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Early Tull in Stones' "Rock and Roll Circus" DVD

In late 1968, the Rolling Stones compiled a two-day filming of assorted acts, famed and new, around a circus theme. The project was shelved, for various rumored reasons, and is now, finally released almost 36 years later.

For Tull fans, it's a great chance to see and hear Jethro Tull from their inception in glorious Dolby 5.1/stereo sound and superb remastered video. Tull was chosen over another new band to represent up and coming acts. That other band was Led Zeppelin.

Tull is the opening act and the boys play "A Song for Jeffrey" from their debut album, "This Was." Ian's part (flute and vocals) was recorded live while the band is mimed to the track.

The performance is especially notable for the lead guitarist: Tony Iommi (later Black Sabbath), who filled in between Mick Abrahams and the hiring of Martin Barre.

Also included is about a ten minute narration/commentary by Ian on the status of the band at the time, Tull's style, and the various events occuring around the filming. As usual, it's fullof Ian's wonderful insights and humor.

Finding Ian's Narration

One problem, it's hard to find a lot of the commentaries on the DVD. Here's how to get to Ian's:

• select "SETUP" from main menu
• select "Life under the Big Top"
• from the same screen menu, select "main"
• select "acts"
• select "Song for Jeffrey"