Ian Anderson Says His Time Is “Running Out”

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson isn’t one to sugarcoat it. At 76, he’s keenly aware that his days on the stage are numbered. In a recent interview with Brazil’s A Rádio Rock, the iconic rocker didn’t mince words: “Time is running out.”

For Anderson, the awareness of his advancing age isn’t a cause for despair but rather a call to action. He explained:

“If I can still physically and mentally do what I do, I feel an urgency to get out there and do it.
“Not just to sit back and say, ‘Oh well, maybe I’ll do that next year and the year after.’”

Turning 77 later this year, Anderson knows the clock is ticking on his ability to tour and perform. He admitted:

“I’m well aware that time is running out.
“So I’m driven by the passions and sometimes the ethical obligation of showing up for work.”

Though he is devoted to his work, Anderson isn’t afraid to acknowledge the less glamorous sides of being on tour. From lengthy hours on aircraft to the constant grind of daily flights, Anderson found little delight in the logistical hurdles of touring. In an honest moment, he admitted, “The travel is just so boring and stressful.”

He confessed:

“It’s not an enjoyable thing to have to start.
“But you have to do it to get there. And every day we have another flight.”

Even though Anderson might not enjoy traveling, he still has a strong devotion to his fans. After playing several gigs in Brazil, Jethro Tull will tour the United Kingdom.

Even though Anderson faces many obstacles on his path ahead, his love of music and commitment to his work will keep him moving forward as time goes on.