Ian Anderson may be referring to the singing abilities of a certain rock legend, suggesting that they weren't particularly exceptional from the outset.
Ian Anderson, the legendary frontman of Jethro Tull, has opened up about the unique challenges he faces as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, comparing his role to that of Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones.
In a recent podcast interview, Anderson downplayed Jagger's vocal ability, describing him as primarily "a shouter" who never set a high bar for vocal skills. Instead, Anderson noted, Jagger relies on an energetic and animated stage presence, running around in a very animated way, to engage audiences.
Anderson contrasted this with his own performance challenges, noting the difficulty of being both a vocalist and an instrumentalist (playing the flute) simultaneously. He acknowledged that aging affects the physical demands of performing, with Jethro Tull's shows being like "two hours of high-intensity aerobics."
The 78-year-old Anderson, who will turn 79 in a couple of weeks, brought up his own age as a factor bringing issues. He admitted that he tends to either play the flute or sing, due to limitations, whereas Jagger's physicality during performances, despite his age, is still a topic of conversation.
Anderson also distanced himself from performers like Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, and Billy Joel, whose performances have essentially been terminated due to physical incapability. He stated that he is not in the same position, and his asthma, which was once a significant issue, is now virtually completely under control and does not cause him problems.
Despite the challenges, Anderson is determined to face reality regarding his age and the issues it brings. He acknowledged that combining singing and playing the flute is becoming a challenge for him at his age, but he remains committed to his craft.
This comparison between Anderson and Jagger highlights the evolving comparative challenges frontmen face when they also play instruments versus those who primarily engage audiences through physical performance and shouting vocals. As performers age, the physical demands of the stage become increasingly difficult, and finding a balance between vocal and instrumental performance becomes a significant challenge.
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While Jagger primarily relies on his energetic and animated stage presence to engage audiences, Anderson faces the challenge of being both a vocalist and an instrumentalist (playing the flute) simultaneously, noting that aging and physical demands make this combination increasingly difficult.
Despite the differences in their performance styles, both Anderson and celebrities like Jagger are part of the unique world of entertainment, where music plays a vital role in captivating audiences and keeping them entertained.
