Q&A Terry Ellis

[Tulltapes]

Hello Terry it's a pleasure.

Could you please help us shed some light on the possible whereabouts of any Jethro Tull recorded film, promos or live concerts/parts of concerts from 1971-1975? Where was the 1973 promo for "The Third Hoorah" with live footage from 1973 shot and where could this film possibly be today? Also the Paris film from 1975 or any other instances were video recording was involved from this era. There are many fans asking and dreaming about such films for a long time. And I'm sure there's alot of money to be made if anything is to be dug up. Thanks for all you have done, your a true Rock Icon!

[nonrabbit]

Such as the excitement for this Q&A and due to our growing fans (of the Forum) one of them - Tulltapes has asked the first question even before I started the thread!!


As you are now aware we’re absolutely delighted that none other than Terry Ellis, co- founder of Chrysalis records, record producer and former Tull manager has agreed to a Q&A with the Jethro Tull Forum.

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Initially, I asked Terry some questions suggested by Graham, Bernie, John and myself ;




Q1 What made you decide to start managing bands back in University days?


TE. I was a Social Secretary at The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. I was the first to bring in pop groups to the University Union. It was a great success - the Union made money out of entertainment when they were used to subsidizing it! So, I had found something I was good at, that I really enjoyed. I had always liked the idea of working for myself and eventually it occurred to me that there was a possible business here. When I graduated I started a booking agency in partnership with Mike Jeffery, a Newcastle club owner who managed The Animals and Jimi Hendrix! This turned out to be much more difficult than I had anticipated!!

Managing bands came much later.


Q2 What were your first impressions of the band?


TE I first met Ian Anderson early in 1968 when he came to the tiny office Chris Wright and I had in an attic on Regent Street in London. We were called The Ellis - Wright Agency. There were five of us and we arranged bookings for colleges and blues clubs. With five people and five desks there was little room left for Ian to squeeze into.


Ian had a large straggly beard and long unkempt hair. He wore a faded t-shirt and ancient trousers, sneakers and a long dark heavy overcoat that almost reached his ankles and had definitely seen better days. He did look for all the world like a homeless person.


Ian’s band was called Navy Blue or Bag of Blues; I don’t remember which it was that day! We had arranged for them to play at London’s Marquee Club that night and Chris and I were to see them play for the first time. Ian came to tell us that although we had been selling them as an eight piece soul and blues band, they were in fact a four piece blues group!! But that’s another story!


The gig went well and the Marquee’s manager, John Gee, loved them, particularly the homeless guy (Ian wore the coat on stage) who sang and played the flute standing on one leg.


Q3 How confident were you that Jethro Tull would become the success it eventually was?

TE. Success in those days was a full date sheet of 25 pound gigs in clubs and I was confidant that we would achieve that. None of us ever thought further ahead. When the first level of success was achieved, then we thought about the next step - and so on!



Q4 What was the working relationship like with the members of the band?

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TE. When I started to go on the road and work in the studio, then the relationship became very close, we pretty much lived the same life.


Q5 Do you have a favourite Tull album/song?


TE. I always liked the quieter songs like "Mother Goose" and "Wond'ring Aloud" as I thought they showed Ian's writing off well, although I must say that I do have a soft spot for "Teacher!"



Q6 What are your thoughts on the music scene when you look back to the late 60's/70's?

TE. A VERY big subject - maybe I'll write a book!!






NOW IT's YOUR TURN to ask Terry about his impressive career and time spent with Tull

[maddogfagin]

Hi Terry - thanks for agreeing to answer our questions here on the Forum.

1. On the album Benefit (and others), which quite a few fans cite as one of their favourite early albums, you are listed as an “Executive Producer”. What did that entail and was it any different to being a “Producer” as you were on This Was and Stand Up for example ?

