Jethro Tull Coventry Cathedral Dec 2021
by Pete Clemons
As far as I can research this, the first time Jethro Tull had performed in Coventry since they appeared at the Balsall Common Equestrian Centre with Amen Corner, and others, during May 1969. There are suspicions of a gig at The Lanch during late 1970. But that has yet to be confirmed. Since those days, of course, the band has changed beyond recognition both in music style and personnel.
Another Coventry connection is that of Martin Barre who, for 43 years between late 1968 and 2011, was lead guitar for the band. Martin spent three years at the Lanchester Polytechnic before he joined Tull.
This was billed as a Christmas gig. In terms of religion Ian Anderson has described himself as deist and pantheist. In other words God is not dominant in Ian's world but, at the same time, he does not rule out God's existence. 'You can find your own God by being a decent person'.
Additionally, Ian does not belittle religion. He is very respectful of it. However, at times, he does feel the need to challenge it. And his gigs within the splendour of cathedrals have become part of the norm over the last couple of decades.
The version of Jethro Tull that gathered for this particular evening included guitarist Joe Parrish, Scott Hammond on drums and percussion, John O'Hara on piano and keyboard, David Goodier on bass and the ever charismatic Ian Anderson on flute, mandolin, acoustic guitar and vocals.
The evening opened with a spirited version of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' followed by an interpretation of 'Gaudete' where Tull were joined by the Coventry Cathedral choir.
The first guest to accompany the band was Marc Almond who sang his song 'Bedsitter'. During the second half Marc returned to the stage where he got to sing another familiar song 'Say Hello Wave Goodbye'.
The next guest was food critic and guitarist, Lloyd Grossman, who joined the fray for firstly some rock 'n' roll and then a punk number 'I ain't doing nothing'.
Several times throughout the long history of Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson has broached the subject of Christmas and is no stranger to the odd Christmas song. Even if it is to remind us that it is not all about the commercial side. And those songs were to be heard this evening.
Aqualung, Jethro Tull's first concept album, hits out at the church through its main character, of the same name, who represents the lowest common denominator in humanity. The records fold out sleeve featured three paintings specifically commissioned from American artist Burton Silverman. Andersons words, within Aqualung, are often hard hitting and pull no punches.
During 1971 it was said about the album 'Our music has to be on a simple pop rock 'n' roll musical level. But if you can introduce little subtleties, eventually they'll become the important things in your music. We're playing worthwhile music now, but we don't over estimate what we're doing'.
The album was recorded under the working title of 'My God' a track which became a sub-title within the album. And the big hitters from the Aqualung album 'My God', 'Locomotive Breath', and the albums title track, wrapped up the offerings in magnificent style.
No wild eyed cavorting or grandiose gestures from Ian Anderson tonight, but there was still the odd manic pirouette, that gave us a hint of his old self. More than a hint though was how good the music of Jethro Tull is, that he has given us. As if the faithful needed to be reminded. This was a memorable evening within a remarkable setting.
Coventry Cathedral 2021
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
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