They've spanned many different genres and decades and now Jethro Tull have announced they will be hitting the road once again. MARISSA CARRUTHERS finds out more ahead of their March tour.
IN the 41 years since the band first formed, Jethro Tull have shifted more than 60million albums and performed at more than 2,700 shows in more than 50 countries.
As the self-professed "unplugged guy with a bunch of noisy friends" Jethro Tull's legendary frontman Ian Anderson commands respect as an acoustic musician among his peers.
And as the only original member remaining, Ian remains synonymous with the band.
Jethro Tull was born from the ashes of various other bands in early 1968.
Sharing a love for blues, it didn't take long for the band to win over a small audience across London and the surrounding areas.
But the big breakthrough came when they were offered the Thursday night residency at London's famous Marquee Club in Wardour Street, Soho.
The early Jethro Tull released their first Blues-oriented album, This Was, in late 1968 before moving on to more home-grown and eclectic efforts in 1969 with Stand Up.
Benefit, Aqualung, and Thick As A Brick followed and the band's success grew internationally.
Various band members came and went, but charismatic flautist and singer Ian Anderson continued to lead the group through its various musical incarnations.
By the mid-70s, Jethro Tull had earned the reputation of one of the most successful live performing acts on the world stage, rivalling Led Zeppelin, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
Since then they have had highs and lows, and are hoping next year will bring with it another high when they hit the road in March, stopping off at Newcastle City Hall on March 27.
Ian said: "Of all the music recorded by Jethro Tull over the years, there are several songs which have rarely, if ever, been performed in public.
"We look forward to introducing some of this material to the set list in 2010 along with some of the tried and trusted favourites.
Jethro Tull's current lineup.
"Martin Barre and I, along with long-standing drummer Doane Perry and old friends David Goodier and John O'Hara will bring variety and depth to the concerts with the aid of a few forgotten musical instruments currently being dug out of the rusty skip and dusted down for action."
For tickets, costing £25.50 and £28.50, can be bought by phoning 261 2606 or visiting www.newcastlecityhall.org
