Re-Jethro Tull-R&RHOF

Bob, don't you think that in this day and age, being excluded from the
Hall of Fame is a bigger honor than being inducted?

Chris Beytes

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I could argue that the inability to be replicated (by other groups) is a strong argument for greatness in a band, not the converse. It doesn't escape my attention that when a modern group cites a past band as an influence, it's often someone like the Velvet Underground. How many times do you hear a group refer to Steely Dan as inspiration? See, you can't begin to replicate brilliant players and writers without being able to, well, play and write.

"Influential" is a rock critic adjective. When I was a kid listening to Clapton, I got a kick out of the fact I could hear some Albert King in his playing, but it certainly wasn't the reason I loved the solo. Dylan was unutterably influential on rock music. Who would bother to bring that up when discussing his greatness? When some artist has big success in today's marketplace we experience the predictable wave of people trying to sound like them in order to have their own success. That's "influence": so what, if the music stinks?

Next time someone refers to one of those hip/arty/New York types as influential, ask the speaker to name three songs by he/she/they that "influenced" us. Jethro Tull were great. Ian Anderson was great. Rich, varied, smart, tuneful, rocking music. Lengthy career, beloved. If only they had inspired or influenced someone.

Berton Averre

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Bob,

Just an extraordinary case summary for a ground breaking band while at the same time summing up the RRHOF in one sentence. (Committee can only embrace personal favorites that no one else liked, that "influenced" others.)

I was on the loading dock at the Forum recently where they have now painted the date and name of every artist that has headlined that fabled arena. I couldn't help but being struck by the number of times Jethro Tull's (and Deep Purple) name was painted up on that wall. One thing that was missing, most of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame class of 2015.

Thanks
John Dittmar

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No Tull, no Chrysalis.

A direct quote from Chris Wright, Chrysalis founder.

Mike Bone

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AMEN!

Chriss4198

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Spot on.

Rik Shafer

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I've been a fan since "This Was". When the folkier elements of the band emerged with "Stand Up", I was completely knocked out. To this day, it's my all-time favorite album. I saw them for the first time, leaning on the stage, in 1970, at Plattsburgh State. "Benefit" had just been released. John Evan was on keyboards and Glenn Cornick had not yet departed. A very strong lineup. They opened with "Nothing is Easy". A tight, hard rock band. That Grammy they were awarded in 1989 was simply long overdue. And you're correct in stating that they'll never be honored by the Hall of Fame. My personal list of who should and should not be in, is irrelevant. I just hope someday Anderson brings out a great group and performs some of his early albums like he did with "Thick as a Brick". Peace.

Dan Daly


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I want Tull left out. More of a statement position. They are TOO good to go in like cole slaw.

Tull, Moody's, Deep purple. These bands will remain timeless over the eons - because they could play

Denisara
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Absolutely Bob.

My first concert ever was Jethro Tull at Madison Square Garden. Opening act was Uriah Heep.

Ian Anderson was a true showman with unique talents,as was every player in that band. Martin Barre's guitar solo on Aqualung is my all time favorite and I have no shame to air guitar that one in public every time I hear it.

Classic live moment on Bursting Out, recorded in France. Anderson introduces a song to a weak smattering of applause. He says "yes, no, maybe, alright don't strain yourselves". Haha. Loved it.

Rock on,

Rob Max
Executive Director
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

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Thanks, Bob!

Of course, the list is too long, but....Chicago, The Turtles, the Steve Miller Band, Toto, Spirit, Yes, The Moody Blues, Todd Rundgren and, absolutely, Tull. How does Todd's bassist Kaz Sultan get in, with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and TR is still sucking air out here?? (With all due respect, how does Joanie get in at all, ahead of these folks, by doing cover tunes?) Never mind. Again, too long a list, to list.

cheers

John P. Katsantonis

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I could not agree more-----agree on "don't need no Cleveland coronation"----but it is beyond absurd they were not in 10-20 years ago

Michael Rulle

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And Yes and Cheap Trick and Deep Purple.

Andrew Paciocco

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Tull isn't popular any more??

Hmm, I've never raised my head from the turntable since 1969 (where I keep rotating their incredible catalog of great albums) long enough to notice.

There's a world full of folks missing out these days, I guess.

Your loss!

Nelson Duffle
Washington, D.C.

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Plus he stood on one leg!

Fachtna o Ceallaigh

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Totally agree, and white they're at it, put Terry Ellis and Chris Wright in there too.... just saying'

Jethro Tull music was a building block of FM underground rock radio.

Billy Bass
(formerly Sr. VP of Promotion and Creative Services for Chrysalis...and PD of WMMS ....back in the day.)

