Martin Barre is one of the most underrated and under recognized rock guitarists in the world. I saw Jethro Till several times, they blew me away every time, especially Martin
I saw Tull live far more times than any other band. Ten times between 1977 and 2008. The comments about Martin's guitar virtuosity are all spot-on. One of rock's greatest unsung heroes.
YES. truly when i saw this yesterday my heart sunk. What occurred between tony iommi and ian Anderson is quite well known. And this now is another unfortunate truth thats harsh. No matter what the arrangement. Like roger waters redoing dark side and all the outlandish claims. It robbs us all of so much.i dont think ian nor rogers dismissal of the very people involv3d is to me heresy as a musician. Unprofessional and perhaps as a artist the blackest of sins
@AudiophileTommy YES! like YES bieng ran by steve howe i call it steve howes yes. This is now ian Andersons jethro tull. Or perhaps he shoyld call it ian Anderson featuring the jethro tull redux. ....
We love you, Martin Barre. Absolutely gutted about what happened to you in Tull. Your analysis of the Tull situation is spot on: you ARE Tull's guitarist!
I saw the Martin Barre Band in December of 2019 in a club in North Jersey. He and the band were fantastic running through all the Tull songs. He even brought along Clive Bunker for that tour! Great guitar player and a real gentleman. Keep on rockin', Martin... Tull isn't the same without you!
Martin remains sky high in my estimation and admiration. I.A. was always mercenary: the way he treated the late John Glascock wasn't nice. Barriemore Barlow and Martin are amongst the finest of people.
Martin is spot on regarding the brand of Jethro Tull. Ian Anderson is not Jethro Tull. Martin is not Jethro Tull. Together they were Jethro Tull and that has now finished. That is, by the sound of it Ian’s decision.
Ian was Jethro Tull. just remember what Martin and John Evans said back in 1976 in Cream magazine " Jethro Tull goes where Ians pen goes!!!!! In other words Ian writes the songs and without him. there is NO Jethro Tull!!!!!!! Yes they were called The Mothers Of Invention, BUT. it was Frank Zappa and you know it!!!!! Do I have to give you 10 other examples like that !!! Wings. lol. lol. no. it is Paul McCartney and Wings. yes Denny could write ok songs. but come on. lol.
It breaks my heart to this day that Ian Anderson basically disbanded one of my all time favorite bands. I got into Jethro Tull via their second album. I had just graduated high school and rewarded myself with my first trip to Los Angeles. I spent a week hitting Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, etc. Then I walked Sunset Blvd and Hollywood Blvd where a lot of iconic places stood to be seen. I spent an long afternoon in the coolest music stores, combing through huge numbers of vinyl albums with the pictures and names of bands I knew, and even more album covers that seemed exotic, of bands that were unfamiliar and in an environment that seemed almost outlaw compared to the overprotected world I had grown up in. I saw the "Stand Up" cover of this band, Jethro Tull. It spoke to me. I just had to own that album, and I guarded it jealously throughout that 10 hour bus ride back to Northern California. That album sold me on that band, and especially on Martin Barre. As a guitarist in a garage band that eventually ended up playing a lot of high school dances and parties, he was like a hero who possessed skills to which I could only dream of. These many years later, nothing has changed. I still admire his massive talent and dedication. That album still resides in my collection. of course, I did eventually get the first album, too, but Mick Abrahams, though talented, didn't hold a candle to the massive inventiveness of Martin Barre. Aqualung was part of a handful of fantastic albums that got me through my first overseas tour of duty. I still listen to those wonderful albums from the 60's and 70's.
You can hear his sadness in him. It wasn't just about the music, it must have been like your wife or husband calling you aside out of the blue one day to tell you its over after 40 years of marriage. It must have it been very painful getting over the loss of that friendship and trying to start out a new life without Tull and Ian.
