WILL WE GET ANOTHER FLUTE SOLO IN THIS? First Time Hearing Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath Reaction! 

So glad you did the studio version. It's impeccable.

Jethro Tull is just another aspect rock n roll. Unique. Truly one of a kind. No one else sounds like them. Just like Pink Floyd. No other groups are similar.

Masterpiece. One of the greatest songs from one of the greatest bands ever.

The band for Locomotive Breath... Ian Anderson - flute, lead vocals, bass drum, hi-hat, acoustic guitar, electric guitar John Evan - piano Martin Barre - electric guitar Jeffrey Hammond - bass guitar Clive Bunker - drums However this song was recorded in parts, with the band members finishing up what was missing in the final steps. Wiki describes it all very well.

They are great live, Ian Anderson is always moving, one the best front men in rock, seen them 4 times.

Studio versions are better, but some front men are so charismatic that live is good too. Canned Heat, from the 60's had some great flute solos

SAM PICKED UP ON THE LOCOMOTIVE SOUND FROM HIS GREAT GUITARIST ( MARTIN BARRE ) 😊HOW GENIUSSSS WAS THAT GUYS ONLYYYY 52 YEARS AGO, THAT'S INSANE!!!💯😊HAVE A GR88888 WEEKEND YOU GUYS!👍

I was a teenager in 60's - 70's. I was fortunate enough to go to 3 of their concerts in Ft. Worth, TX. He always made me feel like some Medieval crazy person who time traveled to our time. He has the most expressive eyes and is a showman extraordinaire. Twirling his flute like a cheer leaders baton, throwing it into the air, amazing. He presents like someone high on drugs with all his energy, but he in fact was very anti-drug. Ian played by ear, he didn't learn to read music until his daughter started taking music classes. Amazing artist.

I saw him three times in the seventies. The best act I've ever seen. They outdid us with the talent, sound and energy. They were very different from any other band. He's too old to perform as well as he used to but what a experience it was.

Fun Song Facts; Written by Jethro Tull front man Ian Anderson, the locomotive in this song is running out of control, and is a metaphor for societal problems. Anderson gave a detailed explanation of the song in our 2013 interview, where he said: "When I wrote it, I wasn't deliberately setting out to write a piece of music on a particular subject. But it evolved during the writing process into being not terribly specific, but about the issues of overcrowding - the rather claustrophobic feel of a lot of people in a limited space. And the idea of the incessant unstoppable locomotive being metaphor for seemingly the unstoppable population expansion on planet Earth. When I look at it today, it does, for me, become very crystallized in being a song about unmanageable population expansion. It's something that concerns me even more today than it did back when I wrote it, when the population of planet Earth was only about two thirds of what it is today. So in my lifetime alone, we've seen an enormous increase in population, and an enormous increase in the degree to which we devour our limited resources. So the idea of population planning and management is something that I think we ought to be thinking about a lot more than we do. Does that mean I think we should sterilize everybody after the age of 30? No, of course not. The size of the family you want to have is going to be your choice. But, you should make that choice knowingly, wisely, and responsibly." "Old Charlie," who appears in the chorus to this song, represents God. Anderson says that when he "stole the handle," he left the train running out of control. This symbolized everyone facing injustice in life and feeling powerless to do anything about it - you just have to make the best of it. It took a few attempts to record this song, as Anderson had to impress on the band that musically, it was supposed to feel like a train on the tracks, not one that goes off and explodes. He uses the analogy of a boiler building up pressure to describe the song musically. Restraining the drummer is always a challenge when performing this song.

This song in the live version is very very worth the watch. Amazing work.

As Samantha said, the music is supposed to feel like a train and it absolutely does. It totally captures the feeling of a runaway train. Which of course then can be a metaphor for someone's life or for all kinds of things. In my mind, this song would not work at all without the music being like a train, in other words just like this, with that relentless desperate feeling.

I just discovered an excellent live version of Locomotive Breath that gives a view of what Jethro Tull does live, including their comedic performance elements while maintaining excellence of music and better sound than the Thick As A Brick live you watched. It begins with keyboardist John Evan dramatically playing the first two notes and continuing as on the studio version with added elaborations, along with Martin Barre’s guitar. Ian Anderson, in addition to singing, flute, and conducting takes a turn on organ while the keyboardist wanders around the stage. It is an excerpt from an encore in 1977 that continues to completion with the British anthem “Land of Hope and Glory” and the final refrain of “Twelve Backdoor Angels” which apparently the encore started with but is not part of this video. It is RU-vid described as “Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath (live 1977)” 9:49 with excellent sound quality.