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Spot on. I had "For a thousand mothers" off of Stand Up come on shuffle this morning and it sounded new. Original.

Tom Shpetner

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Jethro Tull had a hit song in 5/4 that was half instrumental with a flute as the lead instrument. All you need to know about how open and free radio was in the 70's, when you'd hear Zappa following Joni following Yes. Sigh…I guess I'm living in the past. Well not really, now I'm addicted to Spotify playlists. Only difference is the lack of a collective energy..now it's an individual journey.

CJ Vanston

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What is this "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" you speak of Bob?

I think I may have purged that from my memory banks?

Mark Strickland

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Dear Bob,
it`s all correct, but something went wrong!
"Because Ian Anderson is not a warm dude"
All I can say is that Mr. Anderson is a very warm and nice person!
He has very british Humor and he is a Gentleman!
It was a big pleasure meeting him!!!
All the best from Germany ;-)

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson interviews himself on the subject of the new album Thick As A Brick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFO6Z0HqMaA

Was Hotel California based on a Jethro Tull song?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xny0Uj4--tk
Enjoy ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMh0FS3rcnA

Kindest regards and take care,
T O M

Thomas Glagow
C.A.R.E. Music Group GmbH

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Dear Bob,

Ian Anderson standing on one leg singing along with the lines he played on that flute, looking like he stepped out from under an Elizabethan mushroom, was a phenomenal showman and an excellent composer/songwriter. With Martin Barre, John Evan, Clive Bunker and others, the band broke a lot of ground.

But one aspect of their work I would like to add to your assessment was the philosophical commentary on religion on Aqualung.

My God and Wind Up were incredible songs and show-stoppers. Ian would walk out alone with his acoustic and begin singing, "People what have you done: locked Him in His golden cage. Made Him bend to your religion Him resurrected from the grave."

When the band kicked in, the dynamics were exhilarating and, well, frighteningly awesome. The bookend at the end of the show was Anderson again standing by himself with his acoustic guitar, just like the opening of the show, only wrapping up with, "He's not the kind you have to wind up...on Sunday." Then he'd give it his trademark chuckle, "Eh heh," and walk off.

In their prime, the band was incomparable. Thanks for saying so.

Dale McCoy

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OH FUCK YEAH!!!

And yes, even the Rolling Stones recognized their presents as I'm sure you remember.

Chris Johnson

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Bob
Completely agree on Jethro Tull
I purchased the first UK album mainly because of the way they looked on the cover

Best
Jim McElwee

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I dig Jethro Tull!

Don Mizell

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Why spend so much energy on a hall that doesn?t care about the vanguard?
They put in fucking Ringo Starr as a solo artist? No hits??? What do you
call Bungle in The Jungle and Cross Eyed Mary???? Face it - Aqualung,
Thick As A Brick as albums surpass Joan Jett?s and even the "I died early
so I getin the Hall" Stevie Ray Vaughn?s catalogs.

George Sulmer

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Great article on Tull Mate.
The fact that they (and Deep Purple) aren't in the HOF shows what a bullshit exercise the whole thing is.

Tull (and Anderson) where one of the best live acts I've ever seen, and even now I get chills up my spine listening to live cuts of Thick as a Brick, or the fabulous opening intro to Locomotive Breath.

Tull had some of the best bass/ drummer combos in rock and roll history, who could go from a whisper to a full frontal assault at the drop of a hat.

Such a shame so many youngsters are missing out.

Tony M
Sydney, Australia

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Well said Bob....also wanted to add in after decades Ian and Martin did that little album Minstel in The Gallery which is an incredible masterpiece. Body of work , innovation, talent, composers, performers, I don't know what else to say. What are the qualifications?

Chris Apostle

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That Deep Purple + Jethro Tull have both been passed over by the R&RHOF is ludicrous. Both were huge FM rock staples. Both enjoyed long runs selling records and tickets and were both loaded with talent. DP was the first band to be paid One Million Dollars for a U.S. gig (California Jam if I recall). Bands like Steve Miller and Quicksilver Messenger Service are more worthy than many of the rock lite groups being inducted. It's sad indeed.

-Ricky Schultz

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Right on! The coolest thing about being Director of A&R at Chrysalis Music Publishing from 1990 - 1993 was that on brief occasions I got to speak to my music idol, Ian Anderson. (He was pretty warm and friendly, btw). I saw them on every tour from 1976 - 1981 at the Phila Spectrum, and each felt like the most perfect music moment (I never got high at a Tull show because I wanted it to last as long as possible!). I bought a flute that I never mastered, and would listen to my albums as I poured over every bit of the artwork like a detective. (Don't forget that A Passion Play came with a theater playbill and that Living in the Past came in a bound 78rpm style book album with pages!). The great thing about loving Tull was that you didn't really worry about sharing them because you knew that almost all of your friends (especially girls) hated them…but then when you showed up at the concert there were thousands there like you!

