Aqualung

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track Aqualung by Jethro Tull from their 1971 album of the same name, a favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, written by frontman Ian Anderson and his then-wife Jennie Franks, was inspired by Jennie’s photographs of homeless men on London’s Thames Embankment. Anderson has described it as a “guilt-ridden song” reflecting the complex emotions—guilt, distaste, and compassion—evoked by encounters with the homeless. The character Aqualung, named after the scuba breathing apparatus due to his wheezing cough, is depicted with vivid imagery, like “snots running down his nose” and “eyeing little girls with bad intent,” blending gritty realism with social commentary. Interestingly, the song’s famous guitar riff, played by Martin Barre, was recorded in a converted church studio where Led Zeppelin was simultaneously working on their fourth album. Barre recalled Jimmy Page waving to him through the control room window during his solo, which was later ranked #25 in Guitar World’s “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” poll.

Another layer of trivia involves the song’s production and cultural impact. The track features a unique “telephone burbles” effect, where vocals are filtered to mimic a megaphone or phone, achieved by isolating a narrow frequency band around 1,000 hertz. Despite its 6:34 runtime and episodic structure, which made it unsuitable for AM radio singles, Aqualung became a staple on FM stations and a concert favorite, second only to Locomotive Breath in live performances. The album cover, a watercolor by artist Burton Silverman, sparked controversy when Silverman sought compensation for its unauthorized use on merchandise like T-shirts and mugs, highlighting ongoing issues with artists’ rights. The artwork, meant to depict the homeless Aqualung, was mistaken by some as a portrait of Anderson, who criticized it as “messy” and unflattering. In 2021, a poignant animated video for the song, directed by Sam Chegini, explored homelessness globally, earning praise from Anderson for its abstract and documentary-style approach.

Jethro Tull began in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1967, initially as a blues-rock and jazz fusion outfit. Ian Anderson, the band’s charismatic leader, flute player, and primary songwriter, formed the group with guitarist Mick Abrahams, bassist Glenn Cornick, and drummer Clive Bunker. Named after an 18th-century agriculturalist, the band cycled through various lineups, with Anderson as the only constant member. Their early sound, heard on 1968’s This Was, leaned heavily on blues, but Anderson’s vision pushed them toward a unique blend of folk, classical, and hard rock by the time of 1969’s Stand Up, which hit #1 in the UK. The addition of guitarist Martin Barre in 1969 and keyboardist John Evan for Aqualung solidified their progressive rock identity. Anderson’s theatrical stage presence—often standing on one leg while playing flute—and eclectic influences, like folk artists Roy Harper and Bert Jansch, set Tull apart in the competitive British rock scene.

The band’s breakthrough with Aqualung, which sold over seven million copies, marked their rise to global fame, making them a major arena act and FM radio staple. Despite lineup changes, including the departure of Cornick and Bunker post-Aqualung, Tull continued to evolve, winning a controversial Grammy for 1987’s Crest of a Knave in the Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal category, beating out heavyweights like Metallica. Anderson’s leadership and willingness to experiment kept the band relevant, though they ceased studio albums in the 2000s, with recent releases like 2022’s The Zealot Gene and 2023’s RökFlöte showing their enduring creativity. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Jethro Tull Forum is a vibrant space for discussions, including trivia quizzes and concert updates. On Facebook, the Jethro Tull Fan Group offers a place for fans to share memories and news, while Jethro Tull Fans Worldwide connects a global community. These platforms keep the spirit of Tull’s music alive, celebrating the band’s legacy from Aqualung to today.