Ian Anderson has expressed confusion over Roger Waters’ political outbursts in recent years.
The co-founder of Pink Floyd has created controversy by expressing his opinions, in particular on the tensions between Israel and Palestine. He recently staged a legal battle to force a German venue to allow him to play after his date was canceled on the allegation he was anti-Semitic – a charge he strenuously denied. He separately argued that Russia was provoked into invading Ukraine.
In a recent interview with classic rockAnderson said he couldn’t understand why “someone who’s been doing it for so long is seemingly unable to act knowing that it’s up to you to convey your ideas in a way that won’t get you a beating.” .”
He added that Waters was “off with his beliefs, which seem a little muddled and maybe not based on reality.” As a result, he suggested, “(he) goes there raving and delirious, like many others do.”
Jethro Tull’s mastermind noted that he kept in touch with friends in Russia, including a media officer who had to be careful with communication. “He knows that I know his emails are probably being monitored, so we’ve only scratched the surface (the current situation),” he explained. Anderson also spoke about Boris Grebenshchikov of prog band Aquarium, saying he’s “Russian to the core, but very anti-regime today, just as he was very critical of the regime early in his life. , while it was a very brave thing to even try to put together a rock band.
Given the developments in Eastern Europe – which are covered in Jethro Tull’s new album, RokFlote – he said: “I’m not afraid for myself, but I’m afraid for my grandchildren. I worry about what they might face. But you can’t worry about it forever, and I’d rather be optimistic that Putin is the master bluff par excellence.
Anderson also revealed that he was once something of a doomsday prepper, back in the Cold War era when nuclear devastation always seemed imminent. “I wasn’t exactly a survivalist, but I thought very seriously about an escape plan, what to do if the proverbial hits the ventilator,” he said. “There were two full vehicles and probably 30 gallons of gasoline hidden away. Those were the days when it was easier to own guns, and there were some pretty serious armaments that I wouldn’t have left at home.
Jethro Tull is currently touring Europe, with North American dates beginning in August.
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Three different eras, one great group.