No kidding. This is the first I’ve heard Martin’s side. Heartbreaking. You’re on a train with your friend and his/your group, then suddenly your lifelong friend pushes you off the train into the wilderness - standing like a deer in headlights. I’m sure Ian figured Barre was wealthy and had talent to do what he wanted, but really - after all that time its hard to understand why. I get that Ian did some solo work, but why not do that and bring Martin back in more Tull material? I wonder if maybe Ian wanted to be his own man/band for a long time but never had the heart to separate?? Very sad story for us Tull fans - especially who think so much of both men. Guess we need to leave that between them
I think over time, as Ian aged, he became more cantankerous and selfish, and for some reason jettisoned Martin. After all he had done the same with Barlow, Evan, and Palmer. He may be a genius, but he's not a nice human being! Any realistic artist would know once your voice is gone you switch tactics; either go into teaching, write instrumental musical numbers, or find a new singer. But he pushes on sounding like a boar in heat!
@@HamiltonRowan-r6z I respectfully have a different opinion. First, I think Barlow, Hammond, and Evan all left on their own accord. Life on the road in a rock band isn't something everyone can stomach long-term. I also think Ian wanted some variety vs. doing the same thing with the same people forever and was walking a tightrope between solo and group work. As for the voice, it is clear that Ian Anderson is a man who loves new challenges and staying busy -- listen to interviews; Its all he knows and wants to do. I think he plans to do what he does till he simply can't anymore. You don't have to buy his products or see his shows, but gotta admire still creating and putting himself out there doing the best he can with all he's got left. I'm conflicted about Ian and Martin. It's like your two best friends who were married broke up. You don't want to take sides because you love them both - equally but separately and in different ways. Barre's a super-nice guy and talented guitarist. But if Ian wanted to go his own way and be his own man - even within thematic industry - isn't it his prerogative? It certainly isn't Barre's place to tie him down if he wants to do things elsewhere. To be the likes of someone as rare and talented and energetic as Ian Anderson, I'm sure self-involvement is a given. Just look at all the man has done in his life and is still doing.
@BobC59 I saw an interview with Palmer years ago, and the three of them were let go. Yes, Ian had the right to do whatever he wanted. I don't question he was an incredible performer and musician. And I just read he is planning on releasing an instrumental album next. I have heard from others he is difficult to get along with. If Bohnam and Mercury had not died, I wonder would've those bands have gone on as long as Tull has. I don't buy DVDs or attend concerts for any bands now. It's all corporate now. My daughter paid $300 for VIP backstage passes to meet her favorite pop singer, and because of Covid she wasn't allowed to talk to him or even be near him. What a scam those corporate bums are.
@@BobC59 Hammond was the only one who left on his own. But remember, he got there after Glenn Cornick was unceremoniously fired too. Evan and Barlow found out they were fired by reading the paper, and Evan was Ian's childhood friend. Though, Barlow has said that he was so disgusted with Ian that he was going to be leaving anyway. You're right though, at a professional level, Ian has no duty to continue working with Martin. I think the disappointing part is that after working closely level with someone for half a century you would develop a more personal bond, Martin seems to have felt that way, but Ian not so much. It comes off as very cold to suddenly cast away someone who went on this entire journey with you now in these later years. It would be one thing if Ian left Martin to work with other master musicians who can contribute creatively in a way Martin couldn't, but he's just working with sheet reading session musicians now that will work for cheap. Subjective opinion on my part, I know, but the whole thing just feels like a penny pinching measure at the expense of a life long friend as they both crest 70 years old.
For reasons I cannot fathom, IA seems to disregard the huge input into the songs that Martin, and others had. Minstrel in The Gallery is one example of that, just a superb extended intro, with ever evolving riffs. Since the days of Doane Perry, Jon Noyce, Andy Giddings and MB, Tull hasn't seemed like a real 'band'.
@@JJKarpinski since Martin and Doane left it was like watching Ian guest with a tribute band. I'm going next year and will see the new guitarist for the first time. The band seem to just be paid session men without character or personality. Not like in days gone by when there was banter and humour between band members. It must be how Ian wants it but I feel next year will be my last Tull concert 😞
We all love you Martin. Your contribution to Tull is immeasurable and Tull no longer exists without you. Ian, although a genius, is an inconsiderate tool. Simple. I would never go to see Ian Anderson's band live, but I will always go to see Martin's band live.
