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Anderson as a songwriter is noted for his (often cynical) songs about god, Christianity, Christmas and the winter solstice, particularly on the Jethro Tull albums AqualungAqualung ( 1971) is a concept album by the rock band Jethro Tull. It is best known for its title track, which concerns a homeless ephebophile with a breathing problem hence the title "Aqualung". It is a concept album only in so much as the first side of t and The Jethro Tull Christmas AlbumThe Jethro Tull Christmas Album is an album by Jethro Tull. Released in 2003 (see 2003 in music). Track listing #"Birthday Card at Christmas" #"Holly Herald" (Instrumental) #"A Christmas Song" #"Another Christmas Song" #"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (Inst. As a flautist, Anderson is self-taught; he was stylistically influenced by Roland Kirk.
He is also capable on several other instruments, notably having played bass guitarThe electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument similar to the electric guitar, but larger in size and with a lower range. It is also closely related to—and inspired by—the double bass, and shares things in common with a range of bass instruments. It is on the Jethro Tull album StormwatchStormwatch ( 1979) is a concept album by the rock group Jethro Tull. The album deals with the deterioration of the environment, warning of an apocalyptic future if mankind does not cease its drive for economic growth and pay attention to nature. In 2004,. His list of played musical instruments on the entire Tull catalogue is impressive, including flute, acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitarThe electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument similar to the electric guitar, but larger in size and with a lower range. It is also closely related to—and inspired by—the double bass, and shares things in common with a range of bass instruments. It is, saxophoneoctave lower than an Alto Sax. The saxophone or sax is a musical instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and with a distinctive loop bringing the bell upwards. It was invented by Adolphe Sax in the mid- 1840s. The saxophone is most common, drums, keyboards, trombone, a variety of whistles , and violin.
Anderson also owns a salmon farm.
He should not be confused with Ian Anderson who was leader of the British National Front for a time.
In 2003, Anderson came under severe cricitism in the United States for some comments he made in an interview. "I hate to see the American flag hanging out of every bloody station wagon, out of every SUV, every little Midwestern house in some residential area. It's easy to confuse patriotism with nationalism. Flag waving ain't gonna do it" he was quoted as saying in New Jersey's Ashbury Park Press . At least one New Jersey radio station vowed never to play a Jethro Tull song again as a result of the remarks. Anderson soon issued an apology: "I now regret the tone of these statements and offer my belated apologies to those offended by any perceived slur on the Stars & Stripes. I really didn't understand -- even after 35 years of visiting the USA on a regular basis -- that this symbol had such fierce resonance for so many people as is now apparent to me... I was out of line on the flag thing and I am sorry for it. I know I have forever lost some American friends as a result."