2. You mentioned working alongside Mike Jeffrey with booking/promoting Jimi Hendrix in the early days. As a consequence of this was that the reason the band played with Jimi in Stockholm in 1969 and in hindsight would you have liked to have seen Tull and Jimi play more times on the same bill at that time ?

3. What other Chrysalis acts did you manage apart from Tull in the early years ?

4. Were you involved with the auditions that followed the departure of Mick Abrahams or was that only down to the band as a whole or just Ian Anderson ?

5. Finally, I think we’d all like to read a book about the Chrysalis era written by you. Would make a very interesting read.

Thanks once again

Graham, in darkest Cornwall

[steelmonkey]

Dear Mr. T.,

I too can promise purchase of a book telling tales of early Chrysalis and beyond. We read lots about inter-band battles...for stage time, billing order etc., etc,...did you ever find yourself on the wrong side of scary bullying ( Zepplin, Roxy management) and/or any instances when you had to play the enforcer? How about times you had to fight for pay at the end of the day?

[nonrabbit]

Hi Terry

The first of a few questions;


In 1986 you were responsible for launching and producing an imaginative and innovated project called Max Headroom - a computer animated, sci fi, music programme. This showcased music and musicians in an unique way.

What are your thoughts on today's media and the varied methods of promoting acts?

Would you care to share your opinion on programmes like X- Factor, Pop Idol and any thoughts on producers like for eg Simon Cowell?

Thanks
Patti

[nonrabbit]

Terry,

There's been a few band member changes in Tull throughout the decades.
During your time as manager how did you feel having the task of breaking the news and how much of an input did you have as manager on band member changes?
How did you feel yourself when you left Tull?

[nonrabbit]

Terry


Ian credits both you and Chris Wright on the TAAB2 prologue as being "so much part of my musical history" and asks if you feel "a little twinge of nostalgic pleasure" on the creation of TAAB2;

Did you have any doubts about a sequel to TAAB?

Has it worked?

[nonrabbit]

Get your questions in - sending off to Terry in two weeks

[nonrabbit]

Questions now posted to Terry.

[maddogfagin]

Apr 27, 2012 7:10:17 GMT nonrabbit said:

Questions now posted to Terry.

Should be an interesting read. Thanks for organising this Q&A Ms. Nonrabbit.

[nonrabbit]

Apr 27, 2012 18:18:27 GMT maddogfagin said:

Apr 27, 2012 7:10:17 GMT nonrabbit said:

Questions now posted to Terry.

Should be an interesting read. Thanks for organising this Q&A Ms. Nonrabbit.

My pleasure! your very welcome .

[nonrabbit]

We're delighted that Terry has come back with some cracking answers to our questions.

Tulltapes;

Hello Terry it's a pleasure.
Could you please help us shed some light on the possible whereabouts of any Jethro Tull recorded film, promos or live concerts/parts of concerts from 1971-1975? Where was the 1973 promo for "The Third Hoorah" with live footage from 1973 shot and where could this film possibly be today? Also the Paris film from 1975 or any other instances were video recording was involved from this era. There are many fans asking and dreaming about such films for a long time. And I'm sure there's a lot of money to be made if anything is to be dug up. Thanks for all you have done, you’re a true Rock Icon.

A. Thank you for the kind words. It is possible that Ian has copies of some of this footage, but basically it was the property of Chrysalis, now owned by EMI. There is a Chrysalis archive under the supervision of Tim Chacksfield.


Graham;

On the album Benefit (and others), which quite a few fans cite as one of their favourite early albums, you are listed as an “Executive Producer”. What did that entail and was it any different to being a “Producer” as you were on This Was and Stand Up for example?

A. Producers come in all shapes and sizes and fulfill different roles. Some have enormous influence on the finished record and, I suspect, some do not! When I was in the studio it was because Ian wanted me there and I was thrilled and humbled (I am not a musician) that he thought I served a useful purpose. I did what I could to help and was happy to accept whatever title he suggested.