Martin is such a gracious person, even though he seems angry about what happened he still wont throw Anderson under the bus. Class act. And you would think that Ian would welcome Martin back if only to deflect from the massive inadequacies in his live performance.
... never say never... have seen recent videos where Ian praised Martin Barre s talent and contribution to Tull... Ian is a genius and a master showman but deep in his heart, I believe he feels Martin's spirit in Tull
@@jesusamaya8943 Oh Ian is well aware of it, but he doesn't care. He's not cutting new, innovative music anymore. So in his mind it isn't worth paying for a creative guitarist when he can just hire a session guitarist for cheap. If Ian cared about what sounds made Tull, he wouldn't be out there trying to sing Songs from the Wood.
As a fan of Jethro Tull as a whole, I remember feeling a tremendous loss when the split between Ian Anderson & Martin Barre occurred. I think Martin's analysis here is very accurate. There was an undeniable chemistry to Tull's music with both Anderson & Barre and that brand has become diluted with their separation.
Martin really is a class act. He brought his band to my small town in Canada last year and I thought it was far superior to watching Ian's project... Martin had stellar song selection, a vibrant band, and his singer does those songs far more justice than Ian is currently capable of delivering. I'll always recommend a Martin Barre show. Fun fact, my wife was with me for Martin's concert and it turned out to be my daughter's first concert! She was still in the womb at the time, but I was told that she was dancing up a storm during the show!
As far as I'm concerned, Martin did the greatest guitar solo ever on Aqualung! I'm 62, but I never get tired of listening to this incredible piece of guitar excellence. It's like witnessing lightning across the sky, Thor's hammer in the form of an electric guitar. Thank you for all the great work you have done. We all know the names of many great guitarists, but yours just hasn't received the recognition you deserve.
Danny out of my all time favourite guitar solos Barre's solo on the" Aqualung " track is one of my all time favourites . Saw Tull in '71 on the "Aqualung tour " when l was 17 my first ever gig and one of the best of many that followed ".Aqualung " in my opinion is Tull's greatest album , never bettered which is saying something when you think of all the classic albums they made especially the early '70's ones .
Danny, you nailed it, when he had that ballsy distortion and echo live in the seventies it was like lightning across the sky. The solos on bursting out. I remember he would move me with tears with his solos. My favorite thing about TULL.
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Tull was Ian and Martin. Although Ian was the frontman and the main writer, Tull without Martin isn't really Tull. The sound of his guitar was such an integral part of the band that I can't understand why he isn't still there. Just like you can identify a group or singer in the first 2 seconds, you can identify any of their songs or instrumentals by Martin's guitar. Best wishes to Martin and a long and happy life and thank you for all you have given us. I'm a Tull fan from the very beginning.
I was around back in those days, Martin and as much as I loved the band, it was your guitar work that drew me to Jethro Tull. Also, as talented as Ian and the other blokes were, I couldn't imagine any other guitarist nailing that kind of complex material as well as you did, thus making Tull one of the most unique bands in history!
"The brand is so diluted" Sadly I agree. I watched a recent video and was shocked. I saw them in 1980 when they were just phenomenal. I am a HUGE Martin Barre fan. I bought a 59 Les Paul RI because I wanted the old school Tull sound.
Martin is absolutely correct when he says he is THE guitar player of Jethro Tull. So many songs saved by the soulful, stylish, tasty licks he created...
Anderson/Barre was a unique musical pairing, one of the best collaboratives of the 70's. Complimentary and brilliant. Martin's work with Ian and Jethro Tull is pure magic.
My first Tull concert was the Benefit tour and I knew nothing about the band at all. My take-aways were Ian's kinetic energy and Martin's unique guitar playing. I became an instant fan and saw them 8 times over many years and albums. Martin and Ian had this great chemistry, and it was brought together by Barrimore Barlow, Jeffrey Hammond and John Evan, the band that for me will always be the best Jethro Tull lineup ever. Cheers.
