Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson reveals "incurable lung disease" diagnosis

Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson has revealed that he's been "suffering from an incurable lung disease" – which he was diagnosed with "a couple of years back".

Talking to journalist Dan Rather on AXS TV's The Big Interview, Anderson discussed the impact of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis. The HSÉ describes COPD as "the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have trouble breathing in and out."

“I do struggle," the legendary singer and flautist revealed. "I have what are called exacerbations — periods when I get an infection that turns into severe bronchitis and I have maybe two or three weeks when it’s really a tough job to go out there on stage and play.

"Fingers crossed, I’ve gone 18 months now without an exacerbation and I’m on medication," he continued. "If I’m kept in a reasonably pollution-free environment in terms of air quality, I do okay."

Anderson went on to add that his "days are numbered".

The 72-year-old musician also claimed that the illness was caused by spending decades on stage alongside smoke machines.

“Today they’re referred to as ‘hazers,’ as if they’re somehow innocent and not damaging to your lungs," he said. "I really do believe that’s a very significant part of the problem that I have.”

Last year, Jethro Tull brought their 50th anniversary celebrations to the Cork Opera House and the National Concert Hall, Dublin.