elegant simplicity

Jethro Tull hold a place very dear to me and have been one of my favourite bands since I can't remember when. So when it was announced that one of my favourite bands were to play one of my favourite venues, I simply had to buy a ticket.

Having seen the band several times over the years, I knew they would be right on the money musically; it was just whether Ian Anderson's voice was up to it. Alas, it wasn't, but more on that later!

Support was provided in the shape of Heather and Josh from Mostly Autumn, with Tull as the backing band. I enjoyed the set, though it was all too brief. And then it was straight to Tull. 

Highlight was Dharma for One - absolutely superb; as were all the songs with little or no vocals. The real bummer was that, in a live setting, Ian Anderson just cannot sing like he used to. Every note seemed to be a strain, which he appeared to be attempting to cover up with facial muscle gymnastics: trying to pretend that it was part of the show. My companion, not a Tull fan by any stretch, spotted this and was very abrasive with her opinions.

I really feel it is time Tull got a new singer or went totally instrumental: shows like this do not do them any favours and makes a mockery of their reputation and history!

So, music and performance thereof: 10 out of 10.

Vocals, a very poor and disappointing 2 out of 10.