "Songs from the Wood" are my two all time favorite Tull albums.

[@johnlowak5811]

I got to see Tull in '82 and Ian Anderson put on a rock opera. Blew my friends and myself away. Cross eyed Mary and the sets it was a great time to be 17.

[@just_me8796]

Ann Wilson of Heart and Men at work too

[@brendaphilbrook7872]

I've seen Jethro Tull 5 times. They were never a letdown. They knew how to rock! And their lyrics are amazing! Rock on.

[@timmaertens1583]

As a teenager in the 70s, Tull was my favorite band, period. I used to come home at night and listen to Stand Up, Benefit or Living in the Past on headphones - sometimes sitting on the front steps. I consider the outtro to Flying Dutchman - off Stormwatch - to be some of the finest flute work Anderson ever recorded. It’s unfortunate his voice gave out in the 90s.

[@user-bp7bg3hy3m]

"Stand Up", "Benefit", "Aqualung". Three masterpieces that were among my ten favorite albums back when they came out. And still are. Was a huge Jethro Tull fan, and not many of my friends knew or appreciated them back then. They liked them later, when they became HUGE...but I didn't like their music of that - their most popular - era. At their "Aqualung" concert in Houston (I worked many concerts as a volunteer usher back then...for free admissions), Ian Anderson was walking toward his limo backstage after the performance, his flute case in one hand and his other arm around his beautiful wife. I reached out to shake his hand, and rather than use his hand, he smiled and reached his leg out in that legendary crooked way...and I reciprocated with my leg. We shook feet. He's not just a musical genius and mindblowing performer...he's a really nice guy. Will always love them.

[@cyncty666]

Awesome

[@WhiteCamry]

Another great rock & roll flutist: Walter Parazaider, of Chicago.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@marktait2371]

more country though m.t.b. gearge mccorkle most famous for heard it in a love song

[@johnmaynardable]

I've always loved this band and this song. Every time I read or heard an interview with Ian Anderson I was impressed with his intellect.

[@stonedsasquatch]

I saw ELP open for them at Hershey Park in the 90s. He might not have been running all over the stage but he was every bit as powerful as ever on the mic and flute. One of my top 3 shows I've seen. ELP was wild as usual throwing knives at the keyboard

[@mournblade1066]

I don't listen to a lot of Jethro Tull, but "Locomotive Breath" is such a great song. I particularly love the instrumental opening, with the piano playing, and what sounds like a guitar played in an adjacent room. So great!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@philipqvist7322]

I think John Evan deserved at least a songwriting credit for that piano introduction, which he composed while playing around in the studio

[@VIDSTORAGE]

''Minstrel in The Gallery''' is one to check out

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

@@ProfessorofRock Adam you _know_ you listen to Jethro Tull, hee hee. Thanks for pronouncing "flutist" as "flootist" not "floutist" That pronoun-cee-a-shion is dumb

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s one of the most unique openings of a song.

[@williambarry8015]

Living in The Past on 45 vinyl is one of the first records i ever bought. I was 8 years old and bought it Licorice Pizza record store in downtown Long Beach. Im those days me and my friends walked all over the big city unsupervised.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

I would go into San Francisco from Oakland by myself to go elevator riding when I was 10. With permission of course.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

In California?

[@williambarry8015]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yeah.

[@williambarry8015]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yes

[@megaton_a]

My father (who turns 70 tomorrow) played this album all the time when I was a kid. I remember him blasting it on the stereo and shouting to me "This guy played the FLUTE and made it ROCK!!" This, Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, and the first few Alice Cooper albums were always his favorites, and dare I say shaped me as a man and a musician.

[@WeaponsEducation]

"Aqualung, Best Of" and "Songs From The Wood" those two albums dropped into my headphones along with dozens of others growing up. loved it. Now I still listen online and CD's.

