Pieter
One of the Youngest of the Family
Give us direction, the best of goodwill
Posts: 84
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Post by Pieter on Jul 31, 2014 11:07:50 GMT -5
When I first heard Catfish I remember wondering how Ian would be able to pull these songs off in concert, and had the same exact reaction with the new album. So I wouldn't say I'm surprised to learn he's struggling, but honestly, based off hearing With You There To Help Me, he truly should stop singing. As for the band, I like them. They are not Martin and Doane of course but that's old news. Somthing went wrong with my mail yesterday - wanted to say: Yes, I hope that Ian will get someone in to sing, because musically he remains fantastic. Concentrate on (hopefully some more new renditions) playing lots more of those fantastic songs. With a new singer there is also no more need to stick to the 25-40 songs that have been played too much the last 15 years. |
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Post by TM on Jul 31, 2014 13:29:06 GMT -5
Somthing went wrong with my mail yesterday - wanted to say: Yes, I hope that Ian will get someone in to sing, because musically he remains fantastic. Concentrate on (hopefully some more new renditions) playing lots more of those fantastic songs. With a new singer there is also no more need to stick to the 25-40 songs that have been played too much the last 15 years. Hi Pieter. While I was never been a big fan of the use of a different singer, I now tend to think that's the only viable option. |
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Post by Nonfatman on Jul 31, 2014 18:25:46 GMT -5
Somthing went wrong with my mail yesterday - wanted to say: Yes, I hope that Ian will get someone in to sing, because musically he remains fantastic. Concentrate on (hopefully some more new renditions) playing lots more of those fantastic songs. With a new singer there is also no more need to stick to the 25-40 songs that have been played too much the last 15 years. Hi Pieter. While I was never been a big fan of the use of a different singer, I now tend to think that's the only viable option. I recently saw on TV a revamped version of Foreigner with two or three original members, including Mick Jones, and a new singer who sounds exactly like the original frontman Lou Gramm, and they sounded very good. Yes is now on its second tribute singer - both of whom sound just like Jon Anderson, who also lost his voice. So I think it could work, and there are guys out there, like Paul Forrest, who do sound just like Ian and can probably sing the entire catalogue. Ian should really consider the idea of a replacement singer, and I think Paul Forrest is the best choice, considering he has already played with Tull on one occasion, and it was a terrific performance with Ian running out toward the end of the song and doing a young Ian/old Ian exchange with Paul. I am not saying that Ian shouldn't sing at all, but just sparingly, and joining in from time to time, and one or two easy acoustic pieces. Having Paul as the replacement has the added advantage of allowing the two of them to do dueling flute passages, which would lend an added dimension. I agree with TM and Mix, that with Ian's present vocal capacities (or lack thereof) it is getting to the point where it is just no longer viable for Ian to keep doing these extended tours, and I also think the sharing of the vocals with Ryan is awkward at times. And, inexplicably, the material he wrote and sung for the new record is, I am sure, proving to be particularly difficult for him, not only because some of it is out of his range, but also because of the complexity and verbosity of the lyrics. I actually think that Ian can still sing. I liked the demo versions of the new songs, his voice was pretty good. I think the problem is that he can no longer sing in the context of a rock band. The concerts can feature some quieter acoustic pieces, which are easier on his voice, such as From a Dead Beat to an Old Greaser, for example. So Ian can still do some of the singing, but it will have to be some well-chosen songs that he can still pull off. Jeff |
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Post by Nonfatman on Jul 31, 2014 18:31:27 GMT -5
Martin - kicking some ass. I love the idea of replacing flute with saxophone, it really works at times in Martin's new band, but there are other times like here where the sax seems off-key. Jeff |
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Post by Biggles on Jul 31, 2014 20:03:42 GMT -5