"PROG(ressive) Rock at its finest........Ian and all of JT are virtuoso musicians........still a fav in 2023........check out any of the live performance on RU-vid ----- mind blown

Tull might be the most underrated band of that era. They really were amazing on their first 4 albums.

The locomotive represents a man's journey through life and how little control he has.

MORE TULLLLLLL, YAYYYYY!!! 👍😊 OFF OF THE EPIC 71 ALBUM ( AQUALUNG ) PHIL & SAM 😊

Now that you heard the studio you must watch the live version. Ian Anderson is truly a showman.

This is the version that was played on the radio throughout my life and is embedded in my skull. It's one thing that I'll definitely carry in to my Alzheimer's years! I'm also glad that you've discovered Triumph. They had multiple hits that got huge airplay through the decades so you can't go wrong with anything from them. They were known as "the good guys of rock and roll" as their songs had positive lyrics. Their biggest hit was "Magic Power", my personal favorites from them are "Never Surrender" and "When the Lights Go Down". "When the Lights..." is one that the drummer Gil Moore sings on. "World of Fantasy" is another great one and so many more that all will widen your eyes, raise your eyebrows and wrinkle your foreheads in amazement. It's fun watching you learn about and take in all these greats for the first time ... that I grew up with, hearing it all for the first time and waiting for the new stuff over time.

Try Crossed Eyed Mary for flute!! You’ll like that one!!! One of my favorite bands ever!! In concert, all the musicians were excellent! Martin Barre on guitar, Clive Bunker, drums, percussion, John Evan, keyboards and so many more!! Great musicians!!

Tull is best experienced in the studio first, then later check out the live versions. I recommend anything from the album, “Songs From The Wood.” With Christmas coming I would recommend “Another Christmas Song,” and “Ring Solstice Bells,” both from Jethro Tull’s Christmas Album.

Glad you did this one. Tull is a truly IMMENSE rabbit hole of greatness.

It was this song that was my first exposure to Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson, and it blew my mind. It is by far my favorite JT song to this day. You may have to listen a number of times to get all the elements to it because there's so much to it. BTW: Since I have no musical talent what-so-ever, I learned the sound boards so I could at least be in the loop.

From their amazing, must have album, Aqualung. Not a weak song on the album. Right up there with best albums of all time.

Jethro Tull has several extremely talented musicians. I saw them in concert and was blown way back in the day.

Jethro Tull is one of my favorite bands to see live. I have seen them 5 times over the last 50 years and they never disappoint.

This song launched the career of Tull. Unique sound at the time, and really dark vibe for the happy sixties mood that dominated the airwaves. Great live performers; saw them during the Thick As a Brick tour.

Thanks for the upload and reaction. In my opinion, you should watch a live video, like (Rockpop In Concert 10.7.1982) to see how amazing this song is live.

Definitely one of my favorites from Jethro Tull, the entire Aqualung album is a masterpiece, a must listen

Way back in the day when I worked at the Oil Sands in Ft Mac. My commute was 276 miles (4 hrs) and I listened to a plethora of music including Jethro Tull. I really liked his music tapes alot esp at night (great night music). Anyway...Always enjoyed JT, Such a great artist......peace

To old to rock and roll, to young to die Give it a listen. Jethro tull. Awesome story 🤘❤️

I've been a huge fan of Jethro Tull and this song in particular for a very, very long time. Interpretation of songs is always very subjective. The way I understood the contrast between the lyrics and the rhythm is this... To me, the lyrics paint a picture of an aging man whose life is moving he just gets glimpses of things that are happening out of the corner of the eye - as if he was on a runaway train, the world just flashing past the windows of the carriage. Children leaving home to build their own lives - jumping off in stations one by one. He's trying to keep it together and regain some control - crawling down the corridor on his hands and knees - but the control of his life was never his to begin with, he's just a passenger not the engineer. And when he tries to pull the emergency brakes, he finds that the handle was stolen. With that in mind, the fast-paced rhythm actually feels like it reinforces the sense of urgency and relentlessness.

The song My God is a must listen/reaction from Jethro Tull. So good. Peace!

The lyrics are metaphoric & critiquing society. Ian Anderson (from 1971) was warning us about the runaway population explosion going hand-in-hand with the moral decay of mankind. It cannot be stopped as it has literally become a runaway train.

