Is it really 40 years? I guess it is but what a 40 years it's been. Some of the best albums and some of the best gigs of my life have been delivered by Jethro Tull.

This wasn't, in all honesty, the best but still fantastic entertainment. Ian Anderson is one of, if not THE, best front men in music. Witty to the extreme and great fun to listen to. Just before the interval he said that at their advanced years intervals are a necessary thing because of the onset of bladder and prostate problems. Looking at most of the audience I think they were grateful. I know I was. Ian suggested that we take the opportunity to visit the Merchandise stalls where we could pick up a set of Jethro Tull Ovaltine mugs and to put in a pre-order for next years addition of Jethro Tull incontinence pants. I almost peed myself laughing.

There were a few special guests. Greg Lake!!! Who sang Lucky Man, Drummer Barrie Barlow who, even with the small kit he played, was AWESOME. The time signatures he played flawlessly on Heavy horses and Thick as a Brick were mind boggling. A real genius of the skins. Another guest was the violinist Anna Phoebe who has played on recent tours. I kept thinking that it was a shame our own Violin Cyndee wasn't there. She would have been great I know.

The band were as tight as ever and even though Ian's voice is different these days he still can knock the spots off many other vocalists half his age.

There were a few surprises in the set including a great rendition of the very Jazzy "One for John Gee" which was the B-side of one of their first singles.

Good to hear them play "Dharma for one" with Doane Perry throwing in a very good drum solo. It even included the famous Klaghorn, the sound of which Ian likened to the musical equivalent of a prostate examination. More laughs from a very knowing audience.

The set list says it all really. The latest song played was from Crest of a Knave but it was great to hear those old standards again.

Ian has said in interviews that he will probably continue playing until he's 69 but can't see a 70 year old treading the boards. Shame really as "49 and half anniversary tour" doesn't have the same ring as "50th" does it?

Long may they play and entertain us.

Set list

My Sunday Feeling
Living in the Past
One for John Gee
So Much Trouble
Nursie
A Song for Jeffrey
Sossity / Reasons for Waiting
Serenade to a Cuckoo
Farm on the freeway
A New Day Yesterday
99 Lives w/ Anna Phoebe
Bouree s/ Anna Phoebe

Intermission

For 1000 Mothers
We Used to Know / With You There to Help Me
Dharma for One
Lucky Man w/ Greg Lake
Heavy Horses w/ Barrie Barlow
Thick As A Brick w/ Barrie Barlow
Aqualung

Encore
Locomotive Breath w/ Barrie Barlow, Greg Lake and Anna Phoebe