Hi Pieter. While I was never been a big fan of the use of a different singer, I now tend to think that's the only viable option. I recently saw on TV a revamped version of Foreigner with two or three original members, including Mick Jones, and a new singer who sounds exactly like the original frontman Lou Gramm, and they sounded very good. Yes is now on its second tribute singer - both of whom sound just like Jon Anderson, who also lost his voice. So I think it could work, and there are guys out there, like Paul Forrest, who do sound just like Ian and can probably sing the entire catalogue. Ian should really consider the idea of a replacement singer, and I think Paul Forrest is the best choice, considering he has already played with Tull on one occasion, and it was a terrific performance with Ian running out toward the end of the song and doing a young Ian/old Ian exchange with Paul. I am not saying that Ian shouldn't sing at all, but just sparingly, and joining in from time to time, and one or two easy acoustic pieces. Having Paul as the replacement has the added advantage of allowing the two of them to do dueling flute passages, which would lend an added dimension. I agree with TM and Mix, that with Ian's present vocal capacities (or lack thereof) it is getting to the point where it is just no longer viable for Ian to keep doing these extended tours, and I also think the sharing of the vocals with Ryan is awkward at times. And, inexplicably, the material he wrote and sung for the new record is, I am sure, proving to be particularly difficult for him, not only because some of it is out of his range, but also because of the complexity and verbosity of the lyrics. I actually think that Ian can still sing. I liked the demo versions of the new songs, his voice was pretty good. I think the problem is that he can no longer sing in the context of a rock band. The concerts can feature some quieter acoustic pieces, which are easier on his voice, such as From a Dead Beat to an Old Greaser, for example. So Ian can still do some of the singing, but it will have to be some well-chosen songs that he can still pull off. Jeff Right Jeff, If it were fans choice, I'd choose Paul Forrest. I heard Paul McCartney sought out Gerry Rafferty to collaberate with (who resembled John Lennon in voice and was a very capable songwriter). It may have seemed pretentious at the time, but I thought it was a good idea. Paul sounds better with John. Ian's flute sounds better with Ian's younger voice (PF). |
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Post by Biggles on Jul 31, 2014 20:38:19 GMT -5
Martin - kicking some ass. This is gonna be a good year for Martin. He's playing the guitar parts that no one can hear in Ian's solo band. I'm looking forward to all the late summer post on youtube from Martin's 2014 tour. |
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Post by TM on Aug 1, 2014 18:16:02 GMT -5
To answer Jeff's question, "What's Next for Ian," this seems to be it. The band sounds pretty good, however they need to drop With You There To Help Me because of the vocals which you can hear in this video. David Goodier is now helping Ian out with the singing. The band does sound good, except I still don't like Florian's electric guitar -- which to me sounds out of place in Tull songs. And those vocals on With You There to Help Me. Oy, vey. I guess Ryan couldn't make this show? Jeff Let's just hope no one takes that song and turns it into one of those "isolated vocals" on youtube.  |
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Post by TM on Aug 21, 2014 9:30:29 GMT -5
Dave Rees mentions in the latest issue of AND that many Tull fans have apparently chosen to boycott the current tour because of Ian's decision to break-up Jethro Tull. Dave mentioned that some venues were maybe half-filled...
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Post by Biggles on Aug 21, 2014 21:41:04 GMT -5
Dave Rees mentions in the latest issue of AND that many Tull fans have apparently chosen to boycott the current tour because of Ian's decision to break-up Jethro Tull. Dave mentioned that some venues were maybe half-filled... I'll let you know in about a month |
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Post by TM on Sept 6, 2014 19:21:13 GMT -5
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Post by Bassackwards on Sept 12, 2014 9:32:47 GMT -5
I have two extra tickets available for the Atlanta show, row T Near the center aisle. It seems ticket sales for September are very strong compared to what I've heard about UK tour sales. Two or three shows are sold out more or less and most of the other shows are, I would guess, 80 to 90% sold, Only two or three seem to be selling poorly. For anyone going to Seattle tonight have a great time!
