Ian Anderson and co will celebrate their 40th anniversary on the An Evening With Jethro Tull Tour, visiting York on May 11 as part of a 29 date itinerary.

Most of the performances will feature a special guest, who fans will recognise, as Anderson honours past band members, friends and local musicians.

He will thank Tull fans for their support over four decades by performing a two-hour trip through a career that has accrued 60 million record sales and 2,600 concerts.

Much of the anniversary show will focus on the first three albums, performing 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. New songs, yet to be released, and perennial favourites will be played too.

In the line-up will be Anderson, on vocals, flute and acoustic guitar; Martin Barre, who joined in 1968, on electric guitar; Doane Perry, on drums and percussion, since 1984; David Goodier, on bass, and John O'Hara, on piano and accordion. They are among the 26 musicians who have been recording or touring members of Jethro Tull in the past 40 years.

EMI will be marking the anniversary too, so watch this space for further details. Tickets cost £28.50 or £25.50 on 0870 606 3595.