Jethro Tull's Martin Barre on Music, Friendship and Being British

Martin Barre is a founding member and the lead guitarist for the legendary English rock band, Jethro Tull. In addition to his work with Tull, Barre has worked with artists including Paul McCartney and Phil Collins, and has shared the stage with legends including Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin.

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On Monday, May 6th (2024) Martin is coming to the Ridgefield Playhouse with his show "A Brief History of Tull." This is Barre's only Connecticut tour date and ahead of this exciting event, we talked with Martin about music, relationships, and the benefits of being British.

Lou: How much does the British accent help with American women?

Martin: "Oh you are so....that is a very, very naughty question. I can't remember, it was so long ago. Let me tell you that it successfully got my wife to marry me and that was 45 years ago. Let me tell you that it worked, she didn't understand a word I said. I think that is the basis of our relationship, she's got no idea what I'm on about, still doesn't. It's perfect! You're going to get me into trouble you guys."

Lou: I read that Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath joined the band Jethro Tull for a very short time in the 60s, is that true?

Martin: "Yes. They had a short list of people for the job and it was me, Tony Iommi and Mick Taylor. They didn't really know which one to go for and they chose Tony but he's more the rock musician and he didn't really take to the music very well. So, it was him who said I don't think it's for me but he's a super nice guy and he did pretty good."

Lou: Did the two of you end up chatting about that years later?

Martin: "Oh yeah, yeah, yeah I met him lots. Yeah but he was happy he made the right decision in his mind and he's playing the music that he loves. Yeah, it wouldn't have worked out for hi, he wouldn't have liked all those seven-four weird prog songs."

Lou: Who was the biggest influence on the way you play the guitar?

Martin: "I'll say nobody but my biggest influence was Leslie West. I think it was more because he was a good guy and a nice person. He taught me stagecraft, he was amazing on stage, the whole band were. I think it was a big lesson in how to project music to an audience and I guess a bit of his paying rubbed off on me. He was the first friend I made who was a musician and it was really important to me."

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Get your tickets now to see Martin Barre at the Ridgefield Playhouse

Listen to our complete interview with Martin Barre below. We talked more about Leslie West, Barre's relationship with his dad and what he thinks of the Jethro Tull references in "Armageddon" and the "Sopranos."

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