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Post by TM on Sept 24, 2014 14:37:52 GMT -5
Less Homo and More TullAccording to this report some of the new songs were dropped in favor of old Tull material. I'm assuming they prepared the video presentation in advance to be able to accommodate such changes. I had a sneaking suspicion this new album would not go over very well simply based off the reactions from the TAAB2 shows I attended last year. TAAB2 had the benefit of the moniker that I'm sure peaked people's interest.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2014 15:59:08 GMT -5
Dave Rees mentions in the latest issue of AND that many Tull fans have apparently chosen to boycott the current tour because of Ian's decision to break-up Jethro Tull. Dave mentioned that some venues were maybe half-filled... I feel like that would be considerably unfair especially since he's given Tull fans decades of very hard work. I understand not liking the decision, but he still deserves respect--although it's probably just speculation. The longer Ian goes on without Tull the less people will show up to his concerts I think--just because of namesake. |
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Post by TM on Sept 24, 2014 19:40:02 GMT -5
Dave Rees mentions in the latest issue of AND that many Tull fans have apparently chosen to boycott the current tour because of Ian's decision to break-up Jethro Tull. Dave mentioned that some venues were maybe half-filled... I feel like that would be considerably unfair especially since he's given Tull fans decades of very hard work. I understand not liking the decision, but he still deserves respect--although it's probably just speculation. The longer Ian goes on without Tull the less people will show up to his concerts I think--just because of namesake. Respect? Not quite sure where respect enters into this after Ian told his fan base (thru AND) that they should "fuck off" if they didn't like what he was doing. Bottom line is Ian has every right to take his career in any path he chooses and Tull fans have every right to pay for it or not. I think Ian's new stuff is pretty good, but his comments about the fans and past Tull members has turned me off towards him. It was a good run though. It started back in 74 or 75 for me so I can't complain. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2014 20:07:14 GMT -5
I feel like that would be considerably unfair especially since he's given Tull fans decades of very hard work. I understand not liking the decision, but he still deserves respect--although it's probably just speculation. The longer Ian goes on without Tull the less people will show up to his concerts I think--just because of namesake. Respect? Not quite sure where respect enters into this after Ian told his fan base (thru AND) that they should "fuck off" if they didn't like what he was doing. Bottom line is Ian has every right to take his career in any path he chooses and Tull fans have every right to pay for it or not. I think Ian's new stuff is pretty good, but his comments about the fans and past Tull members has turned me off towards him. It was a good run though. It started back in 74 or 75 for me so I can't complain. Hmm.. I've been out of the loop, so I haven't been too privy to the "fuck off" stuff--certainly not an okay thing by my standards, but how many of us have said rash and stupid things to people who we owe respect to. Like you said, it was a good run--a great run! He's wounded, old, and treacherous after all. He's past the age of retirement, he really doesn't have to be doing anything at all. He continues to employ people and make considerable effort. The last two albums certainly weren't absent-minded or without dedication. You're right--Tull fans don't need to go and see him, but I think specifically a boycott would be going too far considering he is nearing the end, and he has taken considerable effort to deliver. At the same time I totally see what you mean. Really. Numerous Tull fans have been dedicated to seeing and supporting Jethro Tull throughout the ages, and I don't think any of us deserve a "Fuck Off" from him. Collectively we are the ones who have paid his salary in the past (given I wasn't there most of the time, but I sure as hell bought a lot of his albums, an expensive concert ticket and a 50 effin dollar t-shirt to support the band) and also specifically the dedicated fans have given considerable effort to continued interest in the band when they were and have been doing pretty darn bad commercially. Anyway, I suppose I'm just a pacifist. I'll have no harsh words if none are needed. EDIT: The silly lengths many of us Tull fans have gone to in terms of arguing over a has-been rock band have developed a considerable amount of arguments and rivalries and the past--who's to say he can't have a degree of resentment. Luckily, Tull's music is great and we have so much of it at our disposal because of him and all of the band members throughout the history of the band--we have more reason to unify together than to separate ourselves from each other. Cheers |
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Post by Nonfatman on Sept 25, 2014 0:40:22 GMT -5
Dave Rees mentions in the latest issue of AND that many Tull fans have apparently chosen to boycott the current tour because of Ian's decision to break-up Jethro Tull. Dave mentioned that some venues were maybe half-filled... I feel like that would be considerably unfair especially since he's given Tull fans decades of very hard work. I understand not liking the decision, but he still deserves respect--although it's probably just speculation. The longer Ian goes on without Tull the less people will show up to his concerts I think--just because of namesake. The thing that I respect and admire Ian for most is his discipline. I get the sense that every waking moment for him is spent doing something productive, something that he calculates will be to his financial or intellectual benefit. The guy is definitely not a time-waster. Actually not just Ian, but all super successful people are like that, and it's something that a lot of us fans should probably try to emulate. It's not easy though, because it's just so much easier to be lazy. Jeff |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2014 5:30:52 GMT -5
