Ian Anderson: Remembering Glenn Cornick 

Glenn Cornick....such an underrated bass player. His lines in the Bunker/Cornick era are timeless. Don't know why he's not recognized more in the prog rock arena. RIP Glenn !!!

Cornick's bass line is what drove those early great Tull songs. He and Clive were the back bone of that band.

The Cornick Bunker years are my far favorite years and I will always love Stand up and Benefit as they are masterpieces of inspiration and England's folk prog highest peaks. I just owned a nice Stand up 71' Island repress with pop-up gatefold ❤️ This album means so much to me. Greatings from France.

In my opinion, Glenn was the most interesting of all of Tull's bassists. Loved his style.

Glenn was the reason I took up the bass guitar.Thank you Glenn, and R.I.P. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

I still think Glen's bass solo on Bouree is still one of the best of all time. Glen was such an animated and serious musician. I love it when he and the rest of the original line-up performed together on the Living In The Past DVD. Glen, rest in peace and thanks for your incredible music!

Glen was and still is the BEST bassplayer Tull have ever had,awesome inventive bass lines .Sadly missed.

Hello Drew. Quick story: Back in the early 1980's I was in a band called 707. We had a couple years of relative success. In the late days of that band, I was invited to jam around with some friends. The fellow who set up the rehearsal space asked me if I could drop by an apartment in Hollywood to pick up the key. When I arrived, I was greeted by an affable Englishman who invited me in and offered me a drink. He couldn't have been more cordial. As he went into the bedroom to get the key, I noticed the Jethro Tull gold albums on the wall, hung up high in a row, like a border below the ceiling. As I looked closer, I noticed they were all awarded to Glenn Cornick. When he reappeared from the bedroom, I said, "You're Glenn Cornick." He smiled and said, "I know." We laughed. I told him I was a great Tull fan and had just seen them a few weeks previous at the Forum in L.A. He asked how the show was. In fact, he said, "How was Ian?" We chatted about life and music for a few minutes. But, knowing that people were waiting, I had to move along. I said all that to tell you this. To this day, I remember that brief encounter for one simple reason: Glenn's kindness to a fellow musician he had never met. Los Angeles is filled with egocentric bullies and narcissistic wanna be's. It's a tough place to find basic human compassion and friendliness. But there it was, in your dad. He was a fine musician. Well liked by his peers. And simply by being himself, he left me with a fond memory. He'll be missed.

As always Ian is full of it...Glenn was summarily fired on the road. He doesn't mention that on top of Glenn's phenomenal bass playing, he also helped arrange all the early songs including Bouree. RIP Glenn

Ian remembers Glenn as happy and himself as dark and moody. This is quite an understatement for one of the most subversive rock musicians of all time. Jethro Tull ruled the stage in their day. Rest in bass, Glenn.

Glenn was one of my favorite bass players,and I was shocked to see him out of the band.R.I.P.Glenn,you inspired me to pick up the bass.

Glenn's playing usually snuck up on you. You had to isolate the bass line in your head, but once you did, you were ALWAYS amazed at the subtle genius and talent of his playing.

Glenn was always and is still my favorite Tull bassist of all.

Ian Anderson tends in all interviews to put a very glib spin on why members of Jethro Tull left and in particular, likes to gloss over the ruthless way that Glenn was dispatched. I knew Glenn. He stayed with me a couple of times in England and we enjoyed an exchange of emails over a decade. He took the trouble to send me demos on a regular basis and finally, I was able to organise a gig for him that went down a storm. Ian's way of saying "he had a few musical ideas" does not do justice to the fact that Glenn's bass playing - his mischievous, melodic style - crystalised the band's special appeal and together with the others, made Jethro Tull a powerful force. Glenn was a kind and modest man. It is true that you could not meet someone who was so un-rock star like in that respect and yet, he was the coolest! I'll raise a glass of Scrumpy and drink to his memory. Thank you Drew for posting this.