@@crusheverything4449 Yes, Glascock maintained that musical through-line that continued Jethro Tull's studio and live energy. That entire era of J.T. was, for me, how I will always think of them. It was a great time to experience them live as well.
If they were both playing the same night across the street from each other, and I could only make to one, it would have to be Martin's Band. I've seen both as they are now and martin is closest to the original. And that's a great compliment in my mind. I have tickets to see them in largo in november. I can't wait.
I shared a very honest moment with Martin after one of his shows about 7 or 8 years ago. I told Martin that John O'Hara said to me (out of nowhere) that for him, he preferred Martin 7 days a week and twice on Sundays. Martin's response was a very heartfelt "It wasn't my choice, it wasn't my choice" I love Martin, such a classy gentleman. I just try to be thankful we still have the option to see either band, regardless of what they're called
I’m thankful we have Martin’s band. Ian’s insufferable vocals just ruin his performances for me. I gave up around ten years ago. His backing musicians seem second-rate to me, too, with the possible exception of David Goodier. The Anderson/Barre/Perry/Giddings/Noyce line-up was phenomenal! They were second only to the Songs From The Wood/Heavy Horses line-up with John Glascock, for me.
@@LarryFleetwood8675 This is not true, listen to "We used to Know" where Martin impressed so many musicians, among them the re-makers of one of the world's greatest hits!
@@samansun Well said! Not only one of my favourite songs of all time but one of my favourite solos. I actually tried to learn it a few years ago but it is very tricky!
@@LarryFleetwood8675 I can't help but feel any contribution by any members of Tull were under careful scrutiny of Ian. Martin said he got two tries to do a solo if he didn't get his solo by the second time it became a flute solo.
Listening to 'Tull' without Martin really brought it home to me just how vital Martin was to the band. Not only for his musical talent, but for his ability to be possibly the only person ever in that lineup who could tell Ian "No!" without being fired. Ian is amazing, but when he's surrounded by yes men, the music suffers.
Awesome! What a gentleman! Brilliant interview - Martin's guitar playing is amazing - his sheer inventiveness and awesome playing kept the muscle strong in Tull's music. He always left plenty of space for the keyboards and flute and yet the guitar parts are always distinctive, interesting and powerful. Seemlessly woven throughout the arrangements - and always a perfect counterpoint to some of Anderson's "twee" / whimsical moments. So glad Martin carried on - I really feel that Martin's band capture's the heart of what Tull music is about. Anderson may have kept the name - Martin kept the spirit! Good on you Martin! Keep rockin!
Hi Martin!! I'm a huge fan!! I really am sorry things went the way they did with Ian!! Without you, it's not Tull anymore!! Very happy that you didn't give up and that you're still playing with your own band!! All the best!!💜
Martin has been an artist that continues to grow and starting from the high position he did with Tull that says a lot. Thank you for what you have given us and what you still will be giving to us.
Martin Barre, You are, and will forever be in my mind, The guitar player for Jethro Tull. As much as I love Ian Anderson. Jethro Tull has always been my all time favorite band. Not just because of Ian. But because of you Martin. You are such a humble person. But such an AMAZING rock god guitar player!!! Thank you! For all the inspiration. For all the joy in listening. For all the music you have given me through out the years of my musical career. I have been playing guitar now for over 50 years. In and out of bands. But whenever I play, I think of you. And I always try to emulate YOU! You have had so much influence on me and my guitar playing. THANK YOU!! And GOD BLESS YOU!
Martin is and always has been a classy guy... I'm sure he'd much rather talk about his current band, but he handled the "Tull" stuff with grace. Top notch...
Martin Barre is not only one of the greatest guitarist…ever, he’s also a genuinely fine human being. This interview proves that. I’ve seen him with his band several times. The shows are amazing musically and extremely entertaining. It’s not a pale remembrance. Martin remains fresh and talented, even when recreating Tull’s back catalog. I’ll reserve comments on anyone else, only saying I agree wholeheartedly…there is no Tull without Martin.
