Ian Anderson, center, and band members David Goodier, John O'Hara, Scott Hammond and Florian Opahle take the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall Sunday, Sept. 23.
CLEARWATER – Ian Anderson is performing Thick as a Brick in its entirety for the first time since 1972, and his new album, Thick as a Brick 2 while on tour around the world. The tour makes a stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall Sunday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
This tour will feature a more theatrical production with video and additional musicians, including Ian's band: bassist David Goodier, keyboardist John O'Hara, drummer Scott Hammond, and wunderkind guitarist Florian Opahle - all of whom have performed with Ian on his solo dates over the years as well as having performed at various times as members of Jethro Tull.
Ian's new album, Thick as a Brick 2 (TAAB2) also features David, John, Scott, and Florian. It was produced by Ian Anderson and mixed by Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson (who also re-mixed Jethro Tull's AQUALUNG-Special Edition, released this past fall.)
TAAB2 answers the question 40 years later, whatever happened to Gerald Bostock, the person credited with writing the lyrics for Thick as a Brick, which hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart. With the first Thick as a Brick, Jethro Tull broadened rock beyond the limitations of the short song format.
Ian Anderson says “Part two” gave him a chance to wonder, “How we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, and often feel an occasional 'what-if' moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out shopkeeper or finance tycoon?”
Since 1972, the original Thick as a Brick has never been performed in its entirety although a few minutes of the material have been a regular repertoire staple in both Tull and IA solo shows over the years.
After 44 years of leading Tull to 54 countries worldwide and more than 60 million albums sold, Ian Anderson celebrates these true progressive rock classics with old and new fans across world-wide.
Ian is known as the flute, voice and composer of the legendary Jethro Tull which formed in England in 1968. Since their first performance at London's famous Marquee Club in 1968, the band has released 30 studio and live albums and earned a prominent place in rock history.
Reserved tickets priced at $89.50, $69.50 and $59.50 are available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office located at 1111 McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater, or by calling 727-791-7400 and online at www.rutheckerdhall.com.
The Ruth Eckerd HallTicket Office is open Monday through Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to show time.
For a complete list of tour dates and more information on Jethro Tull, please visit the official Jethro Tull website: www.jethrotull.com or stcleve.com.
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