Jethro Tull - live 

Shepherds Bush Empire

Friday 24th September 2021

By Robert Corich

Jethro Tull are touring again at last! And, just as importantly, a new studio album is in the can and ready for release.

The new album, The Zealot Gene, will not be available until early 2022, mainly due to the advanced booking requirements of getting vinyl pressed nowadays. However, we were treated to a preview of one very fine track from this impending release during this evening’s live set. So, let’s hope Ian wheels out a few more as the release date gets closer. Tonight’s gig had an early start kicking off at the time an opening act is usually a few numbers in. Nevertheless, with an over two-hour set (with a fifteen-minute break) it was a more than acceptable and enjoyable gig.

First up was a vibrant ‘Nothing Is Easy’ from the band's second album ‘Stand Up’. This was followed by ‘Love Story’; their classic early single that first made an album appearance on 1972’s ‘Living In The Past’. Third on the billing was the classic ‘Thick As A Brick’, albeit delivered in a much-compacted form than the album original.

Next, was a wonderful version of ‘Living In The Past’ then a ballsy ‘Hunt By Numbers’ from the ‘J-Tull Dot Com album; the final official Jethro Tull studio release to feature Martin Barre. This was the first of two choices from what was effectively Tull’s last studio album which was released twenty-two years ago now. ‘Bourée in E Minor’ from ‘Stand Up’, came next, the first of three covers, and it was delivered in fine fashion enthralling the crowd. ‘Black Sunday’, from 1980’s ‘A’ album, was the penultimate track of the first half and was a definite highlight of the show. As was ‘My God’ from 1971’s ‘Aqualung’ which followed.

After a short speech from Ian encouraging the taking of liquid refreshment, the first half was over.

Then Business resumed with a beautiful version of ‘The Clasp’ from 1982’s ‘Broadsword And The Beast’ They continued with the clever choice of ‘Wicked Windows’, the second of two tracks from 1999’s ‘Dot Com’ album, an unusual track bearing in mind the evening was billed as ‘The Prog Years’ but it worked well, nonetheless.

The new track ‘The Zealot Game’ will have been a highlight for anyone waiting for the new album. I don’t think it will disappoint any Tull fan. Personally, I loved it and it just makes me even keener to experience the new album in all its glory. Then the tone was taken to gentler levels with a beautiful rendition of ‘Pavane’ which in turn was followed by a crowd cheering favourite ‘Songs From The Wood’. A vibrant, heavy interpretation of ‘Aqualung’ was delivered next to an enthusiastic crowd. Yet, nothing was going to top a race-paced version of ‘Locomotive Breath’. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Final proceedings were covered with the band banging out a version of ‘The Dambusters March’ (their third cover of the evening). The end game had ‘Cheerio’ aptly drifting out of the speakers as the band bowed and waved themselves off the stage. The crowd clearly loved this show.

To the two questions so many Tull fans have asked:

How did the band hold up and how was Ian’s vocal delivery?

The band comprised of musicians John O'Hara on keyboards, David Goodier on bass duties, Scott Hammond on drums, and guitarist Joe Parrish are perfect for the job and their interplay with Mr Anderson gives the band a vibrant feel live.

Ian’s voice has, of course, changed over the years and, although, not the same as it was in 1973, it still has a huge feel and reach on this evening's evidence.

Most of all, his distinctive sound in both banter and song is still there loud and clear.

It was a highly enjoyable gig and I cannot wait to experience more live shows from the legend that is Jethro Tull.

Setlist:

Part One:

Nothing is Easy

Love Story

Thick As A Brick

Living In The Past

Hunt By Numbers

Bourée in E Minor

Black Sunday

My God

Part Two:

The Clasp

Wicked Windows

The Zealot Gene

Pavane in F-Sharp Minor

Songs From The Wood

Aqualung

Locomotive Breath

The Dambusters March

Cheerio