Jethro Tull were always the outsiders. That's why they got the name Jethro Tull…because they had to keep making up new ones to get booked again. Chris Wright and Terry Ellis didn't initially intend to start the label, but since no one wanted to sign the band, they paid for the masters and when their licensing deal ended…voila, they had a gold selling artist to start their label.

I love Tull. (just typing that makes me wince in anticipation of the haters telling me how much they don't like them)

Gary Helsinger

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I couldn't agree more!

I came in at "Benefit" and I've always been a pop song guy. "In days of peace, sweet smelling summer nights" still takes me back to a perfect summer evening in high school (just as "Jet" reminds me of jumping over the trunk into the back seat of Ruth Buford's convertible white Mustang with red leather upholstery on a beautiful Spring day after school).

And "Thick As A Brick"? An under-appreciated masterpiece! As I have aged I have become more versed in classical music and TAAB stands up as a formidable composition.
BTW, have you listened to the TAAB interview on Spotify? Amazing insight into a band that bled for their success.

By the way, yesterday was Brahms' birthday and I listened to his symphonies all day. No better music has ever been created than those symphonies.

At the end of the day, what could we ever expect from the oxymoron that is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Chuck Mackie

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I agree...Jethro Tull: imaginative rock - very underrated.

Art Velordi

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All of the above PLUS they were an exceptional live band. As good as any
of their era.

They played and they really entertained. NO ONE was as fun to watch or
listen to as Ian Anderson and Clive Bunker and Martin Barre were great
musicians. Never saw the Mick Abrahams version live but completely agree
re: This Was.

"Ian Anderson is not a warm dude"
I met him once ironically AT the R&R HOF+M and he was an "elbow shaker."
He would not shake hands due to some overzealous fan who crushed his hand
once but would offer his elbow. That was a new one to me but I had no
problem with it.

William Nollman

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Hi Bob,

Good write up on Jethro Tull.

Interesting story as to why Ian Anderson took up the flute.
He explains that his choice of instrument back in 1966 was completely arbitrary. Originally lead guitarist in the blues group that became Tull, Anderson became disheartened when he heard Eric Clapton playing with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/10127254/Ian-Anderson-I-swapped-Lemmys-30000-guitar-for-30-pound-flute..html

I gave up on the RHOF when I saw what Elton John went through to get Leon Russell in. Music lovers should boycott the RHOF instead of pleading or starting a petition to foundation committee members on behalf of their favorite artist.

Gary Robey

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amen.

Gary Calamar

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And......they were terrific LIVE!!!!!!

Tom Ennis

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Any band of greatness (such as Tull) belongs in something better than the R&RHOF…

Bill Fitzhugh

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Long Tull fan. As all loyal Tull fans know. As far as awards. As far as approvals. Jethro Tull will never receive them. But still touring. 25 albums. Very strong fan base.
Who needs the Rock & Roll Hall of fame?
Plus Ian wouldn't show up anyway!
Yet as a fan I have met him several times!
The Press maligns him. Yet the fans adore him!

Bill Stevens

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Couldn't agree more Bob.

When I interviewed Ian Anderson in 2006 and asked him about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this is what he had to say:

"The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame is an American institution that's set up to primarily celebrate American music and the derivative spin-offs of American music. In that regard, while I can see there's a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a lot British acts that are truly kind of rock and roll in the sense that their music is deriving very strongly from the tradition of blues and rock music — I think Jethro Tull, or for that matter, Emerson, Lake And Palmer or perhaps Yes or some other band — we're seen as being a little too peculiarly European or British.
"I was recently given an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement. I'm told by my peers and the world of the British music industry that it's the highest honor for a songwriter to be given this award, that it's not sleazy and tacky like the Brit Awards or as showbizzy as the Grammy Awards. It's a nice thing if you're going to hand out an award. It's nice to have. You're happy to get it. I was very pleased to be awarded a Grammy, even under some slightly suspect and controversial circumstances. I'm happy to receive anything, whether it's a free drink in the bar or a bus pass (laughs)."

Cheers,
Shawn Perry
VintageRock.com

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Spot on! Jethro Tull, Yes, Steve Miller Band, Deep Purple, what's the freakin deal that these bands are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I don't even want to check and see if T Rex, Mott the Hoople & Tommy James and the Shondells are in there, because if they aren't I may just pull my hair out.

