Tull coming to BB Mann

British rock group Jethro Tull returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for one performance Friday, December 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets on sale and are available at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www. bbmannpah.com

Jethro Tull formed in February 1968 from the ashes of two unsuccessful blues/rock bands of the era. Ian Anderson brought his unique and innovative style of flute playing to a public raised on the guitar-based British bands who courted acceptance at London's famous Marquee Club. After their first tentative blues oriented album, titled "This Was", the group moved through successive records towards a more progressive sound, and with "Aqualung" in 1971 achieved their first real international level of success. A few hit singles, notably "Living in the Past", livened up their early career although it was as an album band with songs of real substance that the group really took off, both on record and as a major live concert act.

So-called concept albums followed in the early 70's ('Thick as a Brick' and 'A Passion Play') with the attendant platinum No. 1 album chart sales.

With sales of about 60 million albums and more than 2500 concerts in 40 countries, the band continues to tour and record, typically performing 100 concerts per year. In early 2002, Jethro Tull completed their first DVD of live concert and performance material. Also released is the new associated live CD. Both are entitled, 'Living With the Past.'