Martin Barre, the legendary guitarist best known for his groundbreaking work with Jethro Tull, recently shared his thoughts on the term “guitar hero” and why he doesn’t feel connected to the concept.
Barre, a key figure in progressive rock, emphasized that he doesn’t identify with the idea of being a “guitar hero,” describing it as a notion he simply doesn’t understand. While the term “guitar hero” often conjures images of virtuosic players known for their technical mastery—like John Petrucci—Barre’s approach is rooted in creativity and originality, not in shredding. Though he may not be the traditional shredder, his unique playing style and contributions to the genre have earned him a dedicated place in rock history.
In a recent interview with Guitarist magazine, Barre expressed his discomfort with the label, saying:
“I am not and never will be a guitar hero. Not in this house, not in my world. It’s a concept I don’t understand. I love playing guitar. I love guitars. I love amps. I love sounds. I love music. But that concept doesn’t touch me.”
Reflecting on his approach to music, Barre explained that for him, it’s about personal exploration and finding his own voice. He mentioned that discovering new ideas and techniques is part of the joy of being a musician. Barre went on to say:
“I like to find my own feel in music and discover ideas and techniques. Discovering all there is about music is part of the piece. I want to figure it out myself because that’s half the fun.”
He also spoke about the influence of certain artists on both himself and Jethro Tull leader Ian Anderson, noting that while they had their favorites, like Roy Harper, Cat Stevens, and Captain Beefheart, those influences didn’t dictate their sound. Barre emphasized that their focus was always on pushing boundaries and creating something unique:
“Ian and I had our favorite artists, but it never soaked into what we were doing.”
Despite his humble perspective, Barre’s influence in the world of guitar cannot be understated. He remains a revered figure, particularly in the progressive rock scene, where his contributions continue to inspire countless musicians. Reflecting on his career and accomplishments, Barre acknowledged the depth of his musical journey, saying:
“It was a broad scope of playing music. It wasn’t a monophonic experience. There’s so much in the music that you have, so you have to take a lot in. You have to be prepared to go to extremes and to encompass what’s going on. We never stood still musically. We were always learning and treading new ground.”
Barre’s focus remains on the exploration and creation of music, staying true to his roots while continuously evolving as an artist.
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