Every year Ian Anderson (who is now to all effects Jethro Tull) performs a short series of concerts at historic cathedrals around the country. The last time I saw such a performance was in the wonderful surroundings of Durham Cathedral. This time I travelled a little further, down to the equally wonderful York Minster, to see Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull perform their 2024 Christmas with Jethro Tull concert.
The York Minster website proudly proclaimed: “Experience folk-rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull in the awe-inspiring setting of York Minster this Christmas. Hear some of the best-known repertoire of Jethro Tull alongside traditional seasonal church and classical music for a moment of pre-Christmas madness, goodness and togetherness.”
After a short taxi ride to Durham station, Elaine, Jan and I joined a train to York. We then had a short walk over the cobbled streets of this lovely city to arrive at The Minster where an extremely long queue of attendees weaved its way around the historic cathedral. We soon found our way to the accessible entrance and, beating the massive queue, made our way into the building. Jan and I had seats close to the front, while Elaine should have been seated quite a few rows behind us. However, and quite fortuitously, her seat had been removed to allow space for the sound desk. The extremely helpful staff at the Minster quickly located her right next to ourselves. I purchased a Jethro Tull Christmas concerts T-shirt on our way into the venue.
The history of York Minster is well documented: “York Minster, formally the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is an Anglican cathedral in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England. The minster is the seat of the archbishop of York, the third-highest office of the Church of England, and is the mother church for the diocese of York and the province of York. It is administered by its dean and chapter. The minster is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled monument. The first record of a church on the site dates to 627; the title “minster” also dates to the Anglo-Saxon period, originally denoting a missionary teaching church.” (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
I have seen Jethro Tull many times over the years since 1971 at Sunderland Empire, and they are always fantastic in performance, however these Christmas concerts are very special indeed. The lineup of the band has changed many times and is now essentially Ian Anderson with a group of ever-changing musicians, some of whom have accompanied him for several years, some joining more recently. The current line-up is: Ian Anderson – vocals, flute, acoustic and electric guitar, other instruments (the only original member); bass player David Goodier and keyboard player John O’Hara who have both been with Ian since 2007; drummer Scott Hammond who joined the band in 2017 and recent recruit guitarist Joe Parrish who joined in 2020.
Master of ceremonies for the evening was a clergyman named George who was parading around the building resplendent in top hat, frockcoat, cod – please complete with flashing lights, twirling a lovely silver headed cane. He was happy to pose for a picture. Throughout the performance he was dancing and tripping around the Minster across the stage and into the audience. The concert started with a blessing from the Minster cleric and a very fitting performance of “God bless ye merry gentlemen” performed by Jethro Tull, largely instrumental, with Ian taking the lead on flute.
This was followed by a choir performing a beautiful version of “Gaudette” which was, of course, a hit for Steeleye Span in the 1970s; the latter band being great friends of Ian and Jethro Tull. Indeed, they were the support act for the 1971 tour which I witnessed at Sunderland Empire as mentioned above. This was followed by a number of Christmas songs, several taken from Jethro Tull’s Christmas Album which they released several years ago. Now, Ian always invites some special guests to join him on these Christmas shows.
The first guest was a very welcome surprise, none other than Marc Almond. It is many years since I have seen Marc in concert. From his website: “Marc Almond is an internationally acclaimed and successful artist. He has sold over 30 million records worldwide and is an icon and influence to a generation of musicians.” (From his website). Marc proceeded to play a lovely rendition of “Bedsitter”. A great treat! Further Christmas songs followed and the first part of the evening was closed by Ian and Tull performing the classic “Bourree”. Somewhere during the proceedings Lloyd Grossman joined the band for a song or two, as he did at Durham Cathedral when I saw them previously.
The proceeds for the entire concert were donated by Ian and the other performers to the Minster, which was a lovely and fitting touch. The upkeep of such magnificent buildings will be tremendously expensive! We were told that we could only take photographs during the last song of the evening. After a short break the proceedings continued.
From his official site: “Loyd Grossman CBE is an entrepreneur, author and broadcaster. Born in Boston in 1950, he began his career as a journalist writing for music publications including Rolling Stone, Fusion, and Vibrations whilst studying as an undergraduate at Boston University (BA). He went on to work for Harpers & Queen and The Sunday Times before becoming a writer and presenter for a wide range of television programmes including Through the Keyhole, MasterChef, Behind the Headlines, History of British Sculpture, Loyd on Location and Build Britain. He also wrote and presented a series, Composers at Home, for BBC Radio 3.” He also as a sideline leads his own punk/folk band which many people may not realise. A man of many talents.
The final set concluded with more Christmas songs, Loyd rejoining for a 1977 punk classic (which to my shame I did not recognise) and “I believe in Father Christmas” in memory of the sadly missed Greg Lake who had been a guest at a previous Ian Anderson Christmas concert. A very fitting lovely tribute. Marc rejoined to sing the Soft Cell classic “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” which brought back memories of seeing them in Kirklevington country club (the Kirk) and which was apparently a favourite haunt of his in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Marc was also a secret progressive rock fan when at school so he led Jethro Tull in a rocking rendition of their hit single “The Witch’s Promise”. Fantastic
The end was, as expected, “Aqualung”, followed by “Locomotive Breath” with Marc back to assist with the vocals on a great rendition of the latter Jethro Tull song. And then we made our way out of the Minster into the cold York evening, down to the Tap public house in the station. After a swift drink and a sandwich purchased from the Sainsbury’s Direct in the station, we were back on the train to Durham and then in our taxi home. I was in my bed for 1 AM tired but in the knowledge I had experienced something very special.
Many thanks to Jan for the photographs, Elaine for joining us for the evening and Chris for assisting with the post. A good time was had by all. Apologies for any errors which are entirely my own!
Setlist: Set 1: God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen; Gaudete; We Five Kings; A Christmas Song; Reading: Marmion; Bedsitter; Candles Glowing; Ring Out, Solstice Bells; Another Christmas Song; Bourrée in E minor.
Set 2: Holly Herald; I Believe in Father Christmas; The Witch’s Promise; Say Hello, Wave Goodbye; Mine Is the Mountain; Aqualung; Locomotive Breath
The Soft Cell gig was great, coming not long after their number one hit with Tainted Love. The gig was sold out, but I went down with a couple of mates, and managed to blag our way in, can’t quite remember how. The place was ram packed and Soft Cell were great. They had just released Say Hello Wave Goodbye. Their set was short, but spot on, great atmosphere, and Marc Almond was every bit a star. I remember manager Stevo standing in the crowd, watching his proteges from the dancefloor. A very special night. The next time I saw March was at Newcastle Mayfair. By now he had gone solo, was dressed heavily in leather and very much the melodramatic torch singer. Impressive stuff.
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