The man whose guitar riffs defined Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, and Thick as a Brick is finally lifting the curtain on a lifetime of prog-rock wizardry. That’s right, Martin Barre – the legendary former Jethro Tull guitarist – is set to release his autobiography this November, followed by a UK tour in December and a European run in April 2026.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it was really like behind the flute, the beard, and the madness of one of Britain’s most eccentric rock exports, this is your chance.

🎤 A LIFE IN RIFFS AND REEDS

Martin Barre joined Jethro Tull back in 1969, replacing Mick Abrahams and quickly becoming the backbone of the band’s sound. His distinct tone and emotive solos carried the group through Aqualung (1971), Thick as a Brick (1972), and Songs From the Wood (1977) — albums that shaped an entire generation of prog and folk-rock fans.

Barre’s guitar work wasn’t flashy for the sake of it; it was precise, melodic, and full of bite. From the thunderous power chords of “Locomotive Breath” to the haunting, blues-tinged beauty of “My God”, his playing helped turn Jethro Tull into one of the most inventive British bands of the 70s.

Now, decades later, Martin’s finally telling his story his way — the highs, the lows, the creative clashes, and the beautiful chaos that came with touring the world in an era when prog was king and excess was standard issue.

📚 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY: EXPECT STORIES, STRINGS & SHENANIGANS

Set for release in November 2025, Martin’s autobiography promises a deep dive into his 56-year career – from his early days in obscure R&B groups to playing Madison Square Garden with Jethro Tull. Expect tales from the studio, stories from the road, and honest reflections on life after Tull.

Fans can also look forward to unseen photos, handwritten lyric sheets, and candid thoughts on the band’s dynamic with frontman Ian Anderson, who led Tull through its many weird and wonderful eras.

If Barre’s interviews over the years are anything to go by, the book won’t pull punches. He’s known for being refreshingly blunt about the band’s split, the recording process, and the strange mix of genius and insanity that defined the 70s prog scene.

🎸 THE TOUR: BARRE’S BACK ON THE ROAD

To celebrate the book’s release, Martin Barre will tour the UK in December 2025, before heading across Europe in April 2026. He’ll be performing tracks from across his career — a mix of Tull classics, solo material, and fan favourites.

Barre’s live shows are lush — high energy, tight as a snare drum, and full of nostalgic warmth. Expect killer musicianship, witty anecdotes, and possibly a few surprises from the archives.

Here’s what we know so far 👇

🇬🇧 UK Tour – December 2025 (dates TBA)

Cities likely include:

  • London
  • Manchester
  • Glasgow
  • Cardiff (C’mon butt, we want this one!)
  • Birmingham
  • Newcastle

🇪🇺 European Tour – April 2026 (dates TBA)

Expect stops across:

  • France 🇫🇷
  • Germany 🇩🇪
  • Italy 🇮🇹
  • The Netherlands 🇳🇱
  • Spain 🇪🇸

Keep an eye on MartinBarre.com and his official socials for confirmed venues and ticket drops — they’ll go fast once fans of the old Tull magic catch wind.

🧙‍♂️ TULL TALES & GUITAR LEGACY

Few guitarists in British rock history have such a distinctive sonic signature. Barre could go from delicate acoustic picking to molten electric solos in a heartbeat — all without losing the musical storytelling at the core of Tull’s sound.

When Rolling Stone named his solo on “Aqualung” one of the top 25 guitar solos of all time, they weren’t exaggerating. That gritty, melodic bite cut through the flutes, strings, and prog theatrics like a hot knife through butter.

Even after leaving Jethro Tull, Barre stayed true to his roots — releasing solo albums, touring with his own band, and mentoring younger musicians who grew up idolising his tone and phrasing.

🥁 FINAL THOUGHTS

It’s hard not to get a bit misty-eyed when legends like Martin Barre put pen to paper. This is a man who helped define an era where rock wasn’t afraid to be weird, theatrical, and brilliant.

So, this November — pour yourself a pint, drop the needle on Aqualung, and get ready to read about one of rock’s great survivors telling his story, flute-free and full of fire.

Martin Barre: Autobiography – Out November 2025.
UK Tour: December 2025.
Europe Tour: April 2026.

Tidy stuff, mun. 🤘