You mentioned working alongside Mike Jeffrey with booking/promoting Jimi Hendrix in the early days. As a consequence of this was that the reason the band played with Jimi in Stockholm in 1969 and in hindsight would you have liked to have seen Tull and Jimi play more times on the same bill at that time?

A. When I was with Mike, I did not work on Hendrix and had no contact with him. I only met him on the occasion of those gigs in Copenhagen and Stockholm. Our promoter in Scandinavia was putting on the Hendrix shows and invited us to play in order to promote Tull in the territory, which it undoubtedly did. Yes, more shows with Hendrix would have been very helpful and enjoyable. In those days there were very familial relationships between the artists, the managers, the agents and the promoters. We all helped each other. Tull were fortunate to play on bills with artists greater in stature at the time and offered the same opportunity to others later. Yes, Roxy Music and the Eagles all got their starts in the USA opening the show for Tull!!


. What other Chrysalis acts did you manage apart from Tull in the early years?

A. I managed a Scottish band called Clouds: Ian Ellis on bass, Harry Hughes on drums and Billy Ritchie on Hammond organ. They were musically brilliant and Billy was a great songwriter. Unfortunately, between us, we were never able to realize their potential. Through Chrysalis Management, we also managed the affairs of Ten Years After, Supertramp, Robin Trower and Procol Harum. Procol's Keith Reid remains one of my closest friends today.

Were you involved with the auditions that followed the departure of Mick Abrahams or was that only down to the band as a whole or just Ian Anderson?

A.I may have helped organize, but Ian would have a better memory of that than I do.

Finally, I think we’d all like to read a book about the Chrysalis era written by you. Would make a very interesting read.

A. Thank you. There is something in the works!

Bernie;

Dear Mr. T.,
I too can promise purchase of a book telling tales of early Chrysalis and beyond. We read lots about inter-band battles...for stage time, billing order etc., etc,...did you ever find yourself on the wrong side of scary bullying ( Zepplin, Roxy management) and/or any instances when you had to play the enforcer? How about times you had to fight for pay at the end of the day?

A.The battles you refer to were certainly part of the jockeying for position that took place in those days as all the bands were making their way up the ladder, but the managers handled this stuff and it was pretty friendly. Peter Grant (Zeppelin) and John Gaydon and David Enthoven (Roxy Music) were pals of mine. Certainly if Peter wanted something, no one stood in his way, he was a mountain of a man and useful with his weight! In fact, brains were usually more useful than brawn in getting the best of these "battles!"
As far as money was concerned, if a promoter wanted to book a band again, then he made sure to pay. Happily, they always wanted to stay involved with Tull's career!

Patti;

Hi Terry,

The first of a few questions;

In 1986 you were responsible for launching and producing an imaginative and innovated project called Max Headroom - a computer animated, sci fi, music programme. This showcased music and musicians in an unique way.
What are your thoughts on today's media and the varied methods of promoting acts?

A. To be honest, I am not completely familiar with all of today's media. One thing is clear, however; the internet has lowered the barrier to entry to the music business and there are many more opportunities for self-promotion for artists and their representatives. I believe that an artist has a much greater chance of success through self-promotion than through a major label. Chrysalis Records was launched specifically for Jethro Tull because I, as a manager, looked at the major label opportunities and decided that those guys were out of touch and that my partner and I could do a better job for the band.



In any industry you care to think about, it is accepted that the way to succeed is through talent and hard work. Yet people seem to think that in the music business, the key to success is through "connections" and getting a "lucky break." Why should the music business be different? It isn't!!


Would you care to share your opinion on programmes like X- Factor and Pop Idol ?

A. I can't stand programs like X-Factor or Idol because they perpetuate that myth. These shows are not in the music business, they are in the TV business. They are not concerned about helping young musicians, they are concerned about TV ratings and making Simon Cowell rich! They are not about the careers of young musicians, they are about the careers of the judges. I hate them!!!