Jethro Tull is such a rabbit hole to dive down but it’s SO worth it! Ian Anderson’s lyrics are SO impactful! My favorite albums by them are Songs from the Wood followed by Stormwatch but the early stuff is also very very good! Locomotive Breath & Aqualung are iconic as is Thick as a Brick & Minstrel in the Gallery & Cross eyed Mary among others… Ian is simply a genius. Self taught on the flute btw. Can you imagine?

"I'm here for the flute". When it comes to Tull we're all here for the flute!

Fun fact: Ian Anderson is Andrew Lincoln's (Rick from The Walking Dead) father in law.

I’ve seen Jethro Tull 5 times , first time I saw Passion Play 1973 or 1974 in Dallas Texas . Texas

Excellent reaction and I am with Sam love his flute playing rock on my good people.❤️🤘😎🇺🇸

I saw Jethro here in Chicago, late 70's. The best Flute rocker ever. Legend so good he is....

Damn my ears...The diction is so precise. Love it!

Guys - You would LOVE "Skating Away On the Thin Ice of the New Day"

Early Jethro Tull from the late 60s is often ignored but my favorite era they were great at tempo and musical theme changing. Ian Anderson likes to have fun with lyrics.

As a Tull fan for 50 years, it's hard to recommend any one song as they're all good. I do recommend having a copy of the lyrics when listening to Tull. In addition to some beautiful melodies, Ian Anderson writes some wonderful lyrics .

Jethro Tull the best 🎉🎉🎉

If you want to get more of his flute, you gotta check out my god live, normally I always suggest the studio version first (also awesome) but the extended flute solo is something to experience

Great choice to expand your musical journey.

Great memories of the seventies

Love this one!

Living in the Past , my fav Tull song, will give you lot's of flute.

Great reaction guys!

This video is so amazing!

Man I haven't heard this song in years and I still love it. I highly recommend his other songs.. mainly Aqualung.... great song!

You should try some of his older stuff, too. "Teacher", "With You There To Help Me", and "Reasons for Waiting" are good ones.

Such a fantastic song. As is every song on the album it comes from -- Aqualung. Even the slow songs rock.

The actual personnel on "Locomotive Breath" are listed as follows in Wikipedia: Ian Anderson (flute, vocals, bass drum, hi hat, Acoustic guitar, electric guitar), John Evan (piano), Martin Barre (electric guitar), Jeffrey Hammond (bass), and Clive Bunker (drums). This is is their top lineup with the exception of Clive Bunker being replaced with Barriemore Barlow on the next album, and continued until 1979 except Jeffrey Hammond replaced with John Glascock. Jethro Tull (i.e., Ian Anderson with different band) still releasing albums 2022 and 2023, and still touring. One more album due out in 2024.

Thank you for bringing me back to my teen years!!!!

Ian Anderson does play flute and vocals but he does have a full band. There were several members in the band. I did see them a couple times and never disappointing

If you like the flute specifically, Ian Anderson and his current band members (none from the 1970's are left) put out a Jethro Tull album this year called "Rokflote (with umlauts) with a lot of flute. The lyrics are based on Nordic gods.

I love the intro with the lead guitar sounding like it's off in the distance, or another room. Very haunting but kick ass

So glad you listened to the studio version!

I can understand why Phil, on a first listen, might think the driving tempo of this song is at odds with the "somber," as he accurately described them, lyrics. I believe the answer lies in the line "no way to slow down." Ian is describing a "loser" who has lost control of all aspects of his life, and likening his plight to that of a runaway train. "Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day" shows a softer side of Jethro Tull, but it's still a banger in my opinion (and yes, plenty of flute-playing for Sam lol).

I am glad that you can now see the value of reacting to STUDIO recordings vs bullshit LIVE clips.

Excellent

A lot of bands in that era had contrasting lyrics and music. More 70’s!

Nice pick up on the train ! Exactly, Charlie is the devil and driver, handle is the throttle !

Love everything about this song!

You're right and your observation it is a metaphor for life this is a great Rabbit Hole to go down just her toes got so much quality Prog that is very diverse

You need to hear "Aqualung" as well as that might be, or at least it was, their most famous song. The entire "Aqualung" album is amazing.

awesome'

..."Class of 76"...Tull should always be listened to while watching it live...

I think that the song expresses relentless energy, musical intelligence as well in my opinion.

Ian is an amazing musician.

With your background in sound engineering I'm surprised you haven't been reacting to Steely Dan (unless you are already fans and have listened to them a lot). Anything from their Aja album is a masterpiece of production, not to mention just great music. Of course their are many other tracks worth hearing but Aja is their pinnacle in my opinion. Thanks for this and all you do!

