It was on the 2nd of February 1968 at the world-famous Marquee Club in Wardour Street that Jethro Tull first performed under that name. The group would go on to become one of the most successful and enduring bands of their era, selling over 60 million albums worldwide and entering the cultural collective consciousness along the way.
To celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary, Ian Anderson announced Tuesday that he will present 50 years of Jethro Tull in a run of North American tour dates next year.
The anniversary shows will feature a broad mix of material, some of it focusing on the earlier formative period through to the heavy hitter” of the Tull catalogue from the albums This Was, Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick As A Brick, Too Old To Rock And Roll: Too Young To Die, Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses, Crest Of A Knave and even a touch of TAAB2 from 2012.
“I am not usually a birthday or anniversary kind of guy but, just for once, I won’t be a party-pooper either!” said Anderson in a statement. “I treasure the memories of the earlier years of Jethro Tull repertoire, associated as it is with the adventures of visiting so many countries for the first time to connect with new fans around the world. And this is a celebration of all the 33 band members who graced our ranks – musicians who brought their talents, skills and styles to bear on the performances live and in the studio. Join me and the current band for a nostalgic evening of varied music, representative of my ever-changing songwriting as our careers progressed through the years.”
Ian Anderson is accompanied by Tull band musicians David Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (keyboards), Florian Opahle (guitar), Scott Hammond (drums) and surprise virtual guests
Formed in 1968, Jethro Tull have released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. During their 50-year history, the band has performed over 3,000 concerts in more than 50 countries, playing 100+ concerts each year.
Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson 50th Anniversary Tour Dates
May 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre
Jun 1 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
Jun 2 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre
Jun 3 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Jun 5 – Visalia, CA – Visalia Fox Theatre
Jun 6 – Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Community Theater
Jun 8 – Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater
Jun 9 – Troutdale, OR – Edgefield
Jun 10 – Woodinville, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
Jun 29 – Saint Louis, MO – Fox Theatre
Jun 30 – New Buffalo, MI – Four Winds Casino Resort – Silver Creek Event Center
July 1 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Jul 3 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Aug 31 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
Sept 1 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Sept 3 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival
Sept 5 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at the Heights
Sept 7 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
Sept 8 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Sept 9 – Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Sept 11 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