I had the pleasure of meeting your dad on a few occasions when we invited him to a few of the Jethro Tull Conventions. I was one of the organizers. He was a wonderful person.. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Mr Cornick seemed like a beautiful man inside and out, thank you for posting the memories of your father, Drew

I guess as close to complimenting his abilities as Anderson can get was saying he had some formal training. What he had was a wonderful, creative way of playing that set him apart from most bass players in that era. He and Bunker were a bad ass rhythm section. Lucky to have seen the first Tull tour up close at Fillmore West in San Francisco; March 1969. A very fond memory indeed.......

I loved and love Glenn's sublime bass playing. He added a unique depth to the chordal structure of Jethre Tull's songs. His harmonic understanding shone through all the different styles of Tull's music. So sorry for his passing.

Glenn gave Tull their 'jazzy' influence. He also helped Tull with composition, something Ian knew little of (he never knew the proper flute fingering!). Glenn's unmistakable octave-shifting riffs are something I request when I audition a bassist, and I have recommended his recordings as a tutorial. Listening to Jethro Tull over so many years, Glenn has become a part of us, and anything we may later create. Love to Glenn and Clan Cornick in their loss.

Drew, your dad was one of my favorite musicians of all time and in Tull he was a MONSTER! He was always making these cool moves. There's this one live concert where he looks like a damn cobra, threatening to strike the drummer! Unbelievable. Whatever happened with him in the band it doesn't matter in the long run - he will long be remembered as THE BASS PLAYER.

I met your dad back in 1986 or so in Los Angeles. He was a guest at my sister's wedding and since we were both there alone, we ended up at the same table. He introduced himself simply as "Glenn" and we had a great time together and it eventually came out that I was in town for the wedding and lived in Germany where I played in a band. He nonchalantly mentioned that he used to play in a band in Germany, too. It wasn't til the next day that my new brother-in-law told me that "Glenn" was Glenn Cornick from Jethro Tull. He was such a cool guy and obviously never felt the need to boast about who he truly was. He was just "Glenn" having a good time at a wedding making fun conversation with a stranger. I wish more were like him.

An amazing band, there will never be another like it.

Your father was great bass player.

Hi Drew, I met your dad in 71/72 with his band Wild Turkey at a nurses training college near Bath were I still live and have to say what a welcoming and friendly man he was to me. He was impressed with the fact that I am a bass player as well, so much so that he showed me his Fender basses. Wow what a fantastic night that was. I still tell people about that even now.

I spoke with Glenn about 8-9 yrs ago. Great guy. Genuine and he treated me like royalty. Thanks for posting this gem.

It would be so cool to have Ian as a music teacher at school. No more yawning and drifting off thoughts into oblivion. The man is just a modern genius.

Your father was indeed a good guy and a great bassist He is missed

I spole with Glenn via email through his tull memorabilia/ archives website & he was such a nice guy. So down to earth & humble for being a rock star. What a Great Guy He Was! One of My Idols! Rock On Glenn. You Are Missed! Thanks for the Music!

Pretty memories from Ian about Glenn Cornick's influence on Jethro...superb bassist, He'll be missing by all the Tull's fans worldwide. RIP, greetings from Argentina!

I played with Glenn in the early 1980's in Los Angeles. It was after his tenure with the Radio Kings. He was an AMAZING bass player. And what a kind, funny man. I will miss him.

Interesting narrative from Ian Anderson on a little of the Tull history. My all time favorite Jethro Tull song is TEACHER. Absolutely awesome. One of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time. These men definitely need to be honored in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 50+ years of Jethro Tull..........they've earned it 50 times over!

Ian Anderson, one of the best well spoken individual out there. I could listen to him all day.

I always liked Glenn's presence in Tull. He gave it that dimension that enhanced the Tull mystique.

Hi Drew. Hope you still read these comments. It was July 1968 and Jethro Tull were playing at the Magic Village, Manchester, for the first time (apparently they were only paid £50 cash for the gig). The basement premises was packed and steamy . The music was a delightful fusion of jazz/blues but it was more than music - the movement of Glenn and Ian made this an unforgettable and theatrical experience. After the show, my mates and I somehow found ourselves in the performers’ room speaking to your father. He was only three years older than us. Amongst other things, he told us that much of his early musical inspiration came from The Shadows (Cliff Richard’s 1960s backing band)! My impression of your father was that he was a lovely, warm, friendly person; totally without ego, who would happily chat to anyone. I will always remember that very special night. And I never get tired of listening to ‘Living in The Past’.