Lavon Pagan

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I saw Tull a bunch at the Old Boston Tea Party on Berkley Street and one of things they did that impressed me was how they used Dynamics. They would play at a whisper and then hit you over the head like a hammer. Watching Ian, sing and play flute standing on one leg wearing moccasins was right out of some leprechaun fairy tale. It was very original, especially from my point of view, a young boy from Boston.

Andrew Kastner

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Joan Jett is in the Rock Hall. I respect her and all, but she plays dumbed down rock, simple, cro-magnon and punchy. But it's pop music, "listenable" and never challenging.
Jethro Tull is much more musical, much more adventurous.
I don't believe in a fucking rock hall anyway. But, like Jett, Tull is FAMOUS. So I guess that means they should be in too.

Glen Burtnik

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Congratulations once again,

One sentence sums up this whole issue,

"Then again, Deep Purple isn't in the Hall Of Fame either..."

There isn't a rock guitarist alive who can't play THAT riff, yet no recognition from the supposed temple of rock. Maybe it should be called 'we want more tail hall of not really famous'

Rgds

Wil Burston

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Thank you for this. Ian's the Shakespeare of rock, equipped with one of the greatest rock voices of all time, and a successful salmon farmer so there's that too. People bastardize Tull by describing it as some iteration of medieval prog, but the music has it all.

Marc Pellegrino

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If being a pivotal connector in the history of music counts for anything, then surely Jethro Tull deserves it!

Straight line from JS Bach to Iron Maiden through Jethro Tull is just one of many obscure musical connections if you like to play the "two degrees of tull" game.
(JS Bach Bourrée in E Minor 1708-1717 - Bouree/Stand Up 1969; Cross-Eyed Mary/Aqualung 1971 - covered by Maiden/1983 Trooper B-side)

I guess like many I discovered that in reverse: from pimply kid getting sucked in by Iron Maiden's quirky B-side cover of "Cross-Eyed Mary"; wanting to find out more about this thing called Jethro Tull and picking up a few albums. Then years later while learning/playing Bach's Bourrée in E Minor on classical guitar I'm struck with déjà vu and rush off to hunt down aqualung again.

I still can't play Bach's Bourrée in E Minor without at least wanting to swing the tempo ever-so towards Tull.

And yes, the flute. Especially when much of the time it's being used more like a "mechanical vocoder". That's sonic innovation.

Paul Gallagher

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Bravo!!!

Dave Polemeni

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If only for the fact that an episode from The Sopranos began with Tony coming down the stairs in his white bathrobe singing "sitting on a park bench!", Tull should be in the R&RHOF. Otherwise, their albums had their moments (the first 7 minutes or so of Brick) but overall were just ok. Anderson was the whole act, really - he wrote all the relatively complex tunes / arrangements, looked cool with that stance, was funny sort of like a British Zappa and played flute AND acoustic guitar very well...

The rock n roll hall of fame is ridiculous already.

Rob Wolfson

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And they've also made one of the best(or perhaps THE best) Christmas albums of any rock artist. Which makes sense, their music is perfect for it.

Thomas Moore

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Abso-fucking-flutely!
Thanks, Bob!

Kevin Ritchie

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Tull rocks. They are everything you say. The "Hall" is self-serving, meaningless bullshit, and everyone will eventually be in it anyway.

marktownsmail

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Thanks for the very accurate analysis on Jethro Tull. I indeed remember the pop up sleeve and the fold out one on Thick as a brick. Great to read about it again!

Michael Wijnen-Paris Fr

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Amen brother. I still remember checking "Heavy Horses" out of the library in 1979 and it blew my 10 year old mind. I feel Tull is a guilty pleasure for many like Dungeons and Dragons used to be. Why is Rush lionized but not Tull? Both were weird, completely original and unashamed to pursue their aesthetic visions. They have my vote...and my dollars.

Peter Cole

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I enjoy some articles more than others, but when you hit it on the head, you use a sledgehammer! Your observations on Jethro Tull are so on point. Comparing This Was w/ Zeppelin's first album is a perfect comparison. I'll admit I pretty much jumped off with thick as a brick but the earlier albums were the soundtrack to my youth. Laid up with a removed appendix in high school, I learned and used Cat's Squirrel as a measure if I should make the guitar my life. I'll always have a special place for Tull.

Paul Sanchez

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......Dear Bob L.
...Couldn't agree with you more....

Larry Litz

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Well, Bob, you nail it. Again.
Tull is unquestionably deserving. For all the reasons you cite.

