Jethro Tull at the Apollo Theatre, Dec 1999

Jethro Tull would not necessarily be at the top of your list as one of the most well-known bands of all time. Indeed, you might not have even been born when they started to make their impact on the music scene in the late 60’s and throughout the 70’s. But you would have been in a sad minority on Sunday night, when the Apollo was filled to capacity with die-hard fans of this historic band now entering into its golden years.

All evening, a great sense of humour permeated from each of the band members,who reflected on their age and life with good-humoured irony. All the band members clearly enjoy themselves on stage, throwing things at each other and fighting over microphone space. One of their numbers was introduced as a new song ... from 1987 to the delight of the crowd. Wrinkly rockers they may be, but they preserve an energetic dynamism that combines intelligence with skilled music. The music is instrumental-based, laced with that Jethro Tull sound of wailing flute accompanied by heavy drums, guitar, bass and keyboards, delicate at one moment and harsh the next. The band’s forté lay in the music itself rather thanin the vocal element.

The selection played on this last night of the tour was a truly reminiscent experience for all, as it was a spectrum of hits from their very first album through to their new album Dot Com. Similarly, this classic band successfully tackles and deals with technology and has got a webpage at www.j-tull.com. Ian Anderson, lead singer and player of flute, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and harmonica, is a talented musician and amusing entertainer. His incisive comments about the songs give humourous interludes throughout the concert. The flute is a major part of many of the songs, Anderson frequently resembling a large,sprightly pixie as he hops around stage vigourously piping on his flute, with his left leg raised inexplicably in the air. Andrew Giddings flamboyantly handles the keyboards with Doane Perry on the drums and Martin Barre and Jonathan Noyce on guitars. As a group they interact with a chemistry that is obvious to everyone watching - a feel-good band with character.

Jethro Tull and opening act Vyktoria Keating had a deservedly ecstatic reception from an audience who appreciated both their musical abilities and their stage performance.These one-off concerts at the Apollo are worth looking out for.

Paul Simmons