Drew - you're father was a truly amazing bass player. Like a lot of great British players of the 60's & 70's, played a sort of lead bass style. I've always loved his playing.

That was beautiful from Ian. Drew your Father was a wonderful musician and a lovely man. R.I.P

Glenn was so good and friendly , I fired him . Way to go Anderson

But, I do enjoy watching you on RU-vid. At age 77 my memory works better with the video to remind me of the good ol' days. The first time I saw Ian Anderson in Jethro Tull was in 1970 in Sacramento, CA Auditorium and I fell in love with Ian Anderson and the music. It is one memory that will stay with me until the day i pass over to the other side.

Jethro Tull. My all-time favorite band. I would have quit within hours of meeting Ian but the results he achieved were astounding.

About five years ago I emailed your dad through his website, and he emailed back! He was so nice and friendly and said such positive things. I saw him play in the early days of Tull in Chicago. So sorry about his passing.

Tull lost there edge when both Glen and Clive left.. Don't get me wrong they did some good stuff afterwards.. But they also did a lot of week whimsical stuff.. Glen and Clive were a fierce rhythm section..

Hi Drew, It is still very sad for me of your Dad's passing, I loved his Bass playing and growing up in that time Tull's music was always one of our favs. Like so many teens we had a garage band in Mass.USA. I played Drums (16) and my brother (18) played Bass and copied Glenn's look to the tee !!! Lol it was great fun. Your Dad will live "Forever" in that great music for many generations to come and that's pretty cool !!!! So Rejoice in your soul Drew every time you hear the music that he played !!! That's one hell of a Bass player they got up there now !!! Rock n Roll and Prog on Glenn !!! Ronnie (57)

Great interview with Ian Anderson sharing these stories about kind Glen. Glen was a master of bass cords. Ian called himself a moody SOB at times but I guess that's the price for being a musical genius.

Great story. Ian is an incredible storyteller just like his music and lyrics.

That's as gracious as Ian gets

Thanx Ian and can I just say your band jethro Tull has been revered the world over glen cornick being a great the same as those others that made up the band ? Your family will be remembered always ! In the north east when you mention family I totally agree I've seen you greeting your family as they greeted you and the band ! We won't 4get glen or any of you but the thanx 4 the greatest live gigs I've ever seen ! The loves as strong as it's always been the mark of jethro Tull will not be bettered I think ! Cheers man I'm still listening now after I've passed 70 just as keen but certainly still in love !!!!!

Well said Ian Anderson. Saw Tull, with Ian, Glen, Martin and Clive at Fillmore West San Francisco 1969. Fantastic

Never realized how good Tull was. I've got their music welded into my brain forever.

What a cool interview with Ian, sincere and honest. He is one of the hardest working men in the business for sure. The material with Glenn is unique, so glad we have the music.

Glenn was such a fireball on stage and had so much charisma and style, I'm sure Ian didn't like the attention he was getting.

I always thought Glenn Cornick was the coolest Jethro Tull member. I was unaware the group existed until "Aqualung", but I quickly worked backward and "Stand Up" and "Benefit" became two of my three favorite Tull albums (along with "Aqualung") and stayed there among the top three forever. Wild Turkey opened for Jethro Tull when I first saw them in the spring of 1972, so I did get to see Glenn (if I may presume to address him by his first name) in a Tull context. My sister's friend had the first Wild Turkey album, and I remember that very fondly as well.

I'm forever grateful for having been able to experience your father's musical talents.

Glenn was the reason I started playing bass.R.I.P. dear Glenn.👏👏👏👏👏

I saw Tull in Sacramento, CA in 1971. I remember that Glenn was wearing these huge sunflower sunglasses. Or could it have been the psylocibin making me see that? Not sure, but it was very cool! That was the most entertaining and outrageous concert I ever attended. Wearing his old torn tartan tailcoat and with his wildly long hair & beard, Ian Anderson was the perfect embodiment of the Aqualung character. I still remember the stage being completely dark when he entered the spotlight with his acoustic guitar, perched himself on a bar stool, and started the intro to My God. And when the lights came on with the band joining in, (Bum, Bum, Bum-bum-bum Bumdabum) the audience went crazy. Glenn was awesome! I wish I could relive that.