HOWEVER - as complete and enlightening as your playlists usually are, you
left out a world of Tull jewels, from albums like Minstrel In The Gallery,
Too Old To Rock & Roll/Too Young To Die, Warchild (well, just a couple
from there. But, no points taken off because you?re so very right about
the key issue.

And - you bring up a great point in your piece today - Deep Purple is not
in the R&RHOF. Goodness. And, Springsteen?s in there TWICE?

Sigh.

Keep up the good work, Bob. One day I?m going to have to ask Christy
Haubbegger to figure out how we can finally meet next time I?m in LA.

Best to you, always,

Alex Lopez Negrete

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Thank you for this. Jethro Tull was such an amazing and important part of my life. I gave up the idea of them being in Jann Wenner's hall of fame

Rene Lessard

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Dump on Brady. Tull in the hall. Keep smokin Bob

Tom Ryan

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Right on, Bob!

My friends and I played Tull records over-and-over-and-over until the grooves wore down to scratches. Then I bought the CDs -- and I was happy to do so.

I saw them on their "Thick as a Brick" tour (1972?) at the Nassau Coliseum (when it first opened) where Ian Anderson refused to start until the crowd of thousands was silent, "I want to hear pins dropping," he insisted ... and he got it. Then he did his trick with the loop playing Bach fugues with a single flute. Has anybody ever done that with a flute before or since? Sure, guitarists do it now, but, as you say, Anderson was an ORIGINAL!

Thanks for this gem.

Peter W. Van Ness

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Bob you forgot that they were also one of the best live bands ever. I wasn't even a fan when i saw them in Las Vegas in the late seventies. I remember at one point they were rocking hard, full stage lights, one legged flute solo that morphed into a Martin Barre guitar solo. Without anyone noticing Ian Anderson had left the stage and all of a sudden they cut all the lights and Ian re-emerged on the very far right wing of the stage playing a simple solo acoustic guitar part with just a tiny pin spot illuminating him. Those are the kind of things you remember 30 some years later.

Ron Mancuso

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Well said Bob!

Let's hope the Committee one day finds it in the goodness of their hearts to recognize Jethro Tull and the King of Rock Flute, Ian Anderson.

Regards,
Paul Irvine

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Tull was in that sweet spot where rock ruled airplay and sales but there was so much quantity of quality that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame couldn't keep up with all the deserving when their time came around.
That's why the RHOF needs a catch up/asterisk year to give all the quality artists their due...
Unless of course they need to keep a slot open for Miley Cyrus...

Marty Bender

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Great Tull piece Bob!

I adore Tull. My all-time fave Tull moment is "To Cry You A Song". Fucking AMAZING. A killer riff that they beat to death and thankfully so. I can never tire of it.

But the best part of the song is the vocal effect courtesy of running the vocals through a Leslie guitar cabinet and then sending the whole track through a spinning speaker contraption (like a centrifuge) and then miking it from above. I think I am remembering that right - I once read the whole story behind it (maybe in the last reissue's liner notes?).

Play it in headphones loud. I swear it almost makes me cry - that's how good it is and how sad and desolate that vocal feels. When that first verse hits, I just turn into mush.

WOW. Just wow.

Monte Conner

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Right on Bob. ; )

Tull is an original. Like The Police, if a band can be original with quality songs , they might have a chance today. I am still searching .

Alan Childs

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Hi Bob

Thanks for your piece about Jethro Tull.

As a fan since the beginning I wholeheartedly agree with your 'review' of the band's career and that they were original and unique for their time.

I was not only a big fan of Tull's recorded music but also went to every concert they played in Australia, especially during the height of their powers during the 70s and 80's. The band's theatrics were amazing and ahead of their time. And their musicianship was on a level rarely witnessed in this part of the world during that era.

Thanks for shining the spotlight on a band that by rights should receive 'Hall of Fame' recognition and one day will be rediscovered by a future generation of young music lovers.

Regards
Jeff Chandler
Australia

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Great column!!!

Richard-YTMusic1

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Amen, Bob.

Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson were true originals and musical virtuosos, whose craft sounds as fresh today as when it was first created, dating back to the late 60's and early 70's. As were Deep Purple, for that matter.

Personally, I have not yet had a chance to visit the RRHOF. But frankly, given their predominant criteria for induction (evidently, popularity and/or connections), I feel hardly compelled to do so, despite being a lifelong fan of rock 'n roll. A sorry statement indeed.

Thanks for your blog, and keep up the good writing.

