WHAT IFS, maybes and might-have-beens? Ian Anderson is touring his reflection on how the last four decades could have turned out for his fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock.

The shaggy mane may have long gone and his beard is now respectably tidy, but the wild eyes still flash, manic hands flay madly and the stork-like flautist remains Jethro Tull of old.

First up was the first complete performance of the original Thick as a Brick in 40 years and it sounded as fresh as ever. Then came TAAB 2, proving that Anderson’s finely crafted lyrics have lost none of their edge.

He treated us to wry observations on life’s mundanity: “Barren Madge prepares hot dinner, Fray Bentos pie – always a winner,” and bitter rants against bankers: “Treat myself to quality time, test a Porsche and snort a line, eat Hermione for lunch.”

Anderson also addressed how technology has changed over the last four decades. He was joined on skype by violinist Anna Phoebe, St Cleve chronicle became St Cleve.com on the back screen, and on Youtube, the village squire welcomed us to the village hall for an evening of progressive music – mustn’t call it pop.

It’s tempting to single out the majestic prog rockers, but there were many tiny gems on offer such as Give Till it Hurts, no more than a minute long, and leaving you wanting much, much more.

Indeed the whole two hours spent in Ian Anderson’s fanciful, often disturbing world was nowhere near long enough.

Really would mind if I’d sat this one out.