Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson Says His Dream Was to "Become a Policeman"

Jethro Tull founder Ian Anderson says being a professional musician wasn't his first or even his second plan for his life. 

The influential singer, guitarist, flutist and songwriter for Jethro Tull says he only pursued music after he failed at two other career paths. 

"Don't give up your dreams, but make sure that your dreams include Plan B and preferably Plan C," Anderson told Associated Press. "Because to say not everybody gets lucky would be a horrible understatement... [Especially] in an increased age of competition for very little number of places, it is a tough choice to make if you want to be a professional musician."

Anderson says his first choice as a young man was to become a policeman. When law enforcement didn't work out, he tried journalism. When reporting didn't work out, he turned to music full-time. 

"I got shown the door," Anderson recalled. "I said, 'Oh, I guess I'll have to go and be a rock star instead.' (Laughs) I mean I'm being trite, but it was a little bit like that. My Plan C was what I ended up doing. They didn't want me on the police force. I can't think why."

The flamboyant frontman is best known for making the sound of the flute seem a natural fit in the context of a hard rock band.  

He says his success with Tull proves that you can make it even if you're unique. But he also cautions young artists from giving up everything all at once to pursue their passions. 

"By all means, go for it, believe in it, do the very best you can. But don't, as they used to say and probably still do, give up your day job until you really know that the time is right." 

Fifty years later, Anderson says he's grateful that he's still able to perform for his fans, and to use his music to support a number of charitable causes. 

Ian Anderson Presents: Jethro Tull - 50th Anniversary Tour begins in the U.K. in March and will make its way stateside by May. Get all the tour dates and ticketing information here. 

Ian Anderson Presents: Jethro Tull - 50th Anniversary North American Tour

May30 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre

June 1 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre

June 2 - Berkeley, CA - The Greek Theatre

June 3 - Paso Robles, CA - Vina Robles Amphitheater

June 5 - Visalia, CA - Visalia Fox Theatre

June 6 - Sacramento, CA - Sacramento Community Theater

June 8 - Bend, OR - Les Schwab Amphitheater

June 9 - Troutdale, OR - Edgefield

June 10 - Woodinville, WA - Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

June 29 - Saint Louis, MO - Fox Theatre

June 30 - New Buffalo, MI - Four Winds Casino Resort - Silver Creek Event Center

July 1 - Sterling Heights, MI - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

July 3 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage

August 31 - Minneapolis, MN - State Theater

September 1 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre

September 3 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Festival

September 5 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center at the Heights

September 7 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap

September 8 - Philadelphia, PA - Mann Center for the Performing Arts

September 9 - Boston, MA - Blue Hills Bank Pavilion

September 11 - New York City, NY - Beacon Theatre

Photo: Getty Images