The music is always better when you can see a musician having fun with it the way that Glenn did. And the music they made was very good.

Glenn was a great player. Enjoyed both Tull and Turkey.

Great interview. Ian is so watchable in interview and on stage - R.I.P Glenn Cornick.

Its a shame i never met Glenn, despite seeing Tull live , but Glascock had joined the band at the time that i saw them. One thing, though in a small way, I sold Glenn a Fender bass neck, which he had spotted on my Ebay auction, and sent Clive Bunker round to my home to pay for and collect the neck. Glenn was living in the USA at the time according to Clive, and he was going to send the bass neck over for his friend. Of course i asked about Glenn, as well as what Clive was up to. They were keeping busy. After some small talk, Clive left with the neck and that was the last i heard. Glenn was too young to be gone from this earth. Life is what it is i suppose and never fair, for sure, but Glenn was way too young to disappear. Good luck drew and thanks for posting. Peter

For me, Cornick was the first and most inspirational bass player that I'd ever heard. He taught me the importance and creativity of bass playing. Of course, since then, my musical horizons have widened and I have come to admire the great bass players of jazz, blues and rock. But it was Cornick who kicked it all off for me.

I loved his playing …one of the iconic bassists of the era!

This is without doubt the cruelest thing about getting older....you cruise thru the years and gradually watch the people dearest to your heart begin to fall away and believe me, Glenn was indeed one of those dear folk. I got to know him thru the LA band The Equalizers and was bowled over with his bigger that life bombast he wore so well. He was sweet, he was funny and boyyyy was he stubborn! He had his hair very short when I met him..he'd dyed it jet black with the perfect little fringe of neon pink at the front and I thought "hey...I can really kinda like this fella"..of course wishful thinking on my part n' 'twas not to be as they say those in old Victorian books. Still we remained friends and as time went by I would run into him now and again and he never failed to flash that big toothy grin whenever we did, his eyes sparkling with life as he'd say hello. Last time I saw him was at Judy Wong's memorial ...not the happiest of occasions but he was still all charm and graciousness despite the somber mood. To say he was a great bass player doesn't even begin to describe his talent...he took that bass to worlds beyond and back , always standing at the front of the stage, bashing out those chords with enough energy that it's a wonder he didn't blow the roof off the joint. Ruben De Fuentes, one of his bandmates from those days had christened him "Mr. E-Chord in the Face" due to his penchant of blowing past lead singer Jinx Dawson and proceeding to rip your eardrums right out of your head as he played. That's the way I'll always remember him and my life is that much richer for having known him....RIP, GC.

Thank you so much for that Drew. Your father's playing has energised, inspired and entertained me for decades, and as I grow old disgracefully, his energy will continue to keep my fires glowing. And thank you Ian for such a simple and beautiful eulogy, your insight is a gift to all.

Wow, to think Ian Anderson starving for months! Thanks for holding up and hanging in there, Ian.

I go the opportunity to chat with Glenn online, and he was a wonderfully open guy. So nice to fans. He's sincerely missed.

What an amazing gifted musician and showman. what an incredible band Tull was. still have teh stubs from all 70s gigs.clive was an amazing gifted drummer.

Growing up, Glenn was a major influence on my bass playing. All those great riffs I learned and especially the Bouree solo.

Glenn Cornick was truly brilliant, original and creative, a trailblazing innovator and my favorite member of a band filled with virtuoso players. It took me a while to embrace Aqualung because I was so upset he'd left the band. He still inspires me everytime i listen to him, and i bought a '67 EB-2 because Glenn played one!!!

