Flute Solo Causes Power Outage Across Three States During Live Jethro Tull Performance
May 28, 2025 | Chicago, IL — In a bizarre and electrifying turn of events, a flute solo performed by legendary rock band Jethro Tull during their sold-out show at the United Center reportedly caused a massive power outage that left over 2.3 million residents across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin in the dark.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred during the climactic final minutes of the band’s iconic track “Aqualung,” when frontman Ian Anderson launched into an extended flute solo that concertgoers described as “transcendent,” “earth-shattering,” and “a bit too powerful.”
“I’ve seen a lot of concerts,” said Greg Hensley, 58, a lifelong Tull fan. “But I’ve never seen a man blow a hole in the power grid with a woodwind.”
The lights reportedly began flickering halfway through the solo, but as Anderson hit a sustained high note—some estimate it reached 9,000 Hz—the stadium’s lighting system failed entirely. Moments later, a ripple effect of grid failures was reported across multiple counties.
ComEd, the local utility provider, confirmed that a sudden electromagnetic surge coincided precisely with the time stamp of the performance. “We’re still investigating the source,” said spokesperson Danielle Reiss. “But we can confirm that the grid experienced an anomalous acoustic-electromagnetic feedback loop centered on the United Center.”
NASA and the National Weather Service both reported detecting “unusual atmospheric vibrations” over the Midwest, prompting speculation among fringe scientists that Anderson may have inadvertently stumbled upon a form of sonic resonance powerful enough to disrupt infrastructure.
Anderson, ever the showman, appeared amused by the reports. “Well, we’ve always tried to bring the house down,” he quipped during a brief interview conducted by candlelight. “Didn’t realize I’d bring the entire tri-state area with it.”
The band has declined to comment further, but a cryptic message posted to their official website simply read: “The flute has spoken.”
Power was restored to most areas within five hours, though some rural communities remained offline into the early morning.
Officials are urging caution during future performances, and new safety protocols are being reviewed for wind instruments used in high-decibel environments. Meanwhile, black market recordings of the infamous solo are already circulating online, with some audiophiles claiming it’s “too dangerous to listen to without proper grounding.
