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Jethro Tull was formed in 1967 in Luton, Bedfordshire, England, stands as a seminal progressive rock band known for its distinctive melding of rock, folk, and classical music elements. Led by the charismatic Ian Anderson, whose flute playing became a defining characteristic of the band, Jethro Tull released numerous albums that have achieved critical and commercial success worldwide. The band’s discography includes iconic albums such as Aqualung (1971) and Thick as a Brick (1972), which have made significant impacts on the rock genre. Over the years, Jethro Tull has seen various lineup changes, each bringing a unique contribution to its evolving sound. The band has won several awards, including a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.
Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson, the founding member and unmistakable face of Jethro Tull, has been with the band since its inception in 1967. Known for his distinctive flute playing and theatrical stage presence, Anderson has been the band’s lead vocalist, flautist, and acoustic guitarist. He has played on every Jethro Tull album, contributing not only his musicianship but also serving as the principal songwriter and lyricist. His work on albums like Aqualung and Thick as a Brick helped define the band’s sound and left a lasting mark on the progressive rock scene. Outside of Jethro Tull, Anderson has pursued a solo career, releasing several albums that explore a variety of musical themes.
David Goodier
David Goodier has been a part of Jethro Tull since 2007, taking on the role of bass guitarist. He joined the band during the recording of The Jethro Tull Christmas Album and has since been a stable presence in their live performances. Goodier’s contributions extend into the band’s later projects and tours, where his bass playing supports the complex arrangements characteristic of Jethro Tull’s music. Outside of Jethro Tull, Goodier has collaborated with other musicians and participated in various musical endeavors across different genres.
John O’Hara
John O’Hara joined Jethro Tull as their keyboardist and accordion player in the early 2000s. He has been involved in the band’s studio recordings and live performances, contributing to the rich textural layers of their music. O’Hara’s versatility has allowed him to adapt to the band’s diverse musical explorations, playing a significant role in albums and tours since his joining. His background in classical and theatrical music has added depth to the band’s performances, enriching their soundscapes.
Scott Hammond
Scott Hammond has been the drummer for Jethro Tull since 2011. He came on board following the departure of their previous drummer and has since been part of the band’s global tours and recording sessions. Hammond’s drumming is noted for its precision and dynamic range, fitting seamlessly into the complex and often intricate compositions of Jethro Tull. His previous experiences, both live and in studio settings, have equipped him well for the demands of Jethro Tull’s music.
Mick Abrahams
Mick Abrahams was the original guitarist for Jethro Tull, playing a crucial role in the band’s early sound. He was a member from its founding in 1967 until 1968, contributing significantly to their debut album, This Was. Abrahams’ blues-oriented style was fundamental in shaping the band’s early music. After leaving Jethro Tull due to musical differences with Ian Anderson, he formed Blodwyn Pig and later pursued a solo career, continuing to influence the blues and rock genres.
Clive Bunker
Clive Bunker was Jethro Tull’s original drummer, serving from the band’s inception in 1967 until 1971. His powerful and innovative drumming was featured on several of Jethro Tull’s early albums, including This Was, Stand Up, and the critically acclaimed Aqualung. Bunker’s style combined rock with a jazz-like finesse, which helped define the band’s sound during their formative years. After leaving the band, he worked with various artists, contributing his drumming talents to a wide range of musical projects.
Glenn Cornick
Glenn Cornick was the original bassist for Jethro Tull, playing from 1967 to 1970. His energetic bass lines are heard on This Was, Stand Up, and Benefit. Cornick’s playing was a key element of Jethro Tull’s early success, providing a solid rhythmic foundation and interacting creatively with Anderson’s flute and vocals. After parting ways with the band, he formed Wild Turkey and later participated in other musical ventures, continuing to impact the rock music scene until his death in 2014.
Tony Iommi
Tony Iommi, famously known as the guitarist for Black Sabbath, had a brief stint with Jethro Tull in 1968. Although he was with the band for only a short period and did not record any studio albums with them, he appeared with Jethro Tull in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus film, miming to the song “A Song for Jeffrey.” This brief association is often noted as a curious intersection of two major forces in rock history. Iommi returned to Black Sabbath shortly thereafter, where he achieved legendary status.
Martin Barre
Martin Barre replaced Mick Abrahams as Jethro Tull’s guitarist in late 1968 and was a key member until 2011, making him one of the longest-serving members besides Ian Anderson. Barre’s guitar work was pivotal on albums from Stand Up to Aqualung and beyond, contributing to the band’s shift towards a more progressive rock sound. His distinctive guitar solos and complex riffs have become defining features of Jethro Tull’s music. Beyond Jethro Tull, Barre has pursued a solo career, continuing to explore and perform music with the same passion and precision he brought to the band.