Beastie (song)

Beastie
Appears on	The Broadsword and the Beast
Published by	Chrysalis Music
Registration	ASCAP 320268171
Release date	10 April 1982
Recorded	November 1981 - February 1982 at Maison Rouge Studios, Fulham, London.
Genre	Rock, Progressive rock
Language	English
Length	3 minutes 59 seconds
Composer	Ian Anderson
Label	Chrysalis Records
Producer	Paul Samwell-Smith
Engineer	Robin Black and Leigh Mantle

'Beastie' is a song on British rock band Jethro Tull's studio concept album, The Broadsword and the Beast, released in 1982. Written by Ian Anderson, it is a dark, brooding rock song, featuring synthesizer mixed with guitar power chords.

Overview

The lyrics are full of angst dressed in Scottish folklore, and relates to the band's frustration of recording the album (taking over 12 months of preparation and recording) and trying to get back into the musical spotlight dominated by New Wave music. Peter Vettesse's synthesizer heralds a new sound, signalling a different aural direction for the band's future. Backed-up by the steady of drumming of Gerry Conway, providing a platform for Martin Barre's best power chord playing on the album.

Although never released as a single, it did receive appreciable airplay, and reached number 50 on the US airplay chart. The song itself influenced the artwork for the album, with a 'Beastie' appearing on the cover, and in live performances (The Broadsword Tour), a Beastie mock-up was used as a stage prop hovering above Ian Anderson's shoulder.

Chart positions

Song (airplay)

Chart (1982)	Peak position
US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart	50

Credits

Personnel

Musicians: Ian Anderson – vocals, flute Martin Barre – guitars Peter John Vettesse - synthesizer, piano Dave Pegg – bass guitar, mandolin Gerry Conway - drums, percussion Production: Paul Samwell-Smith – producer Robin Black - engineer, mixing Leigh Mantle - assistant engineer