Jethro Tull In India

Jethro Tull is a British rock band that was formed in Luton, England in 1967. The group’s original lineup consisted of Ian Anderson (vocals, flute and leader) and Glenn Cornick (bass), Mick Abrahams (guitar, vocals), and Clive Bunker (drums).

Jethro Tull has been described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “one of the most commercially successful and eccentric progressive rock bands to ever exist”.

Jethro Tull and India have a long history behind them. Mister Anderson has expressed special fondness towards India, saying: "I’m no stranger to India. I have visited the country at least five times”.

The first time they performed in India was at the infamous open-air theatre located in Mumbai, “Rang Bhavan”. They performed there on the 16th and 17th of February in 1994 for their 25th-anniversary tour.

The group’s leader, Ian Anderson, has also performed in India multiple times as a solo artist. In 1995 to promote his solo studio album “ Divinities: Twelve Dances with God”.

The major influence on the album is classical Indian music. As well as in 2004 when he performed a concert with Hindustani classical flutist, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

In 2008, Jethro Tull was originally scheduled for their concert in Mumbai on the 29th of November but it could not take place due to “The 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11)”. A total of 175 people died in the attacks, leaving several injured. The attacks took place just three days before they were scheduled to perform.

In solidarity with the attack victims, “A Billion Hands: For a better tomorrow” charity concert took place on 5 December 2008. Jethro Tull and classical musician Anoushka Shankar performed together at the concert. This made it the first concert in India to be held after The Mumbai attacks.

It can be said that one of the most influential musical groups of our time has cemented its place in Indian musical history for a long time through their kindness and appreciation towards India.

Also read: Alice Coltrane's Pilgrimage To India