Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day (Live 1977 / Wildcard Remaster)

The song Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day, performed live by Jethro Tull in 1977 at the Hippodrome in London, is a standout track from their album War Child, originally released in 1974. This live version, featured on the Live at the Hippodrome album, captures the band’s energetic performance during their Songs From the Wood tour. According to Ian Anderson, the band’s frontman, the song was inspired by concerns about global cooling, a topic of ecological debate in the early 1970s, making it what he called his “first climate change song.” The lyrics reflect a whimsical yet poignant commentary on navigating an uncertain world, which resonated with audiences then and now. Critics have praised the song’s acoustic foundation, with AllMusic’s Bruce Eder describing it as “a beautiful, largely acoustic number,” while Cash Box in 1975 noted its “catchy arrangement” and “uplifting” vibe.

A fascinating piece of trivia comes from a fan review on Amazon about the 1977 Hippodrome performance. The reviewer, Steven A. McKay, shared a personal connection, noting that the concert was recorded on February 10, 1977, the day his mother was in the hospital about to give birth to him. He also mentioned owning an Artley flute from 1977, the same kind Ian Anderson played, adding a nostalgic layer to his appreciation. McKay marveled at the band’s musicianship, particularly drummer Barrie Barlow’s performance on Velvet Green, though he found Anderson’s stage banter, involving a wine bottle, a bit “cringeworthy” for the TV audience. This performance, broadcast by the BBC, has become legendary among fans, despite not being an official release, as noted on Discogs, where some collectors question its legitimacy.

Jethro Tull began in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, in 1967, evolving from a blues and soul-inspired outfit into a pioneering progressive rock and folk rock band. Led by the charismatic Ian Anderson, known for his distinctive flute playing and theatrical stage presence, the band took its name from an 18th-century agriculturalist, a choice Anderson later said was suggested by their agent. Their early years were marked by gigs in small venues, with a breakthrough coming in 1968 at the Sunbury Jazz and Blues Festival. Their debut album, This Was, showcased a bluesy sound, but by their second album, Stand Up (1969), they began incorporating folk and classical elements, setting them apart from contemporaries. Guitarist Martin Barre, who joined in 1968, became a key figure alongside Anderson, contributing to the band’s signature sound. Over the decades, Jethro Tull released iconic albums like Aqualung and Thick as a Brick, blending complex compositions with Anderson’s idiosyncratic vocals.

Fans can stay connected with Jethro Tull through their official website, which offers tour dates, discography, and news. The band is active on social media, including Facebook, where they share updates and nostalgic posts, and Instagram, featuring photos and behind-the-scenes content. On X, they engage with fans through posts about recent performances and re-releases. For deeper fan interaction, the Jethro Tull Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant community where enthusiasts discuss concerts, share memorabilia, and celebrate the band’s legacy. Additionally, fan sites like Tullianas provide detailed archives of the band’s history, discographies, and fan-contributed content, making it a treasure trove for Zoo Freaks spinning Jethro Tull’s records at THE ZOO.