#jonathan noyce

Album Review: Jethro Tull - Aqualung Live (Remaster 2025)

For anyone who missed it the first time around - or simply forgot about it - Jethro Tull’s Aqualung Live is back with a remaster and a reminder of the 2004 lineup’s prowess.

Gathered at Sirius XM’s Then Again Live studios, Aqualung-era members Ian Anderson (vocals, flute, guitar) and guitarist Martin Barre were joined by keyboardist Andrew Giddings, drummer Doane Perry and bassist Jonathan Noyce for a run through the 1971 LP for a small, hugely appreciative, audience.

It’s both true to the original and its own thing as Anderson and company focus more on acoustic instrumentation and add some brightness to the grey overtones of the semi-concept album. Good-natured banter and extended instrumental passages add nearly 10 minutes of music to the collection.

The Tulls thus struck an ideal balance, as casual fans won’t be repelled by the minor differences and those who have Aqualung in their DNA will revel in the subtle changes by a band that was super-tight and super-charged.

Grade card: Jethro Tull - Aqualung Live (Remaster 2025) - A

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