JETHRO TULL's IAN ANDERSON Talks ‘Curious Ruminant,’ Musical Evolution, And That Infamous Grammy Win Over METALLICA On The Loaded Radio Podcast

an Anderson Talks New Jethro Tull Album Curious Ruminant And Band’s Legacy On The Loaded Radio Podcast

TL;DR

Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson joins The Loaded Radio Podcast to discuss the band’s latest album Curious Ruminant, which arrived on March 7, 2025. Anderson shares insights into the songwriting process, the return of former keyboardist Andrew Giddings, and how the band’s sound continues to evolve. He also reflects on Jethro Tull’s historic Grammy win over Metallica, their legacy in progressive rock, and more. Listen to the full episode at the bottom of this article or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ian Anderson Discusses Curious Ruminant And Jethro Tull’s Everlasting Influence

Few bands in rock history have maintained the creative energy and musical sophistication of Jethro Tull. With a career spanning over five decades, the British progressive rock icons are set to return with their latest studio album, Curious Ruminant. This marks their third album in just four years, following the success of The Zealot Gene (2022) and RökFlöte (2023).

Ian Anderson, the band’s founder, flutist, and frontman, joined The Loaded Radio Podcast to discuss the new record, the creative process behind it, and Tull’s enduring legacy in the world of progressive and folk rock.

Curious Ruminant: A Deep Dive Into The New Album

The album consists of nine tracks, ranging from short two-and-a-half-minute compositions to a near seventeen-minute epic. The LP features a mix of full-band performances and intricate acoustic arrangements, staying true to Tull’s signature blend of progressive rock, folk, and classical influences.

Notably, the album sees the return of former keyboardist Andrew Giddings, alongside longtime members David Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (piano, keyboards, accordion), and Scott Hammond (drums). Newcomer Jack Clark makes his Jethro Tull recording debut on electric guitar, while James Duncan (drums, cajón, percussion) also contributes to the recording.

Anderson revealed that some of the compositions stem from unfinished instrumental demos recorded years ago, yet they blend seamlessly with the newly crafted material. The album’s sonic palette includes not only his signature flute solos and melodies but also accordion, mandolin, acoustic and tenor guitars, evoking the spirit of Jethro Tull’s 1970s folk-prog era.

Ian Anderson On The Writing Process

The creative process for Curious Ruminant began shortly after the release of RökFlöte in 2023. Anderson started conceptualizing the album in late 2023, with the first musical ideas taking shape by May 2024. By June, lyrics and melodies were flowing effortlessly, creating a natural synergy between the new and previously recorded material.

Unlike many of Tull’s past releases, Curious Ruminant features more personal, introspective lyrics. Anderson, known for his sharp observational songwriting, balances his trademark wit with moments of deep self-reflection. However, as he humorously points out, fans shouldn’t expect the typical “I-me” lyricism found in mainstream rock and pop.

Jethro Tull’s Historic Grammy Win Over Metallica

In addition to discussing the new album, Anderson reflects on one of the most controversial moments in Grammy history—Jethro Tull’s victory over Metallica in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category in 1989. At the time, Metallica was widely expected to win for …And Justice for All, but the award instead went to Tull’s Crest of a Knave, sparking outrage among metal fans.

While Anderson has addressed the incident numerous times over the years, he still finds humor in the situation. The band didn’t even attend the ceremony, assuming they had no chance of winning. However, the moment has since become an infamous chapter in both Jethro Tull’s and Metallica’s histories.

An Enduring Legacy

Formed in 1967, Jethro Tull carved a unique path in rock music by incorporating progressive rock, folk, blues, and classical elements into their sound. Led by Anderson’s unmistakable flute playing and poetic lyricism, the band has released 23 studio albums, including landmark records like Aqualung (1971), Thick as a Brick (1972), and Songs from the Wood (1977).

Even after decades in the industry, Anderson remains committed to crafting thought-provoking, musically rich compositions. With Curious Ruminant, he continues to push the boundaries of Tull’s sound while honoring its rich legacy.