Jethro Tull Announces 50th Anniversary Tour

Jethro Tull will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a U.K. tour during 2018. 

Ian Anderson will take the latest incarnation of the group on the road starting April 3 in Manchester, playing eight shows before wrapping up on April 17 at London's Royal Albert Hall.

In a statement Anderson says that, "I am not usually a birthday or anniversary kind of guy but, just for once, I won't be a party pooper either! I treasure the memories of the earlier years of Jethro Tull repertoire, associated as it is with the adventures of visiting so many countries for the first time to connect with new fans around the world. And this is a celebration of all the 33 band members who graced our ranks -- musicians who brought their talents, skills and styles to bear on the performances live and in the studio. Join me and the current band for a nostalgic evening of varied music, representative of my ever-changing songwriting as our careers progressed through the years."

The announcement also promises "surprise virtual guests" but did not reveal any more details. There's no word on whether Anderson will bring the Tull anniversary tour to other territories.

Earlier this year he released a new album, Jethro Tull -- The String Quartets, and will also be publishing a lavishly illustrated lyric book before the end of the year.

Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.