[@rogertemple7193]

I'm 59 and I grew up in Southern Oklahoma so in the rural area I was raised in the 70's and 80's it was AM radio, cable television and not much else especially down near the Red River and Texas my older cousin in a neighboring town got me turned on to rock and roll in the 70's Thanks for the memories Professor.📻🎵🎶🎼🎼🎶🎵📻

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@brentcox7772]

I’m an Okie too. Back in the ‘70’s many summer days on the tractor, or wheat harvest listening to AM radio! 🤘🔥

[@user-ff7wb4fm9k]

You coulda been jammin The X !!

[@waynevia6976]

A great group. One of the 1970's best in my opinion.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Wayne!

[@johnnichols3113]

One of the best ever tbh. Intelligent and original Hard Rock that no one has had the intellect, talent, or frankly, steel balls, to ever attempt to replicate. Extremely ahead of its time, too.

[@jaywoo75]

This album cover also used to creep me out. I'd see it at my best friend's house. When I got a few years older, I asked my best friend's Mom if I could borrow the album. I'm so glad I did. Jethro Tull quickly became my favorite band. Thanks for this video. I love your channel!

[@chrissherer2047]

I won't ever forget the first time I heard the album Songs From The Woods. I instantly became a fan. That was in 1984 and within a few years I had purchased every album they had made. Got to see them live twice and enjoyed every bit of it.

[@JaySmith-pv2mw]

"Teacher" is my favorite JT song. Great outro.

[@alexnejako777]

it was one a few classic rock songs we had on rotation on our college radio station .

[@curiousman1672]

Introduced to JT in the mid-70's. Favorite albums are Isle of Wight and Songs From The Wood. Love it all really. IA is probably the most creatively brilliant musician in the game. Legendary.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He is such a genius.

[@moreheff]

Two things about this superb video. 1, how the hell does Ian Anderson play the flute whilst living with COPD? I too have this disease and get out of breath walking up the road, although I can still jump around on stage, all be it to a much lesser extent than I used to, but flute playing whilst doing a full gig? Kudos Ian. 2, My first memory of Jethro Tull, seeing them on I think TOTP (I have looked for the clip but cannot find it) and seeing a wild and wide eyed, crazed looking Anderson maniacally leaping around singing the song and taking great slugs of beer in between the vocal and having said liquid flying all over the place. Bonkers! This would have been in the 1970's. If anyone knows where I can find that clip let me know as I am still not sure I did not dream it!! The man is a totally unique one off in the truest sense of the word. Great video. Thanks

[@carlomatthews6676]

Thanks for such a thoughtful and articulate appreciation of Ian Anderson's talent and work.

[@walterulasinksi7031]

While Ian Anderson made a highly distinctive use of the flute in his work, the use of both the flute and the piccolo have been used by the Wrecking Crew for Pop/ Rock numbers. And very distinctively. The Flute on “ California Dreaming” and the piccolo on “ Rockin Robin”. In the Rock genre, there us no instrument that cannot be used. Due to this recognition, symphony orchestras will play with rock groups worldwide if asked.

[@gregwasserman2635]

Back in the day, when my sister's and I were the "remote". Drove me nuts, especially when you had to change the channel from something you were watching to something dad wanted to watch, like golf. But it was his TV afterall...

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true! I remember the same thing!

[@johnnyjohnson1326]

My kids laugh when I tell them this story.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@johnnyjohnson1326 Ha ha!

[@LaManteca76]

For my Dad it was boxing. Then when he got excited, he'd stand rt in front of the TV so you couldn't see who was winning, lol. 😆

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Tell the truth. You know you made your sister be the remote.... hee hee. Heaven knows my brother made remotes out of me and my sister.

[@hinspect]

Saw them live in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1975. The first two rows, as I remember, were reserved for people in wheelchairs. They had part of Warchild stage props. He (Ian) developed deep vein thrombosis from riding on airplanes on long trips

[@VanWailin]

Adam, thank you so much for this video. Tull is one of my favorites. Keep up the great work brother

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Jethro Tull. Incorporated a flute into rock. Always knew when they came on the radio. Aqualung was a great rocker. Thanks Professor. Great start to the week.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Roger!