The Studio Version is absolutely unbeatable!!!!!

Live or Studio. Jethro Tull is a must see. For more Flute there is the live version ... "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" live (Tanglewood 1970)... by Chicago be sure it is 14 minutes because it has been cut up.. The flute is mellow and beautiful & you will like it. If you remember Terry was on FIRE with 25 or 6 to 4 in this concert. This time it is Terry with both guitar AND the lead vocals and he is still on FiRE

Welcome to the 70,s children😄

This was on our playlist for my husband and I, we have a Friday night music night!❤️ Awesome song!👍👍 🚂 Great one guys!!👍👍

Rock n' Roll! Classic bad ass

Record company exec: you can’t play a flute,you’re a ROCK BAND!! Ian Anderson: hold my beer.

The guitar and the piano at the beginning of the song are played by other band members not Ian Anderson Martin Barre on guitar.

The band was a five piece,so-- live, they performed this song very close to the studio version. And-- they were incredible live! T

If you really want the flute try the "Flute Solo" from the 1976 Tampa concert.

1974-75? UNIVERSITY of Nebraska bungle in the jungle tour 1st row upper opera seats looking down right at him incredible. had aqualung album waited and waited for this song

Thanks!

another excellent band, Jethro Tull. Here is a suggestion an Irish band sings, Trouble with A Capital T by the band Horslips

This was one of the songs the first real band I'd joined as their drummer in '86 (at 16) had in their repertoire, and I'd added a nice cracking back-beat on the snare drum to it, to make it sound a bit more 'modern' 😁

Edgar Winter was said to be the first person to put a guitar strap on a Keyboard

❤ the flute. Jethro Tull beat I think it was Def Leppard for best rock band ‼️👍

Ian Anderson complained about the studio album Aqualung, that includes My God, Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, and others likely recommended to you, for sound quality due to the studio they had to use.

For another great display of their instrumental prowess and creative lyrical metaphors check out "BUNGLE IN THE JUNGLE". I have to agree with you with the exception of "Frampton Comes Alive", I prefer the finesse and perfected studio productions of almost any band. I like the live versions for the energy not so much for the sound quality. There are exceptions however ...

I think that the phrase 'locomotive breath' is talking about someone who is upset and breathing fast and heavy. The title character is a man whose life is falling apart.

Saw Tull open for The Who at Folsom Field. Ian is amazing (esp. playing the flute). Mellencamp got booed off stage. We were really way back and Stuart kept yelling and booing. Then this lady in front of us turned around and said "would you shut the f*** up." Stuart just started laughing his ass off. It was awesome...

Saw them in concert 18 June 71 LA Forum and they still are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

My fav. flute-song of JT is "Bourée" < it's an instrumental by the way. Love this song a lot! It has an epic bass-line, too.

in a interview ian said he decided he would never pay guitar as good as Eric Clapton so he baught a flute a week later he was playing his flute in concert

IAN ROCKS HELL THE WHOLE BAND ROCKS!!!!!!!

Checkout Edgar Wunter Group Frankenstein 1974 Edgar is a Albino it was said you could give him a instrument he has never seen and in 10 min. you would think he has played it all his life his brother Johnny is on the drums

From Wikipedia: Lyrically, "Locomotive Breath" was inspired by Anderson's concern regarding overpopulation.[6] He explained, "It was my first song that was perhaps on a topic that would be a little more appropriate to today's world. It was about the runaway train of population growth and capitalism, it was based on those sorts of unstoppable ideas. We’re on this crazy train, we can’t get off it. Where is it going? Bearing in mind, of course, when I was born in 1947, the population of planet earth was slightly less than a third of what it is today, so it should be a sobering thought that in one man’s lifetime, our planetary population has more than tripled. You'd think population growth would have brought prosperity, happiness, food and a reasonable spread of wealth, but quite the opposite has happened. And is happening even more to this day. Without putting it into too much literal detail, that was what lay behind that song."[7] However, the lyrics of the song "Locomotive Breath" do not refer, even tangentially, to overpopulation, but are rather an excoriation of a tragic male figure who is becoming increasingly estranged from his children, whose wife is having an affair, and who is devoid of fortitude, character and spiritual knowledge. The song additionally features a train motif that Anderson has employed on many songs. Anderson later said, "Train songs have been with us ever since the blues began, and I have written my fair share of these. I keep being drawn back to the subject, because public transport is part of my life. I don’t drive, so rely on buses, trains and the like."[6]

you need to watch the live version