Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in 1967. Their music is characterised by the songs, vocals and flute work of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and guitarist Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969.
Initially playing blues rock with an experimental flavour, they incorporated elements of classical, folk and 'ethnic' musics, jazz and art rock into their music. The band have sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.
Member history
* Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi played guitar for Jethro Tull briefly in 1968 following the departure of Mick Abrahams. The only recording of him with Jethro Tull is on The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus although his guitar is not heard as all of the music (excepting Ian Anderson's vocals & flute) was dubbed in afterwards. It was a one-off performance and he returned to Black Sabbath in January 1969.
* After his departure from Jethro Tull in 1971, original drummer Clive Bunker played in a short-lived group called Jude with former Procol Harum guitarist Robin Trower.
* Barriemore Barlow replaced Clive Bunker on drums. His second gig for the band was the infamous outdoor concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Morrison, Colorado on 10 June, 1971 in which gate-crashing fans rioted with police who dropped tear gas from helicopters. The band played on through their tears in what was described as a brilliant gig; but no rock concerts were held at Red Rocks for years thereafter.
* Genesis' Phil Collins was Jethro Tull's drummer for only one gig: the Prince's Trust Gala on July 7, 1982 at London's Dominion Theatre. During this time, Jethro Tull had the position of drummer to fill after the departure of drummer Mark Craney. Phil Collins played on three songs, and two of them ("Jack in the Green" and "Pussy Willow") are on an official video release of the Prince's Trust Gala, although this may not have been released in all countries. Collins quickly returned to Genesis.
* A significant number of Jethro Tull former supporting players, such as Dave Pegg, Martin Allcock, Dave Mattacks and Gerry Conway have been in the core of in the influential folk rock band Fairport Convention. Dave Pegg - a core member of Fairport and the bassist with the longest tenure in Tull (1979-1995) alternated his career between the two. When Jethro Tull toured the USA in 1987, and at their Wembley Arena gig in the UK, Fairport Convention were the opening act, with Pegg playing in both bands at each concert.
* Ex-drummer Mark Craney, from the short-lived 1980-81 line-up, died of diabetes and pneumonia on November 26, 2005. He had suffered through a history of health problems including kidney ailments, stroke paralysis, and a heart condition. A number of Jethro Tull members contributed to the 1997 charity album, Something With a Pulse, to help pay Craney's medical bills.
* Bassist Tony Williams filled in for the remainder of the tour when John Glascock's health failed. He then returned to session playing.
* Bassist Matthew Pegg Dave's son is credited with playing bass on Catfish Rising when his bald father was "washing hair." He is currently a session musician.
* Bassist Steve Bailey appeared on the Roots to Branches recording due to Dave Pegg's scheduling conflicts. He was never an official member of the band.
* David Palmer, who arranged orchestras and instruments along with being a member of Jethro Tull, became Dee Palmer in 2003 and transitioned from a male to a female in 2004. She is very open about it and plans on releasing a solo album.
* James Duncan has frequently appeared with the band from 2006 forward, as well as on Anderson's solo tours. Surgery performed on Perry required him to cease playing for some time, and while he has returned to the band, Duncan continues to play some shows. Duncan is Ian Anderson's son.
* Florian Opahle, a German guitarist who has played on Anderson's solo tours, as well as with Greg Lake, has recently filled in for Barre on occasion, most notably due to the latter's recuperation from surgery.
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