Thank you for posting Drew. I started attending concerts during the time of Wild Turkey. In 1972 we had the honor of seeing WT as the opening act for Edgar Winter at Atlanta's Municipal Auditorium. They put on a great show and it confirmed for me that Glenn Cornick was and always remained one of my favorite bass players along with Jack Bruce, Felix Pappalardi and John Entwistle. He is in great company with the best. Obviously we've not had a chance to ever meet but I'm so glad to get a chance to give you and your family my best!

Drew, your dad is still an inspiration, and has been for me since 1970. Love to your family...

I saw Glenn Cornick with Wild Turkey twice with a different line-up back in 1972. (I saw my first Tull concert in '73) They opened for Black Sabbath at the Montreal Forum on March 24th and they were fabulous!!! After the concert (which ended in a riot because B.S. only played 45 min. and left without an encore whilst Wild Turkey played over an hour and came back for a much demanded encore!) the word on the streets was that Wild Turkey's show blew the Sab's away...I saw them later in November with Spirit (who replaced Captain Beyond at the last minute) and again the show was fantastic! Glenn Cornick had the crowd with him at all time, he was a great entertainer and cared for all his fans...I have never seen him with Jethro Tull but the memory of these 2 concerts still remains like it was yesterday. Thank You Mr. Cornick .

Hi Drew: I have been a bass player for more than 45 years. It was your dad--specifically his work on "Bouree"-- that made me want to play bass. My debt to him is immeasurable.

I was a huge Tull fan back in the day. My favorite album was Stand-Up. I did not know Glenn passed, wow, RIP, I feel badly hearing this.

Thanks for the post "Son Of Glenn", You have MUCH to be proud of. In one of those anniversary video's, your late, great, father seemed truly "smiley", yet, honest and direct about his dismissal from JT. "Don't ask me about THAT!! I still have the costume and am ready to go back!" Hail Hail to the musician that could put out the bass solo for Bouree, and everything else he played...He is with the Angels, (not BACK DOOR).

Marvelous tribute to Glenn. Thanks Ian.

Tull had many great bass players, and Glenn was as good as any of them. You couldn't have asked for a better bassist for those early albums. Always dug his stuff because unlike the others, he played fingerstyle. When I first got into Tull I was also starting on bass and guitar. That bass break on Bouree always enchanted me with Glenn's use of chordal playing. A wonderful player. He will be missed.

Thanks Drew for posting, and most of all, letting us into the world of great artists.

Fascinating interview. Back in fall of 1970 my band opened for Tull in Richmond, Va. What was striking to me was the fabulous musicianship and showmanship of everyone in that group, especially Glen, who had an otherworldly stage presence. I had been amazed at his bass playing since first hearing Cry You a Song. A few years later JT came back to town with a new bass player, my musician friends who saw the concert said that was a big step down. Thanks for posting this very interesting interview with Ian Anderson. They had a great band, alright.

Drew, While I was one year late to see your father play... I first got to see Jethro Tull play in 1971 I feel that Glenn was the bassist that defines the band. It was only tonight that I learned of your father's passing. I was deeply saddened to hear that he is no longer with us in the physical sense. I offer you my most sincere condolences. When I think of Jethro Tull I will always see them with the beautiful man with the headband. Jack Bowman, crying in Salt Lake City, Utah

That's a great eulogy. When he pointed to his head and his heart to say that's where his friends live on after they're gone.

This is pretty terrific. Thank you so much for sharing, Drew. You dad won't soon be forgotten by those who have lived with his music for decades. He left behind a significant legacy.

Its not too often we hear such kind, gentle, and glowingly sincere words from IA. Very nice :)

Though I dont really play blues or that early Tull style of music, Glenn is one of my top influences as a bass player. Those first few Tull albums have some of the smoothest bass I have heard. I regularly exercise my fingers by playing Bouree, For A Thousand Mothers and even Play In Time. I bought a Thunderbird bass guitar because I saw Glenn playing one on the Isle of Wright dvd and thought "Whoa, that looks cool".

I was always impressed by the bass lines Glenn played, he was obviously very skilled and solid, 'Stand Up' is my favorite Jethro Tull album and Glenn is all over this project, this is a very nice interview, and -it is great to hear about Glenn as a person. Cheers!

