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Jethro Tull - To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be + Back To The Family - Stockholm January 9, 1969

Leon Aarts

Tuesday 29 September 2026, 11:14PM

By Leon Aarts

125 views

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwfWwKKuC38

 

The live medley of "To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be" and "Back To The Family" performed by Jethro Tull at the Stockholm Konserthuset on January 9, 1969, is a legendary piece of progressive rock history. 

Historical Significance: This gig was Martin Barre's first recorded concert with Jethro Tull. He had just joined the band a few weeks prior on December 24, 1968, replacing original guitarist Mick Abrahams. 
Jethro Tull played two sets (a daytime and an evening show) as the supporting act for Jimi Hendrix. 
The Tracks: "To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be" was a blues song that Ian Anderson wrote but the band never recorded in a studio. "Back To The Family" later became a staple on their landmark 1969 studio album, Stand Up. [Media Preservation: The performance was filmed for Swedish television. The visual of Ian Anderson balancing on one leg while trading off between his flute, harmonica, and gritty vocals remains iconic.