by Katie McKenna
Almost six decades after they first took to the De Montfort Hall stage, Jethro Tull will return to Leicester’s landmark venue next month as part of the band’s UK-wide Curiosity Tour.
The progressive rock band’s latest run of shows follows the release of their 2025 album Curious Ruminant, with the Leicester date marking the 20th stop on a tour spanning more than 40 performances.
Led by flute-toting frontman Ian Anderson, the only remaining member from the band’s classic era, the group promises to draw from across its 24-album-wide catalogue, blending newer material with expected longtime fan favourites such as Aqualung or Thick as a Brick.
The current touring line-up features David Goodier on bass, John O’Hara on keyboards, Scott Hammond on drums alongside guitarist Jack Clark.
The show itself is expected to run across two sets with an interval, with full-scale video visuals accompanying the performance.
The tour also reflects a recent burst of activity from the band, who have released three new albums in the past four years, signalling an explosive return for Jethro Tull after its hiatus following the release of their Christmas Album in 2003.
The band, who formed in Blackpool in 1967, first played De Montfort Hall in 1969 – 57 years ago. On the band’s official website, Anderson, now aged 78, reflected on the band’s longevity and audience. “Our audiences may have become senior citizens in some cases but, being young at heart, they still venture out to see a bunch of old guys having fun.”
Despite decades of line-up changes, Anderson continues to carry the band’s distinctive sound with his theatrical flair almost sixty years later, perhaps proof that he isn’t quite yet “Too Old to Rock n’ Roll”.
Tickets for the Leicester show on May 5 are priced between £46 and £58.50 and are available via the De Montfort Hall website.
