This Was is Jethro Tull’s first studio album originally, released on 25th October 1968.

On 2nd February 1968 the foursome played their first gig under the name Jethro Tull at London’s legendary Marquee club. Ian Anderson has always regarded that date as the birth of Jethro Tull, “For me it’s the first proper gig as Jethro Tull”. In June 1968, just before ‘This Was’ was recorded, the band began a residency at the same London club.

The album was funded by the band as at the time of recording there was no record company contract in place with the band presuming, correctly, that a deal could be made after the album was finished. This Was debut at number 10 in the UK album chart thanks to great airplay from BBC Radio DJ John Peel. The band began their first US tour in January 1969 with guitarist Martin Barre, the album being released a month later charting at 62 in the Billboard chart.

The deluxe book format 3CD+1DVD version with 80 page will be released on 9th November 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary. The 3 CD will include Steven Wilson stereo remix, Associated Recordings, BBC Sessions, the Original mono mix and the Original 1968 UK stereo mix. The DVD will feature the Original album and bonus tracks remixed by Steven Wilson.