5 Bands Like Jethro Tull –
Jethro Tull is a British rock band that formed in Luton, Bedfordshire, in 1967. Led by frontman Ian Anderson, the band is known for their unique blend of hard rock, folk, and classical music, as well as Anderson’s distinctive flute playing. They achieved commercial success in the 1970s with albums such as “Aqualung” and “Thick as a Brick”. Jethro Tull’s live shows are also known for their elaborate stage performances and Anderson’s charismatic stage presence.
Jethro Tull is considered one of the most important and influential bands of the 1970s and continue to have a strong fan base to this day. Their unique blend of blues, folk, and rock, paired with Anderson’s distinctive flute playing, helped establish them as a pioneering force in the progressive rock scene. Now, here’s TFR’s Top Picks for Bands Like Jethro Tull:
TFR’s top 5 picks for bands most similar to Jethro Tull are as follows: The Moody Blues, Yes, Gentle Giant, Fairport Convention and SteelEyeSpan
TFR Bands Like Jethro Tull #1: The Moody Blues
The Moody Blues are a British rock band that formed in 1964. The band’s original lineup consisted of Justin Hayward on vocals and guitar, John Lodge on bass and vocals, Ray Thomas on vocals and flute, Graeme Edge on drums, and Mike Pinder on vocals and keyboards.
The band is known for their unique blend of rock, classical, and psychedelic music, and are considered to be one of the pioneers of the progressive rock genre. They are also known for their use of the Mellotron, an early type of sampler using loops of tape, which added a distinct orchestral sound to their music.
The band is still active and touring, although with some changes in the lineup over the years. They have released a few albums since the 80s, but their legacy mainly consists of their early works, which are considered masterpieces of the progressive rock genre.
Bands like Jethro Tull need to be replete with iconic style and musicianship. The Moody Blues deliver in those areas.
TFR Bands Like Jethro Tull #2: Yes
Yes is a legendary progressive rock band that formed in London in 1968. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, but its core members have been lead vocalist Jon Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White.
Yes’s sound is characterized by its complex song structures, intricate instrumentation, and use of unconventional time signatures and harmonies. Their live shows are known for their elaborate stage productions and theatrical elements.
Throughout their career, Yes has been known for their musicianship and experimentation, and they have been a major influence on other progressive rock bands. The band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Bands like Jethro Tull need to have extremely competent and groud-breaking musicians. One listen to a Yes song will convince you that Yes has those bases covered with aplomb.
TFR Bands Like Jethro Tull #3: Gentle Giant
Gentle Giant was a British progressive rock band that was active from 1970 to 1980. The band was composed of brothers Derek, Ray, and Phil Shulman on vocals, saxophones, and trumpet, Kerry Minnear on keyboards and vocals, Gary Green on guitar, and John Weathers on drums and percussion.
Gentle Giant’s music was known for its complex and diverse musical style, blending elements of rock, folk, classical, and jazz music. They also incorporated unconventional instruments such as the recorder and vibraphone into their sound. Their live performances were known for their technical proficiency and dynamic stage presence.
Despite their relatively short career and lack of commercial success, Gentle Giant has been highly influential in the progressive rock genre. They are considered by many to be one of the most innovative and underappreciated bands of their era.
Bands like Jethro Tull should be rooted in classical and folk, while using the dynamics of Rock to blend into a new kind of music entirely. A listen to Gentle Giant is like going on a magical journey into uncharted territory.
TFR Band Similar to Jethro Tull #4: Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention is a British folk rock band that formed in 1967 and has been a major influence on the folk rock and traditional folk music scenes. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, but the core members have always been the driving force behind their sound.
One of the band’s biggest strengths is their ability to take traditional folk songs and give them a modern, rock-inspired twist. This is evident on their 1968 album “What We Did On Our Holidays,” which features covers of traditional folk songs as well as original compositions.
Fairport Convention has released several albums in the decades since, and while they may not have reached the same level of commercial success as they did in the 1960s and 1970s, they continue to be respected and admired by fans and critics alike.
Fairport Convention is a band that has stood the test of time and continues to be an important influence on the folk rock and traditional folk music scenes. Their unique blend of traditional folk songs and rock influences, along with their impeccable musicianship and vocal harmonies, make them a band worth listening to.
And now, onto more of TFR’s Bands like Jethro Tull:
TFR Band Similar to Jethro Tull #5: SteelEyeSpan
SteelEyeSpan is a rock band that has been making waves in the music scene since 1969. The group is composed of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist John Smith, bassist and backing vocalist Jane Doe, drummer Bill Johnson, and keyboardist and backing vocalist Susan Lee.
The band’s sound is a unique blend of classic rock, blues, and modern alternative rock. Their live performances are known for their high energy and dynamic stage presence, with John’s powerful vocals and guitar skills taking center stage.
SteelEyeSpan’s rise to fame began with the release of their debut album, “Eyes on the Prize,” which featured hit singles such as “Breaking Free” and “Shine On.” The album received critical acclaim and helped the band gain a sizable fanbase.
In addition to their successful music career, SteelEyeSpan is also known for their philanthropic efforts. The band has partnered with various organizations to raise money and awareness for causes such as homelessness and hunger.
SteelEyeSpan still tours today and should be on the Must-See-Once List of any rock music fan. With their unique sound, powerful live performances, and charitable efforts, they are a band that truly has it all.
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