Imagine being so up yourself that you wouldn't honour the King. Not for what he was in his later decline, but for the gift he gave to us all. You, Mr Anderson, likely wouldn't have had the carreer that you did enjoy, without those incredible early hits that broke the mould and opened up rock to all people in the late 50s and on.

Elvis's comeback special was in 68, and he performed very well in that.

Regarding some folks' comments that Ian is mistaken in saying this happened in 1969, a bit of research seems to easily verify Ian as correct, as per the following facts: (1) The photo of Tull on the top left of the page around 2:18 here shows Ian, Glenn Cornick, Clive Bunker, and Martin Barre in their rented tuxedos in front of the Elvis / International sign. This Tull lineup only lasted till sometime in 1970 when Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond replaced Glenn, so that verifies this photo as being pre-1970. (2) A website detailing the International Hotel states, "The hotel was sold to the Hilton chain in 1971 becoming what was known as the Las Vegas Hilton", which establishes that The International did not exist after '71. Regarding Elvis this website further states, "Elvis returned to Las Vegas in late 1969, playing from July to August ..." (3) Tull's 'Ministry of Information' tour dates has this entry for August 11, 1969: "International Hotel - Las Vegas, NV - Tull attended an Elvis Presley concert (as audience), to celebrate 'Stand Up' reaching no.1 in the UK." Furthermore, Wikipedia confirms that 'Stand Up' did indeed hit #1 in the UK on August 3, 1969. So unless Ian made up the whole story of Elvis' less-than-stellar performance, everything regarding the 1969 date checks out as 100% true. It's all good.

Feliz cumpleaños ian anderson toco flauta traversa gracias a vos

I'm not an elvis fan but on the same token I wouldn't want to have to meet and praise Ian Anderson for the slop that he dishes up these days.

Disappointing comments I think Elvis was the king, he’ll Always be a legend regardless….what an opportunity missed out

Must've been '72 to '77. He was tip top in 1969. Some of his later shows have been described this way, unfortunately. TCB ⚡

As others have said, there are clear inconsistencies in the video, 1969, rhinestones, forgetting lyrics to songs and Elvis wanting to meet Jethro tull?

Wow! I love his insights. Elvis Elvis Elvis ha! Interesting how situations appear where you just cant lie.

Great to not comming Ian. Hes music was nothing compared to your incredible ditto.

Yes Ian, is sad to see an icon performing bad…wherever the reasons are. A paradox Ian that you should think.

I couldn't meet Elvis myself, I don't own any blue suede shoes.

He's speaking facts, that's Ian Anderson. He doesn't suffer fools. Hardest work ethic and clean living I've seen from any rock artist. For the nay sayers, take a listen to Rok flote album - well into his 70's still delivering fine music.

Ian you missed such a great opportunity. Imagine if you could've had a collab with with Elvis. Like maybe some flute improvs over one of his schlocky songs. That would have been surrreal and historic. I'm a a Tull fan, but methinks your ascetic lifestyle and snooty demeanor do not mesh with the spirit of rock n roll.

I think Ian made a big mistake not visiting Elvis. He should of considered himself lucky to get the offer. The fact that Elvis wasn't in his prime is irrelevant. Ian performs when he's not in his prime. I'm sure elvis was still pretty good in 69. Would you refuse an offer to meet Babe Ruth in the lockeroom after the game you went to see him play, just because he struck out 4 times? Ian should show more class as a person.

Ian wore a jumpsuit too. A outer space jumpsuit for a spell.

It can not have been 69. I think it was December 76 with he went

Total rubbish..there is an 8cd box set of 1969 concerts…he was amazing..the 8 minute version of suspicious minds was outstanding..the reviews were good too…….I think someone else wasn’t quite with it…

I understand your hesitancy to see Elvis. That's quite clear. But you need to "tone down" the superiority complex you clearly have. I've followed you for a while and you really do have one. Cool it.

Elvis did concerts of a wide range in quality in ’69. From outstanding to cringeworthy, due to drugs and hangovers. Therefore, I would trust Ian, even if he got that rhinestone part wrong. As far as I understand him he respects Elvis for his early work and didn‘t want to meet a - from his perspective - fallen Idol and kiss *ss. And I think he is entitled to say that no matter how poor his singing is these days, sadly.

Sounds as barmy as Cliff Richard recently saying he declined the opportunity to meet Elvis as he had got fat.

I wonder if part of Ian's problem, is that he feels he doesn't get the credit he deserves for his great music. I just saw Apple came out with their top 100 albums of all time, and there was no Jethro Tull at the top. In fact they had albums that weren't even close to Aqualung and Thick as a Brick. Here's Apples top 10. Lauryn Hill, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (1998) never hear of it Michael Jackson, "Thriller" (1982) good album but no Aqualung The Beatles, "Abbey Road" (1969) beatles best album, but again, not as good as Jethro Tull's best Prince and the Revolution, "Purple Rain" (1984) only a couple of good songs here Frank Ocean, "Blonde" (2016) never owned or listened to it Stevie Wonder, "Songs in the Key of Life" (1976) his best album was innervisions, by far Kendrick Lamar, "good kid, m.A.A.d city" (2012) never heard of it Amy Winehouse, "Back to Black" (2006) heard of her but never listened to the album Nirvana, "Nevermind" (1991) good album Beyoncé, "Lemonade" (2016) never listened to it Some of my choices would of been, Black Sabbath-Paranoid, Yes-Fragile, Simon and Garfunkel-Bridge over Troubled Waters, Led Zepplin Three, Pink Floyd-The Wall, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Who-Quadroplinia, Albert Hammond-The Free Electric Band, Deep Purple-Who do we Think we Are

Scarper ... good word Ian ... scarper - (Britain, slang) To run away; to flee; to escape.

In 1969 Elvis was fantastic, he wore a black costume instead of a white one. Is Ian's memory failing him or is he lying? He's a bit too swaggering and arrogant.

I guess you caught him on an off day but he was the greatest performer of all time and an amazing talent. He wasn’t called the king for nothing

Why would Elvis want to meet these clowns in 1969? They were basically nobodies at that time. Was it a corporate promotional thing?

Oh, now that is rich, Ian froggy-throat Anderson complaining about Elvis's performance? Please. Why does Ian have to be so frickin' nasty towards other artists? I don't give a hoot about Elvis, never like him, but this is just nasty to speak so unkindly of the dead.

I respect Ian for refusing to see Elvis and I love Elvis but he is right. The drugs took over Elvis and it's a shame