Martin Barre

Martin Barre is a British musician and songwriter, recognized for his extensive career as the lead guitarist for the progressive rock band Jethro Tull and his subsequent solo work, offering a rich history of contributions to the music industry. After securing the position of lead guitarist for progressive rock band Jethro Tull in late 1968, Martin Barre went on to define the band’s sound, contributing his virtuosity and classical influences to every album from their 1969 release Stand Up to The Jethro Tull Christmas Album in 2003. Prior to this pivotal role, Barre honed his craft, initially playing saxophone with The Moonrakers in the early 1960s. He then joined The Noblemen in 1966, a group that evolved into The Motivation later that year and subsequently became The Penny Peeps by 1967, releasing two singles in 1968: ‘Little Man With a Stick’ and ‘I See the Morning.’ The band further transformed into the blues outfit Gethsemane in mid-1968, where Barre showcased his skills on both guitar and flute.

That same year, he made a notable appearance at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention and released MLB – 50 Years of Jethro Tull, a testament to his enduring legacy. Building on this celebratory momentum, Barre planned a major world tour for 2020, designed to honor five decades of Jethro Tull’s iconic music, reinforcing his continued presence and influence in the rock music landscape.