Miguel Castellanos

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Hi Bob,

To further illustrate the points you made, here is the journey that Jethro TULL took ME on..... The Ellis-Wright Agency booked its acts into the UK's then extensive network of blues clubs, many of which I visited regularly in the late 60's. It was in these clubs that Tull paid its dues, 'This Was' was supposedly recorded for under US$2,000 without a record company's involvement, following a residency at The Marquee. When the group took to the stage at The 8th Jazz and Blues Festival on August 11th '68, I recall its hard built fan base rising in collective unison to herald the UK national breakthrough, prior to the release of This Was in October. I bought my (autographed) copy on the day of release. Chrysalis was formed in time for 'Stand Up' .

Jethro Tull undoubtedly belong in the HOF.

Stuart Watson (fan)
Phuket, Thailand

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In my somewhat humble opinion, the most over rated artist of that era is Jethro Tull.

Rush, is the most underrated act of all time.

Rush belongs in every music hall of fame for inventing a sound unique to them and them only. Jethro Tull's sound was unique as well...but mostly due to the single instrument introduced on top of the rock.

I never need to hear "aqua lung" again as long a I live. Nothing personal against the artist or the musicians...but as I said...hugely overrated. Boston before Jetro Tull for goodness sake.

Allan Levy

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Spot on regarding Tull. It boggles my mind that a band that has played such an integral part in creating the legacy of rock music is not in the RRHOF. There are so many other artists and bands that deserve the same recognition and have been woefully passed over. If any of the folks who vote on the committee had ever attended a Tull show, or had ever seen Yes, or Deep Purple back in the day with the tens of thousands of us who did, these bands would have already been voted in. Why isn't there any discussion about Ten Years After, Humble Pie, Wishbone Ash, Procol Harum, and so many other bands that filled our record collections growing up? They all have contributed to the rich fabric of rock music and I hope that someday they are inducted. Please don't let these bands be forgotten.

Greg Park

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Thank you. They are so unique, influential and marginalized. I grew up on these albums. I remember playing along with the LP version of "Cross Eyed Mary" passionately on my dad's green living room carpet with skateboard rails as drumsticks mornings before class in 6th grade. Beautiful words.

Kaveh Rastegar
(bassist w John Legend, Kneebody, De La Soul, and musical director for Sia)

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Thanks Bob!

I like Joan Jett, but really now. Jethro Tull, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers.....the whole thing is a joke!

And RINGO???? He should have been in on the first vote. He's RINGO for God's sake!!!!!

The list of inductees is half "who's who" and half "who the hell are they???"

Just vote Jann in and get it over with!!

Rich Madow

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To this day people ( now senior citizens lol) talk about Jethro Tull at The Rockpile (Toronto's Fillmore circa 68-69). Timeless music and people are just that: Timeless. That's the real power of art. Thanks for remembering.

John Brower

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Amen to that - all of it!

Mike Allen

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Hear hear! Way overdue, along with other acts from that era. Lester Bangs has it in for Ian and others. When I see acts like the Beastie Boys inducted it reinforces what a joke the RRHAOF truly is.

Chris Wraight

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And..... A great live band. They played the Fillmore east many times. Bill Graham didn't have u back if you couldn't cut it.
Plus....... Two great and unique guitarists in Mick Abrahams and Martin Barre.

Mitchell Manasse

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As someone who had the extreme pleasure of seeing Jethro Tull five or six times during what I consider his heyday, late 60's early 70's in small venues like the Grande Ballroom, I was never able to listen to his albums. Nothing translated. His music, I feel, had to be experienced live. As such his shows and the tickets were as difficult to get as any other touring band. It could be argued that his one legged, flute playing minstrel entrance was second to none. His flute and the action that went with it had to be seen to be understood.

Patrick Neid

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I am a gen-Xer who believes "Thick As A Brick" is one of the crowning achievements of music in the 20th century. A one-song prog album with flute, no radio singles, that not only made it to Billboard #1 but needed The Rolling Stones to kick it out of that spot. Realistically Tull should be inducted for that record alone. Yet in addition to that magnum opus they were able to crank out dozens of wonderful records, never compromising their baroque-rock/blues flavor, never bowing to the pop machine, always inscrutably Tull.

Good point about changing the lineup. On a recent tour, many fans didn't like Anderson passing off half the live vocals to Ryan O'Donnell, but I thought it was an inspiring choice; not so much about passing the torch as sharing in the wealth, and doing it in the slyly British tone that Anderson is known for. Change or die!

Peter Zachos

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You forgot one thing: Ian was a great showman. By the time I saw them live, Thick as a Brick, Ian had already started to slow down from his hyper pace. Still, he knew how to engage the audience and always put on a great show.