I feel like that would be considerably unfair especially since he's given Tull fans decades of very hard work. I understand not liking the decision, but he still deserves respect--although it's probably just speculation. The longer Ian goes on without Tull the less people will show up to his concerts I think--just because of namesake. The thing that I respect and admire Ian for most is his discipline. I get the sense that every waking moment for him is spent doing something productive, something that he calculates will be to his financial or intellectual benefit. The guy is definitely not a time-waster. Actually not just Ian, but all super successful people are like that, and it's something that a lot of us fans should probably try to emulate. It's not easy though, because it's just so much easier to be lazy. Jeff Tru dat, Jeff. He also kept his mind clear from heavy drugs which is also admirable. Even a lot of successful people can't resist the white line fever! |
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Post by TM on Sept 27, 2014 9:58:28 GMT -5
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2014 15:24:33 GMT -5
Good interview indeed. Thanks Paul. It seems Ian is often more willing in interviews with pretty (or in this case pretty-sounding) ladies. (found some headphones here at the school) |
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Post by TM on Sept 27, 2014 20:23:44 GMT -5
Is it wrong for the casual majority of Tull fans to expect a Best of Tull show when the shows are being promoted as such?  |
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Post by Nonfatman on Sept 27, 2014 20:36:45 GMT -5
Is it wrong for the casual majority of Tull fans to expect a Best of Tull show when the shows are being promoted as such? I thought some of the shows, including most American dates, were being billed as H.E., in its entirety, plus some best of stuff, whereas other shows, such as festivals and places like Australia where they haven't played for a long time, were going to be Best of Tull, with selections of H.E. I know I was expecting to hear H.E. in full, and would actually prefer that because it is music that this non-Tull band actually wrote and recorded. What I don't particularly care for is Florian playing the Tull stuff because I just don't think his style is well-suited for the Tull material. I think a lot of hardcore fans are upset, because they were led to believe that the new album would be played in its entirety, and now it seems that about half the album is being cut out from the gigs. Perhaps it is the order in which the sets are being played. Last time around the entire Thick as a Brick was played in its entirety before the new material. This satisfied casual fans so much, that everything else that followed was gravy, and they were willing to sit through the entire Brick 2. This year it is flipped around, with the new stuff coming first, and I suppose an hour or more of that led to some folks getting restless. It might have been better to start the show off with a full set of the old stuff before attempting Homo Erraticus. Jeff |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2014 20:24:01 GMT -5
Is it wrong for the casual majority of Tull fans to expect a Best of Tull show when the shows are being promoted as such? I thought some of the shows, including most American dates, were being billed as H.E., in its entirety, plus some best of stuff, whereas other shows, such as festivals and places like Australia where they haven't played for a long time, were going to be Best of Tull, with selections of H.E. I know I was expecting to hear H.E. in full, and would actually prefer that because it is music that this non-Tull band actually wrote and recorded. What I don't particularly care for is Florian playing the Tull stuff because I just don't think his style is well-suited for the Tull material. I think a lot of hardcore fans are upset, because they were led to believe that the new album would be played in its entirety, and now it seems that about half the album is being cut out from the gigs. Perhaps it is the order in which the sets are being played. Last time around the entire Thick as a Brick was played in its entirety before the new material. This satisfied casual fans so much, that everything else that followed was gravy, and they were willing to sit through the entire Brick 2. This year it is flipped around, with the new stuff coming first, and I suppose an hour or more of that led to some folks getting restless. It might have been better to start the show off with a full set of the old stuff before attempting Homo Erraticus. Jeff I dunno, I feel like you would get tons of people walking out after the first setlist if they played the crowd pleasers first. I suppose not so much of that happened with the last tour but I'm guessing that was because the second setlist was directly related to the first. Actually you may be right now that I think about it. |
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Louie
Claghornist
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Post by Louie on Oct 1, 2014 17:20:15 GMT -5
I saw the show last nite in atl and thoroughly enjoyed it from row 6! ia's energy is still there. ryan sang probably close to 1/2 the show giving ian some breaks, and when ia did step up to the mike I think he acquitted himself as well as anyone could expect. he started the show with about 3/4's of he...which came off rather nicely live and loud! after that bouree and about 15 min's of taab ended the first half. after a 20 min break I remember sweet dream, with you there to help me, teacher, too old to r'n'r, a segment from passion play, then aqualung and loco for the encore. probably my 15th or so show. I thought young florian brought quite a bit of energy and I enjoyed his playing immensely. while I have always loved mb...face it...he ain't gonna come walkin thru the door.anyone who has a chance to see this show....go...you will not be disappointed. I should add that I thought the movie during he and the old clips of ia during the best of segment added quite a bit. excuse my southernism....ah caint hep it!!!  sorry, I forgot farm on the freeway and songs from the wood! loss of brain cells from the 70's is showing! also...the fact that I have never seen so many ''old'' people dancing in the aisles...incl my 63 yr old arse!!! whoooooooo! |
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Post by Koba the Cat on Oct 1, 2014 18:04:26 GMT -5
Well I'm stoked. I have 7th row for the Richmond show this coming Sunday but even better, I am confirmed for a Meet and Greet with Ian including a photo and autograph!
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Post by Dan on Oct 1, 2014 19:18:01 GMT -5
Well I'm stoked. I have 7th row for the Richmond show this coming Sunday but even better, I am confirmed for a Meet and Greet with Ian including a photo and autograph! That sounds like a great opportunity. Make sure you tell us about it and post the photo. Dan |
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