There's been a few band member changes in Tull throughout the decades.
During your time as manager how did you feel having the task of breaking the news and how much of an input did you have as manager on band member changes?
A. Changes were musical decisions made by Ian. It is never easy to give someone bad news, but if Ian asked me to help, then I was there, as I always tried to be.

How did you feel yourself when you left Tull?
A. I have never felt that I left Tull! Jethro Tull formed the cornerstone of my career and my relationship with Ian has always been one of the most important of my life. I was a constant presence at Jethro Tull's live performances for ten years, during which time we went from opening the show at London's Marquee Club to selling out New York's Shea Stadium. When Ian's performing career was established beyond doubt, I retired to my desk at Chrysalis where I felt that I could be more help to him as the full time President of his record company. Ian and I stay in touch; he and Shona came to my daughter, Amber's, wedding last year; who knows, we may still have a trick or two up our sleeves!!


Ian credits both you and Chris Wright on the TAAB2 prologue as being "so much part of my musical history" and asks if you feel "a little twinge of nostalgic pleasure" on the creation of TAAB2;

Did you have any doubts about a sequel to TAAB?

Has it worked?

A.
I always thought that TAAB2 was a great idea.
Ian was kind enough to give me an early listen to the work. I wrote to him;
"In these days of American Idol and the general get rich quick with the least amount of work attitude of today's artists there can't be another new work around that comes close to the quality of this piece. The amount of thought, effort and sheer originality is quite overwhelming."


Many thanks

[Deleted]

GOOD TO READ: Thanks to the Jethro Tull Forum.
"who knows, we may still have a trick or two up our sleeves!!" - great news!

Terry Ellis, thank you & Cheers!

[nonrabbit]

Aug 7, 2012 21:53:00 GMT @tootull said:

GOOD TO READ: Thanks to the Jethro Tull Forum.
"who knows, we may still have a trick or two up our sleeves!!" - great news!

Terry Ellis, thank you & Cheers!

I was thrilled to read that.... absolutely thrilled ;D

[jackinthegreen]

Great stuff.........

[maddogfagin]

Just like to thank Terry for his answers to this Q & A and also to Nonrabbit/Patti for organising it. Thanks to both on behalf of all Forum members.

A wonderful addition to our knowledge of all things Tull.

[nonrabbit]

It's a pleasure.
I'm really intrigued by some of the answers

[aqualung]

Great read, looking forward to Terry's book...

[jackinthegreen]

Aug 8, 2012 16:49:36 GMT nonrabbit said:

It's a pleasure.
I'm really intrigued by some of the answers

I'm really intrigued by some of the questions......

Joking.............

Great thread..................

[jackinthegreen]

Aug 8, 2012 18:00:14 GMT aqualung said:

Great read, looking forward to Terry's book...

Me too, could be entertaining.......

[budapest]

great q & a. thanks terry.

[mlaterz]

wonderful!

[steelmonkey]

Sounds like he's writing a book....can't wait. thanks Patti for work and persistance to make this happen.....sometimes we ( and the other forum) have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a Q & A....Terry Ellis, however, is a no-joke prominente in the history of Tull.

[nonrabbit]

Aug 18, 2012 21:49:11 GMT steelmonkey said:

Sounds like he's writing a book....can't wait. thanks Patti for work and persistance to make this happen.....sometimes we ( and the other forum) have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a Q & A....Terry Ellis, however, is a no-joke prominente in the history of Tull.

Your welcome and my pleasure.

As my dear old grannie would oft say;

"You'll talk to anyone (in the nicest possible way) except your old Maw n Paw"

She was from Montana

[steelmonkey]

and raised dental floss, no doubt.

[nonrabbit]

Aug 19, 2012 14:10:50 GMT steelmonkey said:

and raised dental floss, no doubt.

Haha I had to google - sorry

"I might be movin' to Montana soon
Just to raise me up a crop of Dental Floss Raisin' it up
Waxen it down
In a little white box.."