Bruce Greenberg

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Saw Tull and Robin Trower at the LA Coliseum In 1976 when I was 16. Rory Gallagher opened. First use of Tullivision (big screens) behind the band so people in the sticks could see. Good show. I remember when KROQ was an AM station (1973 maybe?) and they actually played Thick as a Brick in it's entirety. You could hear the DJ flipping the record over. I sat in my mom's car and listened to the whole thing. Epic. Never happen today, even on FM. And I still have the vinyl.

Alan fenton

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Agreed!

Bill Powell

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You are now forgiven for all of the Rhinofy reviews that completely missed the mark with my infancy. Being in the skateboarder scene in the 90's meant that I had hundreds upon hundreds of older brothers through the professional skate video medium, and that's where I first found Tull. I became obsessed.

You and your generation are also forgiven for the "you wouldn't understand" exclusivity of the past more distant than I that you snuggle with like an old quilt. Hey geniuses. YOU RECORDED IT. The whole point was for it to last and for me to find it. Like Bilbo's ring.

I know that I'm listening to it through ear buds or my cheap but effective sony's, while it runs through spotify on my coffee table sized iPhone 6 plus. Let's see Ian make a fairytale ballad with THAT jargon. But you know, that raspy voice + sweet flute + driving baseline in Cross Eyed Mary still reaches me. Still makes me want to uncontrollably bang my fist through the driver's side window, in the tiny shell of my Dodge zipping down the BQE. That has to count for SOMETHING! Look dad, no hands!!

If I get a vote for the next time capsule, it is one more "yea" to keep Tull in for the next round.

Frank Poe

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That first album was fabulous. The rhythm section of Clive Bunker(drums) and Glen Cornick(bass) were unstoppable and Mick Abrahams on guitar! Whew! And Ian Anderson played harmonica as well on that first one.

And if it wasn't for Tull, we would have no Blodwyn Pig!

Kevin Kiley

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I am in total agreement...I remember Tull opening up for Zeppelin on two
occasions in Seattle back in the day.

Joe Fiala

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I will never forget that night at The Fillmore East when I saw Jethro Tull's first US appearance. It was magic. The place went crazy and Ian Anderson became a bonafide rock star.

The music had an original vibe that combined,Rock,Jazz,Celtic,Folk. I saw them a number of times and they made it to headliners. When I went to college there were very few times that I was at some ones house that Aqualung wasn't on. They toured under the radar so many times over the last few decades but always delivered quality. to think that Ian Anderson isn't in the RRHOF just shows the political nature of the whole thing. They like Chicago are an Iconic act and have been overlooked way too long. What this would bring them is maybe for younger generations to experience the uniqueness and
great musicality of a band led by a truly great musician who deserves the recognition. I do have to say I was totally shocked The Butterfield band got in this year-so maybe there is hope after all

Peace, jason miles

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Bravo, Bob. I couldn't agree more on the need to honor Tull. The only thing I would add is that there is a lot of deserving music by this band that you didn't include.

While "Thick as a Brick" was groundbreaking and awesome, I actually preferred their other single song album, Passion Play. Amazing writing, arranging, playing, etc.

As for radio hits, Aqualung produced the FM staple "Locomotive Breath", and was a great album from start to finish. Warchild also produced both "Bungle In The Jungle" (admittedly commercial) and brilliantly catchy "Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day". "Minstrel in the Gallery" shouldn't be overlooked either.

Anyway... thanks again. Rock on.

Charlie Imes

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I concur…..

Mark Felsot

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Bob,

Loved almost everything about this missive. And though I doubt Ian Anderson could ultimately give a rat's ass about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I must take exception to your comment, "Because Ian Anderson is not a warm dude".

I produced concerts at an 800 seater in Tarrytown, NY for 22 years. Near the end of my run I had started presenting some big names playing small halls. One of these was a show called "Rubbing Elbows With Ian Anderson", it was part concert, part live on stage radio interview. It was pure magic !

I confess, Jethro Tull is 'god' to me, their music literally changed my life as a freshman in a seminary school.

A couple months before my presentation of Ian, I presented another classic rock act, who to put it bluntly, was a bit of an ass. Despite my show with him being one of the best selling gigs on his tour, with 400 seats sold (outselling NYC's Town Hall show), he was not the pleasant person you'd think he was. Could've been a bad day, which is why I won't bad-mouth him publicly (an 'honor' reserved only for Don McLean - but that's another story).

So, when Ian Anderson and his crew arrived that day, I asked my production staff, "NEVER tell me anything bad about Ian Anderson. Get him what he wants, and don't tell me anything bad." I simply went back to greet he and his lovely wife when they arrived, then after the show, I went to say goodbye.

