Jethro Tull’s Members: A Look Back
Early Years: The Original Lineup
The earliest incarnation of Jethro Tull’s band members dates back to 1970 when John Evan, a classically trained pianist, joined the band after collaborating with some of the members in their previous projects. Evan was a crucial element in the band’s most acclaimed period, contributing to albums such as "Benefit," "Aqualung," "Thick as a Brick," and "Stormwatch" (1979). His keyboard work played a vital role in developing Jethro Tull’s signature progressive rock sound, incorporating elements like organ, piano, and synthesizer to add a complex layer to their music.
Key Figure: Jeffrey Hammond
Another pivotal member during this era was bass guitarist Jeffrey Hammond, known as Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond on stage. He joined the band in 1971 for the album "Aqualung" and remained with them until 1975, contributing to the critically acclaimed albums "Thick as a Brick" and "Minstrel in the Gallery." Hammond’s theatrical stage presence and striking striped black-and-white outfit left an indelible mark on Jethro Tull’s visual identity, with his musicianship and showmanship both critical to the band’s early success.
Founding Drummer: Barriemore Barlow
Following Clive Bunker’s departure in 1971, Barriemore Barlow took over as the drummer for Jethro Tull. His tenure lasted from 1971 to 1980 and spanned some of the band’s most renowned albums, including "Thick as a Brick," "A Passion Play," and "Songs from the Wood." Barlow’s technical proficiency and dynamic range on drums allowed him to seamlessly complement the band’s complex compositions, earning him respect throughout the music industry.
Joh Glascock’s Tragic Fate
John Glascock joined Jethro Tull as their bassist in 1976, remaining with the band until his untimely death in 1979. During his time with the band, he played on albums like "Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young to Die!" and "Heavy Horses." Glascock’s technical skills were widely praised, and his contributions to the band’s sound were a vital part of their late-1970s output.
Key Member Departures
Dee Palmer, who previously worked under the name David Palmer, joined Jethro Tull in 1976 as a keyboardist and orchestral arranger, having contributed orchestrations to earlier albums. After leaving the band in 1980, Palmer went on to pursue a successful career in music, composing, arranging, and working on film and television scores. In 1979, John Evan, one of the band’s original keyboardists, also departed, and Barriemore Barlow followed suit a year later.
The Mid-to-Late Years
After the departure of the founding members, Dave Pegg, who previously played with Fairport Convention, joined Jethro Tull as their bassist in 1979, bringing his deep understanding of both rock and folk music. Alongside his work with Jethro Tull, Pegg remained a prominent figure in the folk and rock scenes, continuing to play with Fairport Convention and other projects. The mid-to-late 1980s saw Mark Craney, Eddie Jobson, and Peter-John Vettese come and go, each contributing to the band’s evolving sound and musical explorations.
Later Years and New Additions
Doane Perry, who joined Jethro Tull in 1984, became one of the band’s longest-serving members, playing with the group for nearly three decades. Maartin Allcock, a respected keyboardist and session musician, worked with Jethro Tull from 1988 to 1991, while Andrew Giddings played keyboards for the band from the early 1990s until 2007. Jonathan Noyce joined Jethro Tull in 1995, replacing Glenn Cornick on bass, and worked with the band until 2007.
Modern Era and Recent Lineups
The late 2000s saw changes to Jethro Tull’s lineup, with Florian Opahle becoming a regular member on guitar. In addition, Joe Parrish contributed to the band’s music as a session musician. Although Jethro Tull is currently on hiatus, their vast array of talented musicians and lasting contributions to the world of rock and roll have cemented their legacy.
Conclusion
Throughout their 50-year history, Jethro Tull has undergone numerous lineup changes, but each member has brought their unique skill set, perspective, and energy to the table, resulting in a diverse and influential catalog of music. From their early progressive rock endeavors to their later experiments in sound and style, Jethro Tull’s diverse range of musical expressions continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were Jethro Tull’s most famous lineup members?
A: John Evan, Jeffrey Hammond, Barriemore Barlow, and Ian Anderson.
Q: What were some of Jethro Tull’s most popular albums?
A: "Aqualung," "Thick as a Brick," "Minstrel in the Gallery," and "Heavy Horses."
Q: Who joined Jethro Tull in 1980 as a drummer?
A: Mark Craney.
Q: What band did Dave Pegg play with before joining Jethro Tull?
A: Fairport Convention.
Q: How long did Doane Perry play with Jethro Tull?
A: Nearly three decades.
Q: Who played guitar with Jethro Tull during their live shows in the 2000s and 2010s?
A: Florian Opahle.
Q: Is Jethro Tull still active today?
A: The band is currently on hiatus.