Ian and Martin are the essential 'patriarchs' to a band that over decades became an extended family so to speak. This is the way of all things, and I hope both reconcile and enjoy their golden years . . . some of their work was beyond extraordinary, even the heavenly host bending an ear!
I agree that without MB the group is not the same. This man is a great musician and now I must go and grab Bursting Out and blast it on my way to work. Ian wake up before it is too late. Nothing that cannot be worked out over a cup of tea.
Had seen JT 6 times, every show was with Martin could not imagine the band without him. Been listening to this music since 1970, there were changes but the constant was always Martin & Ian.
What a brilliant musician. Martin contributed to Tull in any capacity, not merely as an excellent guitarist. He wrote 'Locomotive Breath' intro with John Evans. Can you imagine any Tull classic without him?
Good for you, Martin! You are right. There is no Jethro Tull without you. You're versatility in Jethro Tull is pretty much unmatched by any guitarists. And you also put up with a lot of Ian's jabs onstage. Even if it was an act. Ian could have given you a bigger spotlight. Anyway, I'm happy you are happy now. I've seen The Martin Barre Band, and you all are excellent. You're a good man, Martin!!❤👏👍
As well as being a fabulous guitar player, Martin Barre is a class act. Despite being asked numerous times over the years to spill the beans on the split with Anderson, he always remains very discreet about the conversation with Anderson that ended Jethro Tull. If Ian Anderson had any sense, he'd reconnect with his old colleague and try to mend some fences.
Martin Barre- class act, and a gentleman. You are the essence and sound of J.T. So happy you call Mississippi one of your homes (me also)as after all ,you are a bluesman too!
I am passing on Tull at the Beacon in N.Y because it's a diluted band just like Martin said,seen the band several times with Martin and it truly was magical.
Martin your music is a part of me. Your guitars are Hendrix level creative and are cemented forever in Rock History!!! Thank you for all the GREAT memories.
That's how I've always thought of it, it's just sad. I enjoy Ian's new band, but I just can't bring myself to think of it as "Jethro Tull", and love Martin's band just as much. And Martin is one of the friendliest, most down-to-Earth, people I've ever met.
We saw Martin last night in NY (I even got a pic with him). He and his band were a lot of fun, down-to-Earth and charming, and it was nice to hear a singer who could actually sing. All you have to do is listen to the guitar work on albums after Ian dumped Martin to know how important -- irreplaceable -- he was to the Tull sound. There's NO comparison. Gigantic versus generic. All that said, Ian is a musical genius, there's no denying that!!
We saw Martin Barre Band in the summer of ‘22. It was beyond amazing. Martin has the energy of a man 50 years younger. He brought Clive Bunker out to play drums with his regular drummer for the entire set of Aqualung. One of the best shows I have ever witnessed and I saw my first in 1964 and it was The Beatles.
Clive was also the best. Remember the live solo in Dharma for one in 1970. I learned how to play the drums to Tull in 1972. It took years to even to some of the stuff he does.
Few guitarists have the ability to play with brilliance on both the acoustic level and the electric guitar level. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Martin Barre are examples.
I did not realize the pivotal part Martin played in the Production that was Jethro Tull. But the songs and albums that Martin is not on mark a turning point in Tull that was a wrong turn. Thank you Martin for all that was Jethro Tull. God bless you...
I have listened to Martin play for close to 50 years now. Wow. I just understood there was a split. I didn't want to investigate further,simply because it would be unpleasant. One thing is for sure Martin is loyal. That says it all for me. I will go see his band play soon.
Agree with you completely although the prior version with Mick Abrahams was pretty good too. Stopped listening after Benefit though. I thought they became too pretentious, but the first three albums are among my all time favorites. If you haven't, take a listen to the Blodwyn Pig first album. Mick Abrahans is great on it. Cheers
I discovered Benefit by accident in September 1971. That flute intro on With you there to help me, and arpeggio intro on Baba Orielly at the same time, said wow, screw Am radio.
