Fan Experiences - 50th Birthday Present
Having been a fan of Jethro Tull since 1970, it wasn't a difficult
decision what I wanted as a gift for my next birthday. I will be turning 50 in early July, and when Tull announced their 2002 North
American tour I knew right away what I wanted --- to see the band at least three times on their West Coast tour. Deciding to see them June
6th at San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall, June 7th as they opened the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon, and finally, on June 8th at
Seattle's Benaroya Symphony Hall (This being the closest venue to my home outside of Vancouver, B.C.) --- my itinerary was set!
What followed during the seven days that I was "on the road" was, in a single word --Intoxicating!
It was interesting to see the band perform in two symphony halls,
book casing an outdoor festival venue (The Britt Festival). The sound at each concert was superb, given that each event had capacity for 2000+
fans. One was close enough to see facial expressions, etc. from all band members.
And the play list touched on Tull's full career --- from early classics such as "A New Day
Yesterday" and "Bouree" to recent pieces such as "Hunt By Numbers" and "The Water Carrier".
People would ask me why I wanted to see Tull perform three times in
three days --- "Wouldn't I get sick of hearing the same songs so often?"
My only response was to say that in 1985 I had resolved myself to the fact that Tull might never tour again; how many other groups had faded
away following a long career. How fortunate we are, those of us who have followed Jethro Tull for so long, to still be able to hear new
albums, and also see them perform live in concert. During conversations that I had with Martin, Jonathan and Andrew they
all were still excited to be touring, and the schedules were very much to their liking. They continue to perform with passion and vigor, and I
for one say "Bravo".
As long as Tull continues for record and perform I'll be there. To the
many strangers that I met along the way, I want to say thank-you for making me feel welcome in your " backyard", and hopefully on their next
tour Jethro Tull will visit Vancouver, and I can return the favour. You
made a middle-aged fan very happy to call myself a "Tullian".
Most sincerely
Brant Handel
Langley, British Columbia
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