Ian Anderson, the voice and flute behind the legendary British rock band Jethro Tull, returns to Australia next April, celebrating a lengthy career that’s seen him and the band sell more than 60 million records. Returning to Byron Bay for next year’s Bluesfest, Ian Anderson will headline shows in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, performing the music of Jethro Tull. After first performing at London’s famous Marquee Club in 1968, Jethro Tull were one of the most successful live acts on the world stage by the mid-seventies, rivalling Led Zeppelin, Elton John and even The Rolling Stones. Ian Anderson led the way in revolutionising the rock concept album with the band’s iconic albums, Aqualung and Thick As A Brick bringing the band international success. Having performed more than 3000 concerts in 40 countries over the last four decades, Ian Anderson is widely recognised as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, and remains the crowned exponent of the popular and rock genres of flute playing. Various members have come and gone throughout the band’s existence, but the charismatic front man and composer, flautist and singer Ian Anderson has been a constant – leading the group through its various musical incarnations while continuing to breathe new life into an epic catalogue spanning more than 30 albums and nearly 50 years.