88 Quotes by Ian Anderson

Unnur Birna is a Reykjavik-based violinist and singer. She has performed as a session musician with countless Icelandic and international artists while recording and appearing as a solo artist as well. Unnur has joined me as an unpaid guest on a few Icelandic shows in recent years, so it is a great pleasure to return the favour and appear on one of her songs at last. This new track, Sunshine, came about in Italy, written as an ode to sunlight and happiness after fleeing the dark winter in Iceland

(The flute is) an instrument that doesn't lend itself very readily to rock music. It's a gentle and sensitive instrument. To make it work at rock 'n roll levels, you really have to push it pretty hard.

I’m very much an observer and a conduit of thoughts and ideas.

Oh father high in heaven – smile down upon your sonWho’s busy with his money games – his women and his gun.

Question all as to their ways and learn the secrets that they hold.

Walk the lines of nature’s palm crossed with silver and with gold.

Come with me to the Winged Isle- Northern father’s Western child Where the Dance of Ages is playing still through far marches of Acres Wild.

I am not afraid to appear in Israel, although when I come to a place like Israel, I know it’s not a picnic by the Thames. I am aware of the tension and it saddens me.

I don’t think successful musicians were really put on this planet in order to have a great time, pat themselves on the back and say, ‘Oh, what a clever boy I am!’ I think that, like most artists, we were put on the planet to suffer just a little. And we do.