- - Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull Declares No Plans for a Farewell Tour Despite Upcoming Shows

Jacqueline Burt CoteFebruary 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM

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Photo by Tony Russell on Getty Images

Lately it seems like every other day another iconic band or artist is announcing a farewell tour; from the Eagles to Megadeth to Little Feat (and so many others), 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for live musical goodbyes. There's one classic rock band, however, that's not planning to jump on the farewell tour bandwagon.

As Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson, 78, told Far Out in a new interview, he has no interest in doing an official farewell tour, even when the day comes for him to retire (Jethro Tull is currently scheduled to head out on a major tour of the U.K. and Europe this April).

“Luckily, in the world of art and entertainment, we frequently are able to die with our boots on in the sense that we are not going to have retirement forced upon us like a British Airways 777 pilot or an astronaut, or a racing driver," Anderson said. "I mean, there comes a point when, you know, you’re going to be told ‘Hang up your hat, it’s over’, but luckily in terms of what I do that doesn’t happen.”

“It would seem in a way a bit churlish to pack it in now, but I still have to be realistic," he continued. "The end, whilst it’s not in sight, it is a glimmer on the distant horizon that is going to come ever closer.”

Anderson went on to say that “when it does get sufficiently close to me to have to make the announcement ‘This is Jethro Tull — The final tour’ then I won’t, because I don’t believe in announcing such things.”

“I think there is a time when you simply just won’t be noticeable there anymore, when the tour dates page on the Jethro Tull website will just be blank. That’s going to happen," Anderson added.

As for when he expects those tour dates to go blank, Anderson didn't have a specific timeline in mind.

“It all depends on physical and mental health, and whether or not Mr. Putin decides to go nuclear," he quipped.

Jethro Tull has over 40 dates across the U.K. and Europe for the spring of 2026, so fans still have plenty of chances to catch the band live — particularly those who in England, Wales and Scotland, where nearly half the shows are scheduled (in addition to concerts in Germany, Finland, Italy, Spain, Austria and Denmark).

Related: Legendary '70s Rock Band Announces Massive 2026 Tour Following Recent Comeback

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”