"A Passion Play" is the sixth studio album by British progressive rock band Jethro Tull, released in July 1973 in both the UK and US. Continuing the conceptual approach of their previous album "Thick as a Brick" (1972), "A Passion Play" is structured as a single continuous piece of music, split into two parts across the original vinyl release's two sides. The album tells the story of a recently deceased man, Ronnie Pilgrim, on his spiritual journey in the afterlife, exploring themes of morality, religion, and the struggle between good and evil.
Despite receiving negative reviews from critics upon its release, "A Passion Play" was a commercial success, becoming Jethro Tull's second number one album in the United States. The accompanying tour for the album is remembered as a high point for Jethro Tull's elaborate stage productions, featuring full performances of the album accompanied by physical props, sketches, and projected video.
Over time, "A Passion Play" has garnered more appreciation and is considered a significant work in Jethro Tull's discography, showcasing their ambition and artistic depth within the progressive rock genre.
