British prog pioneers Jethro Tull have confirmed details of a massive new UK tour for later this year.

Ah the 60s. The whirlwind decade produced more than its fair share of trends and styles, some of which have survived but many have fallen by the wayside. An example? The jazz-flute styles of Jethro Tull.

Formed from the ashes of a white-soul combo, Jethro Tull decided to blend the rock framework with jazz and folk. Led by Ian Anderson, the flute playing frontman led the band through a myriad of stylistic changes.

Cult underground heroes, the band’s lengthy performances drew heavily on improvisation. Blending a classical style with their love of jazz-rock Jethro Tull’s 1969 album ‘Stand Up’ was arguably one of prog’s first epic works.

A number one hit, the album was followed by such works as ‘Aqualung’ as Jethro Tull became one of the most respected acts of their generation. However all good things must come to an end, and the dawning of punk effectively ended their career in the UK.

However Jethro Tull remained huge in the United States where they still enjoy large popularity. The band still tour heavily, and have announced a series of ‘best of’ shows for British fans later next year.

Opening with a show in Northampton on March 5th, the tour will wind its way through the nation before finishing with an April Fool’s show in Sheffield.

Jethro Tull have confirmed the following tour dates:

March
5 Northampton Royal & Derngate
6 Oxford New Theatre
7 St Albans Arena
9 Torquay Princess Theatre
10 Brighton Dome
11 Ipswich Regent Theatre
12 Reading Hexagon
13 Southampton Guildhall
14 High Wycombe Swan
16 Swindon Wyvern Theatre
17 London Union Chapel
18 Bristol Colston Halls
19 Croydon Fairfield Halls
22 Derby Assembly Rooms
23 Manchester Apollo
24 Birmingham Symphony Hall
25 York Opera House
27 Newcastle City Hall
28 Aberdeen Music Hall
29 Perth Concert Hall
30 Glasgow Pavillion Theatre
31 Liverpool Philharmonic