Sounds like a true gentleman to me. No bad remarks about Ian. A fantastic guitar player. Will always enjoy his music. One of my favorite metal sounding songs that I want to clip my amps on and blow my eardrums out with is Minstral in the Gallery. And love the Benefit album. The 2 concept albums Thick and Passion were in a league of their own in those days. Such fine musicianship for rock music. Thanks for posting this for us and thanks Martin for all the years and more to come of your music.
Just saw Tull about a week ago...to say I was less than happy, would be an understatement...💔 P.S. saw them in Frankfurt, circa 1980 - glad to have had that experience...I believe it was the Storm Watch tour...I believe anyway.
I'd recommend highly seeing Martin Barre and his band if you get a chance. He puts on an excellent show. He hasn't lost a step since the good old days. ❤❤❤
I saw " Martin Barre plays Jethro Tull" in Adelaide in 2018 and they were absolutely brilliant. After the third song or so I called out "Who needs a flute?" to which Martin responded "I like it here already!" Toward the end of the night as he was doing the solo in Teacher he ran a lap of the entire room (which was packed!) Awesome stuff!
My all-time favorite guitarist. Martin has that deep, throaty Rock sound; almost as if his guitar is barking at you. I was a Pop aficionado all through High School in the early 70's and then I heard the Aqualung album and that changed everything. The guitar wok just enthralled me. There was an interview with Ian once where he was asked if Tull would go on if band members left. Ian replied that in that group there would have to be Martin still there. If for some reason he was not, Tull would not continue. You can tell how pained Martin is as he and Ian fit like a glove for years. It still bothers me.
I saw Tull in 71 & 72. It was an epic event. Just great. Then in 1996. It was very good. Then lastly in around 2004-5 or so. Anderson’s voice was pretty much shot. The singer with Martin is really great. Would love to see them play. But, Anderson did write all the material. Got to give him that.
I'm embarrassed to say that I've never heard Martin speak. What a lovely man. I've been a fan of Tull for 50 years, blessed to see them in their glory days many times at Madison Square Garden (the days when you'd camp outside overnight waiting for the ticket booths to open). He is so right, the only Jethro Tull that exists, no longer exists! Ian must stop using the name.
You and Ian were ABSOLUTELY in that league. I have the first 9 JT albums and they are prized possessions. You guys were the musical backdrop to my teen and adolescent years. I saw you guys play live 3 times (Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, and Passion Play). I was blown away every time and I will never forget it. One of the greatest bands EVER.
I saw Tull once in the 70s and once more in the 90s, and they still stand as the best show I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a lot of the classic rock genre bands and no one compares to the outstanding musicianship and showmanship of Jethro Tull. But I would agree with Martin…you can continue to call a lot of the classic rock bands by their original names, but the reality is they are not the same band with only one or two components of the original band. Ian Anderson is a great musician, but he’s not even singing a lot of his vocal parts now out of necessity over his declining vocal chords and ability. It is definitely not Jethro Tull now. But glad the recorded music is still available at our fingertips.
One issue with Ian is that he is known to damage musical relationships in his life and then have to repair them based on the way he manages Tull. Also, I have to mention that as good as Florian is, he doesn't have Martin's sound, technique, or songwriting which is such a part of the Tull sound.
I suspect Ian has regrets. One of the anniversary albums (can't remember which) is dedicated to Martin. And in a RU-vid review he gushes about Martin's talent.
@@BG-id2cv I know, but Florian was the guy Ian picked to replace Martin and the tone and feel of Tull just disappeared. Joe, while solid, doesn't change that equation.
I saw The Martin Barre Band perform “ A History of Jethro Tull” a few days ago in New Jersey, I was blown away with his playing and the performance of the band! Fantastic guitar player.
Martin Barre is one remarkable guitarist. He is the only rock musician I've ever heard who can make a distorted guitar sound like a lullaby. Thanks for all the great music!
Martin Barre’s guitar was a huge part of Tulls sound. You can’t just replace that. Terrible move by Ian saw Tull numerous times back in the day, including shows where Anderson’s voice was shot, but Martin always rocked.