I had learned during the evening that Ian and his wife followed the tour bus in a car. I knew what a huge Blues fan he is, and I'd like to say I was doing my job as a manager, but I really just wanted to give my musical hero a gift. So when I said goodbye, I gave them a CD of my management client, acoustic Blues artist Guy Davis and told them that they might enjoy it on their drive. I did not tell them that I managed Guy, that really wasn't my point.

A couple weeks later I received an email that read in part:

"My name is Ian Anderson, I have a band in England called Jethro Tull. A few weeks ago...I received a copy of Guy Davis' CD...Would Guy be interested in any opening act slots with Jethro Tull next year?

Enjoyed Guy's record immensely. Almost makes me want to play harmonica again - Almost. Folk Blues (Sonny Terry, J.B. Lenoir) is where I started. Hearing Guy is like coming home again."

Well, he did play harmonica again, sitting in with Guy's opening act set each night, as well as on flute. He was childlike in the joy he was having playing music.

Ian and his crew could not have been nicer to us, making certain that Guy got a proper sound check, even cordoning off a part of the Green Room as Guy's dressing room in a venue that wasn't quite finished in Wisconsin.

In short, he was as warm a dude as could be, and a breath of fresh air in this otherwise jaded business. I'm most grateful to the fun we had and joy we shared.

Cheers,
Thom Wolke

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Hi Bob,

All too true. Jethro Tull has some truly amazing music in their catalog and is well deserving of a Rock And Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their music is unique, intricate, and often rocks in ways that seem to be forgotten today.

What you didn't mention is that "back in the day" they were also one of the best LIVE acts out there. Back in the '70s and '80s, there were four rock bands that we'd never miss when their tours would bring them through Southern California: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, The Moody Blues and Jethro Tull. (Only one of which is in the R&RHoF.) We knew that we'd get an OUTSTANDING performance any time we saw these bands. As you know, nothing quite has the impact of a live rock and roll concert. This was something in which Jethro Tull truly excelled.

One of my all-time favorite concerts was seeing Paul McCartney & Wings during the "Wings Over America" tour at The Forum in Inglewood. But years later we saw both Paul McCartney and Jethro Tull in the same week -- and Tull easily put on the better of the two shows. They never disappointed.

Their early blues rock was exceptional ("This Was" and "Stand Up"); they could rock with best ("Benefit" and "Aqualung"); they helped forge the way for progressive rock ("Thick As A Brick," "A Passion Play" and "War Child"); and their foray into folk rock ("Songs From The Wood" and "Heavy Horses") has always been enormously under-appreciated -- "Songs From The Wood" remains an exceptional album. Their hard rock years ("Crest of a Knave" and "Rock Island") deservedly won them a Grammy for best Hard Rock performance -- and it isn't their fault that the Grammy's had stupidly lumped rock and Metal into the same category that year (which famously left Metallica on the outs). That Grammy win/snub seems to be what Jethro Tull is best known for! (How sad is that?)

I'd put up this song list from their first decade favorably against 75% of the bands that have been inducted into the R&RHoF over the past decade:
1. A Song For Jeffrey This Was 3:24 1968
2. A New Day Yesterday Stand Up 4:12 1969
3. Bouree Stand Up 3:46 1969
4. Teacher Benefit 4:01 1970
5. Aqualung Aqualung 6:37 1971
6. Hymn 43 Aqualung 3:19 1971
7. Locomotive Breath Aqualung 4:23 1971
8. Living In The Past Living In The Past 3:23 1972
9. Witches Promise Living In The Past 3:49 1972
10. Life Is A Long Song Living In The Past 3:22 1972
11. Thick As A Brick (Extract)Thick As a Brick 3:02 1972
12. A Passion Play Edit #8 A Passion Play 3:30 1973
13. Skating Away WarChild 3:58 1974
14. Bungle In The Jungle WarChild 3:36 1974
15. Minstrel In The Gallery Minstrel in the Gallery 6:10 1975
16. Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll 5:43 1976
17. Songs From The Wood Songs From The Wood 4:56 1977
18. The Whistler Songs From The Wood 3:33 1977
19. Fire At Midnight Songs From The Wood 2:28 1977

And these are just the "hits" that got airplay, which is just the surface of this band. They have lots of great songs in the deeper cuts.

Everyone has their favorites that have been snubbed by the R&RHoF committee for one reason or another. There is way too much politics involved for the R&RHoF to have much credibility. I would be curious to see your list of TIERS from those who have already been inducted. Beatles and Stones in the "FIRST" tier. Who is in the "second" group and "third" tier... and who really doesn't belong at all?

Hope you are doing well.

Russ Paris


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