[@kathymartin7724]

Yes. Aqualung was a great song. We have been fans of Jethro Tull for many years. Yes definitely a scary album cover. Thank you for your Proffessor of Rock. Show on Utube. Very interesting.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

@@kathymartin7724 Maybe the homeless guy should have gotten royalties.......

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I need to relisten to Aqualung.

[@johnnichols3113]

You can absolutely pick up on a Tull song whenever you hear one played. They have a unique sound that has never been duplicated

[@stringfellowlocke2214]

I'm kinda surprised you didn't mention Tull's 1989 Grammy win, TBH. It seemed to make a lot of people upset, by, personally, i thought it was long over due.

[@KennethBartholomew-fb4cb]

I just saw Ian Anderson and the current incarnation of Jethro Tull at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway this Fall. My second favorite band as a teen (after Rush), I’ve seen them 6 times now, but many around me at the show had been well over a dozen. Ian can’t sing great any more (could he ever?), but his flute playing is amazing still. Thank you for covering Tull, Professor, and for your channel in general. It gives me great pleasure during some difficult days this last year.❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

How was it?

[@KennethBartholomew-fb4cb]

Honestly, they played too much new stuff for my taste. But it ended great with a revamped and wonderful rendition of Aqualung and then a final encore of Locomotive Breath that Ian just nailed. Great venue as well.

[@act.13.41]

So silly on stage, but one of the most talented bands led by one of the geniuses of rock and roll.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Such a unique band. Saw them only once when they were special guests for Marillion biggest gig in the UK in 86. Brilliant band live

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@raymondbonington9355]

Milton Keynes bowl ,

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@raymondbonington9355 that’s the one, the Welcome To The Garden Party gig. Great day, Tull played my favourite, Beastie and Marillion played Forgotten Sons, I think for the last time

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@stephenbrown4211 Marillion's Script for a Jester's Tear show? Man I'd love to have seen that one! They changed directions so often, and they lost me pretty soon, but their first album is extraordinary!

[@nisar8009]

I loved Jethro Tull when I was young. Actually I still love listening to their music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@MrPSzebra]

Oh, and Jethro Tull is also a part of the big group of huge rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame snubs, along with Grand Funk Railroad, Styx, Three Dog Night, J Geils band, Ted Nugent, and several others. I always appreciate it professor when you mention the rock snubs because that organization needs a retool.

[@davemoyer505]

Chicago, St. Patrick’s day, 1977. Tull ROCKED us! Ian is an amazing musician and showman. I’ve seen a lot of rock shows- Jethro Tull was in the top 3. Nugent and the original Lynyrd Skynyrd being the other two. Rock on, Prof! Good stuff!👍🥁🎸❤️

[@thebullet7874]

The Guess Whohad some songs featuring the flute. Undun is the first to come to mind.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I took a picture of Ian in front of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino with him standing next to the pink flamingos!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Tell us more!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@ProfessorofRock It was a few years back. That same half hour Cops 👮‍♂️ TV Show camera crew busted someone trying to steal one of those poor Flamingos!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When?

[@KetoBicyclist]

When I was a kid I played guitar but wanted to learn flute. My Mom told me no one played flute in Rock. I said, what about Jethro Tull? She let me take lessons . . . ;)

[@jcbass2u]

Doesn't matter where I am when this song comes on, as soon as the main riff starts and the vocals begin I gotta sing along at full volume. Locomotive Breath is one of my all time favorites.

[@ashleywetherall]

Great band. In the mid 1970's My grandfather) A plumber by trade) was hired by Ian Anderson to update the central heating in a flat he'd purchased in the Shepherds Bush area of London. My grandfather thought he would have lots of trouble working for a Rock star.. To him, Rockstar's were longhaired pampered idiots.. But he was very wrong., He said Ian was one of the best people he'd worked for. He paid most of the money needed up front, and looked in every now and again just to see how the work was progressing and even made sure that my Grandfather got a nice fully comped breakfast at the local café. Ian Might have played the rock star on stage but in real life he seemed very down to earth and genuinely nice.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sounds like a very nice guy.

