SIXTIES survivors Jethro Tull celebrate a 40-year career that saw them move from gutsy blues to progressive rock - alarming some fans and endearing them to others - with a mammoth 29-date UK tour including a show at the Bournemouth Pavilion on April 16.

Led by founder member Ian Anderson, who was awarded an MBE for services to music in the New Year's Honours List, the band say they will be joined on most performances by a special guest as the charismatic frontman honours past Tull members, friends and local musicians.

Scots-born but Wiltshire-based Anderson, 60, says he regards the tour as an opportunity to thank Tull fans for their continued support over the past four decades and intends to deliver a bumper show which will provide a comprehensive trip through their history.

Interestingly, much of the concert will focus on the first three albums with performances of such early favourites as Serenade to a Cuckoo, My Sunday Feeling, Living in the Past, Bouree, A Song For Jeffrey and A New Day Yesterday.

The band are also promising to treat fans to some new songs, which are as yet unreleased, as well as perennial favourites from their long career.

The performing line-up will find Anderson on vocals, flute and acoustic guitar together with Martin Barre, who joined at the end of 1968, on electric guitar, and Doane Perry, who has been on drums and percussion since 1984.

Meanwhile, David Goodier on bass and John O'Hara on piano and accordion are among the 26 musicians who have been recording or touring members of Jethro Tull in the last 40 years.

After receiving his MBE last month, Anderson, who, when he's not touring the world lives the life of a gentleman farmer on his 400-acre estate, told his local paper: "Well, I guess the MBE might be considered the village postman's award. Community stalwart. Good egg. Humble servant.

"But I feel proud to receive this as I am that postman in a musical kind of way - a parochial bringer of good tidings. Door-to-door salesman. Wandering minstrel. All the same kind of professions, really."

Last year he received another pair of prestigious awards, the Ivor Novello Award for international achievement and an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.