KEIGHLEY Blues Live will kick off its 2017 programme with a headline appearance by the guitarist from legendary rock band Jethro Tull.

The Martin Barre Band will perform at the group’s venue, the Octagon club in Sandbeds, on January 20.

The support for the 7.45pm gig at the Bradford Road venue will be Jilly Riley.

Martin Barre was the guitarist of Jethro Tull from 1969 until Ian Anderson ‘retired’ the band in 2012, and played a huge role in their success with more than 60 million albums sold worldwide.

Martin’s guitar playing has earned him respect and recognition across the world, with his solo from the iconic Tull song Aqualung voted 25th greatest of all time in the USA, and 20th greatest of all time in UK.

He also received a Grammy Award in 1988 for his playing on the Tull album Crest Of A Knave.

Outside Jethro Tull, Martin has worked with artists including Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Gary Moore, Jo Bonamassa and Chris Thompson to name just a few.

He has also shared the stage with such legends as Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

Martin has put together his own band to play ‘classic’ music from the Tull catalogue as well as material from his solo projects and a few blues classics.

A spokesman said: “Vocalist/guitarist and Joe Bo look-alike Dan Crisp supplies stunning vocal interpretations of the Tull back catalogue.

“But it is his harmony guitar that particularly impresses, allowing Martin space and a sound that replicate the album versions albeit in some instances reimagined by the originator.

"Honourable mentions too for Alan Thomson, who spent many years in John Martyn’s band, on bass, plus occasional mandolin and the solid, accomplished percussion of the redoubtable George Lindsay on drums.”

Advance tickets for the intimate live show cost £20, and £2 more on the door if they are still available. Visit keighleyblueslive.co.uk to book tickets.

Mike Sanchez And The Portions will perform at Keighley Blues Live on March 24, with support from the Backyard Burners.

The Blues Band will perform in February 10, with support from local singer-songwriter Sleepy Jake Segrave.

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