[@calguy3838]

The piano intro to "Locomotive Breath" starts off very slow and gradually picks up steam---rather like a locomotive.

[@kevincothron5089]

Love Jethro Tull.

[@apitheous194]

One of my all time favorites, I have worn out vinyl and tape. I'm 68 and still listening.

[@jstnxprsn]

Love that song. Locomotive Breath is high up on my band's set list. Thanks Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

YOu're welcome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What’s the name of the band?

[@jstnxprsn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Locomotive Breath is on Jethro Tull's Aqualung, as I recall. Btw, of all the many, many bands I've seen live, I think Jethro Tull was the best.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@jstnxprsn No, YOUR band.

[@beenaplumber8379]

My last band played it too, and I loved it! We had a good pianist who nailed that intro, even with a bit of improv to work the crowd. But as the bassist, I always sawed into my fingers with those relentless slides through the whole song. I never played flatwound strings, so my fingers suffered, but I loved it!

[@jennybates]

I was the 📺 remote. Ian Anderson is a pure genius. I had a 12in version of "Thick as a Brick" personally signed by him, when he came to visit his Aunt.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@jennybates]

​@@ProfessorofRockhe is the nephew of the late mp, Ernest Beveridge, and his late wife Amanda.

[@jennybates]

​@ProfessorofRock I also know the story of his uncle's funeral. He refused to allow the vicar to be paid by the funeral company, and gave the vicar twice what the funeral co was going to pay him.

[@marktait2371]

thats cool.i also have the 12 ich single golden eagle side 1 part one 2 part two dated 79 i think golde eagle did like 4 or 5 tull singles

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Was the song on a 12" single? Was it a remix?

[@scootover7]

Locomotive Breath is one of the best rock songs ever, I also love Aqualung . Jethro Tull was unique which is what I love about them.

[@Lumbar87]

I was thrilled to see Ian Anderson perform in 2019. His voice was shot, so he had a surrogate singer, which was kind of awkward. However, he could still play the hell out of his flute, and he even spent some time on one leg.

[@duromusabc]

Very underrated rock band 🎸

[@bobdavis4848]

Except when they won the best "heavy metal" (?) Grammy.

[@duromusabc]

@@bobdavis4848 still underrated regardless.. compared to Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, GNR, and Aerosmith

[@bobdavis4848]

@@duromusabc Oh absolutely...I could go the rest go my life never hearing Stones or GNR again, but I'd miss my Tull.

[@neilperry2224]

And if you dropped your tv, and the dial knob was broken loose, and you sometimes got a shock from trying to get a channel!!. I learnt about Jethro Tull from one of my first work colleagues... he looked like the lead singer, tall thin and very very intelligent

[@LaManteca76]

Lol, when the knob broke off & you had to use pliers to change the channel. 😅

[@ProfessorofRock]

I remember that! Ha ha!

[@jonhunt1419]

I grew up SW of Milwaukee and NW of Chicago, so we had to change the rotor (antenna direction device) each time we changed the channel also...

[@katerbiller04]

Don't forget the aluminum foil on the rabbit ears, and that percussive maintenance to rid yourself of the snow

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha!

[@kansascityonline]

saw JT first time live in 76' at Arrowhead Stadium with Robin Trower, Todd Rungren and Rory Gallagher.... But.. in 77'' I was 2nd row center stage inside ... Anderson had extensions on each end of the stage going 10 rows into the audience.. He danced all around me all night long and wow.. what a master.. He was so physical.. such a musician while running full speed.. .. master class... one hella show.. . the good old daze.. still amazed at that bands live performance..

[@aprilrichards762]

One of my best friends introduced me to the music of Jethro Tull. I was enthralled immediately.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally!

[@bobdavis4848]

Hiya, constipated! The next time you're Thor, check the thtate of your thaddle.

[@markglabinski526]

Love you in that saddle!! Keep riding’.😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

There it is!

[@bobdavis4848]

@@ProfessorofRock Whoomp, there he is!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Meh.......

