Jethro Tull prog rock icon announces UK tour

Anderson will also be recognised as one of the foremost influencers of rock at this years Progressive Music Awards, by being honoured with the Prog God Award.

His show will feature a selection from his new concept album – which he defines as ‘Folk-Prog-Metal’ – in a more theatrical setting, together with a selection of Jethro Tull highlights. The upcoming record release will feature heavier, less acoustic guitar sounds and more of Anderson’s trademark flute.

Anderson, who studied fine art in Blackpool, says “After winning the Grammy for best “Hard Rock/Metal” album back in 1988, this seems like an opportunity to justify that strange and misplaced accolade with a new album to celebrate the more forceful, full-on rock credentials which are found in many of my songs over the last 45 years.

“It’s not an end to the acoustic and gentler moments but more of an emphasis on the louder aggressive flute style which marked me out from the earliest days of Jethro Tull.”

Dates include May 2 at Liverpool Philharmonic and Man 14 at Manchester Palace.

Tickets go on sale on 
September 4.