Classic Rock Radio

A Passion Play: The Story Of Ian Anderson And Jethro Tull

Brian Rabey

Tull In, Largely, Their Own Words Includes a plates section Considering Jethro Tull have sold more than 60 million records there have been surprisingly few books devoted to them, compared to the veritable library devoted to bands of a similar size. A Passion Play rectifies that in style. This is a book in two parts. Part one is a history of the band, largely told by the musicians themselves, including Mick Abrahams, Martin Barre, Clive Bunker, Glenn Cornick, John Evans, Jeffrey Hammond, Doane Perry, and, of course, Ian Anderson. Author Brian Rabey really did have ‘access all areas’ for this work. He made good use of it, often relating the same story (for example, how Martin Barre came to join Tull, or how Mick Abrahams left,) from different people’s viewpoints, which is fascinating. Part two, is devoted to the thoughts of Ian Anderson, again largely told in the man’s words. No stone is left unturned as Rabey explores Anderson’s views on everything from how he writes songs, the music business itself and his family (a rare thing for Anderson to discuss). We even get Anderson’s views on two other musical geniuses – Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa (the piece on the latter is very moving). As well as a foreword from publicist Anne Leighton, the book contains ‘mini forewords’ from ex-band members (Abrahams, Barre, Bunker, Giddings, Hammond and Perry), which add to the sense of fun (this is a serious book but, like the band itself, humour is never too far away).

Brian Rabey has been a music journalist for over 30 years, working for over 60 publications such as Toronto’s Music Express in his native Canada. He has played in bands since the age of 12, but aged 16 he first heard Jethro Tull’s music and instantly bought a flute, learning the flute parts to all their songs. The Book is available to purchase from the website below or from Amazon http://www.soundcheckbooks.co.uk/ Th