Ian....You sir are a musical magician..A one off, a weaver of musical dreams.....Thank you ;)

Ian, I have met you on several occasions. This is really another side of you. I want you to reminisce about Barrie.

Drew, Thank you so much for posting this video, i am a huge fan of Jethro Tull and your father Glenn, he played on my favorite Tull albums, your Dads positive influence and his genius behind the bass guitar Greatly impacted the band more than anyone else in my opinion.His presence and art threw those albums will last forever along with his other contributions. My respect and condolences to you and your family. He is smiling down on you. Brian

I read somewhere that when Glen Cornick and Clive Bunker were in Jethro Tull, it was actually a band.

At age 15, I wore grooves in Aqualung learning every note of Glenn's bass parts. His style was a huge inspiration. I also saw Jethro Tull debut Aqualung tour at the Alexandria Roller Rink with YES opening with their debut YES album. Unforgettable!!! RIP Glenn and Ian et al, take care, Thank you so much for your music and your inspiration.

i love the way he played the bass

Shortly before Glenn's passing I exchanged a few emails with a man I instantly warmed to, despite never having met him. We shot the breeze, discussed his guitar collection and, as a fellow player and huge Tull fan, this was an enormous privilege. Much respect due for a thoroughly decent chap, sadly missed. Thanks for this video.

Ian is an amazing front man, with a Flute, just that alone is crazy, but they made it work in incredible fashion

Ian really left behind a lot of great universes of music. The unique music of Jethro Tull is something that made a big difference in my life. Very sad that it is starting to blink out. It should be remembered for all time it was all so good.

i remember seeing Glen with his band Wild Turkey 50 years ago in my home town at Bletchley Youth Centre {now Milton Keynes) Battle Hymn was an excellent album. Glen always looked the part with his trademark head band, but above that ,he was an amazing bass player. Even though, back then, he was famous as a founder member of Jethro Tull, he took time to chat to us after the gig. RIP Glen

I was just listening to Battle Hymn today and came to this video, I hadn't realised Glenn had passed away. Benefit is still my favourite Tull album, the bass playing really is exquisite

Thank you for sharing Drew. As a fan of Tull since 1969, it was great to hear of your father's contribution. Keep your dad's legacy alive. My condolences.

Loved your Dad's bass playing and he was a huge influence on me. I saw him many many years ago with Jethro Tull in the National Stadium Dublin Ireland. Lovely piece by Ian

I had a bass that belonged to your Dad.I exchanged a few emails with him about it.He was polite, warm,& informative.Great player.

As a youth, around '69 or '70, just getting interested in playing music/guitars etc, Glenn was a huge inspiration to me - and countless others. His interesting, buoyant, melodic and driving style was entrancing. He also achieved a beautiful tone as well as perfect volume on the bass which gave early Tull records a certain extra quality. His presence was much missed when he left the band and it's a real pity he never re-joined properly. The pressures of being in a successful act can only be guessed at.

Thanks for this. I've loved the music for many years and only just heard about this now. I don't read prog or music mags much. Ian says he turned up on time, was always in a good mood and was musically trained and brought a lot to those early albums. He also says he stuck it out in London when others abandoned ship. It therefore makes no sense he was fired from the band, if that was indeed the case. As long as you turn up and deliver, what else matters? Anyway, he kept playing and is respected by all. So, that's something.

Drew unlike many of the commenters, I never had the pleasure of meeting or corresponding with your Dad. But reading these comments, I feel like I know him and lost a friend. Tull has been my favorite band since I was about 13 or 14 (right after TAAB). My first Tull concert was 1975 so I never got to see Glenn play live. As many folks said, my favorite albums were mostly from the Cornick era - Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung (also TAAB and Minstrel, which he didn't play on). Who could forget his bass lines in Bouree? Simple yet perfect. I've known for decades he was a great bass player, and the 20th anniversary cocktail party video made him seem like a really nice guy. Since he died, I have read and listened to so many sincere tributes that I now KNOW he was a great guy. I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this video clip of Ian. And to the folks who have to bring up negative stuff about Ian firing Glenn or Glenn partying too much, come on guys - this is a tribute video to honor Glenn. Let that crap go.