Hard Times Of Old England (2LP) [VINYL]

EXTRAORDINARY JETHRO TULL BROADCAST FROM THEIR 1982 TOUR. Following the end of the Stormwatch tour in early 1980, Jethro Tull would undergo its largest line-up shuffle to date, resulting in Barriemore Barlow, John Evan and Dee Palmer all leaving the band. Jethro Tull was left with Anderson (the only original member), Martin Barre and Dave Pegg. Tull's first album of the 1980s was intended to be an Ian Anderson solo album. Anderson retained Barre on electric guitar and Pegg on bass, while adding Mark Craney on drums, and special guest keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson (ex–Roxy Music). Highlighted by the prominent use of synthesisers, it contrasted sharply with the established "Tull sound". After pressure from Chrysalis Records, Anderson agreed to release it as a Jethro Tull album. Entitled 'A' (taken from the labels on the master tapes for his scrapped solo record, marked simply "A"), it was released in mid-1980. 1981 was the first year in their career that the band did not release an album; however, some recording sessions took place In 1982, Peter-John Vettese joined on keyboards, and the band returned to a somewhat folkier sound - albeit with synthesisers - for 1982's 'The Broadsword And The Beast'. The ensuing concert tour for the album was well attended and the shows featured what was to be one of the group's last indulgences in full-dress theatricality. The stage was built to resemble a Viking longship and the band performed in faux-medieval regalia. Among Jethro Tull’s very finest shows on this tour was their concert at the Stadthalle, Freiburg, Germany, on 30th April 1982, a performance also recorded for live FM radio broadcast. Previously unreleased, this superb show is now available in its entirety on this new 2LP set, allowing fans a chance to hear a quite dazzling gig from Jethro Tull from almost 40 years ago.