[@weejim48]

No Jethro Tull = no hotel California. Don Felder copied their song “ we used to know “. When Ian Anderson was asked about it he said that he was flattered that someone would use his riff. He never sued for breach of copyright. Great band. 👍

[@Antisocialboomer]

I saw a Mexican band do a song with the same chords. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery…. Unless you sample.

[@natscorm3009]

Awesome ! Thanks been my favorite since early 70’s when I was 15!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

How fitting is that, he traded his Stratocaster for a flute, literally. Aqualung is such a staple album in prog rock for good reason I never knew where Ian got his inspiration for these characters on his music but after this episode it makes perfect sense. Who would have thought the front man for a huge rock group would be jamming on a flute. Like Zappa Anderson is truly one of a kind. Great episode professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s one of the most creative things a musician has ever done.

[@beenaplumber8379]

I was thinking of the Zappa comparison too. What I liked, I loved. What I didn't like, I deeply respected. Music that disregards convention in favor of the art.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@beenaplumber8379 well stated!! Agree 💯

[@SHARKVADERS]

P O R !!!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Sharks!

[@BlairVorgang53]

My favorite band of all time. An interview with either Ian Anderson or Martin Barre … or both … would be awesome. I’m one of those fans who’s dead set on the fact Jethro Tull isn’t Jethro Tull without Martin Barre.

[@hollygorrell2262]

Jethro Tull has always been one of my favorite bands, and Locomotive Breath is my favorite JT song! I love how it starts as a jazzy piano piece, and slowly and almost imperceptively morphs into this hard driving rock song! It's sneaky in the way it does that! Great song! I never knew what it was really about before today though. Most all their songs do have a deeper meaning as you mentioned. It's a very cerebral band. Thanks for covering this one!

[@BbqMikeG]

Say "Whip." Say "Jethro." Now go pronounce things to a Brian.

[@ericf5978]

?

[@mikes9759]

​@@ericf5978 How do you pronounce Jethro??

[@ericf5978]

@@mikes9759 Jeth-ro.

[@brianfromtheambar7944]

Wut?

[@mikes9759]

@ericf5978 I know that! It was for someone else that was asking what they were talking about.

[@denniswilliams2385]

I saw Jethro Tull at Long Beach arena in the late 70’s and it was unforgettable.

[@user-hq6ou2je6n]

I bought the album after hearing Aqualung on the radio and was amazed by the range of tracks. I probably listened to Locomotive Breath the most but loved every song on the record.

[@katesjanice]

The first huge concert I attended at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena was Jethro Tull playing the entirety of their newly released “A Passion Play.” And they played other songs too, particularly from Aqualung. I had great seats for a great show.

[@tedbecker4051]

For me, Jethro Tull was like a strong cup of coffee without the inevitable crash. Their songs would (and still do) get my blood pumping. I was too young to understand many of their songs, like "Locomotive Breath" and "Bungle in the Jungle." I enjoy learning so much about the songs I grew up with, but didn't really understand at the time. Just another reason I love this channel. Thanks again, Professor

[@tonyfidanzo3331]

Classic song and album....still listen to it especially when working out!!

[@paulamorey8445]

I was 9 when my father brought home the album Aqualung. I have loved them ever since.

[@Andiejo40]

My daughter saw Jethro Tull in Concert when she was 17, and she is now 63. He was in San Diego in 2019, and again in 2023. He is still a brilliant guy!

[@richarddevine205]

I remember seeing them at a 2 day festival in the early 80's in the Nuremberg Germany area, Erlanger I believe. The first time I heard them would have been the benefit album. I was passing between neighbors houses, it had to be in 69 or 70 and hearing them. I went up and knocked on the door and asked who that was and I was forever hooked.

[@randyhimburg7915]

I always everyday look forward to your new videos, Thank God I stumbled onto your page. THANK YOU!!

[@MrTfrogco]

One of the best bands ever !!!

[@jacobus57]

Saw Tull last summer and Anderson still brings it!

[@lauriebak]

Same! Have always loved the band and Ian, but had never seen them live. Really enjoyed the show.