Tull singer sorry for flag attack

Anderson (centre) said he disliked the "flag-waving mindset"

The frontman of British rock band Jethro Tull has apologised for criticising displays of the US flag.

A New Jersey radio station removed Tull songs from its playlist after Ian Anderson said he hated seeing the stars and stripes on show all over the US.

But Anderson has now said he regrets the tone of the remarks, which were not meant as a slur on the US flag.

He said his concern was over "the flag-waving mind-set" across the world, not just in the US.

"I really didn't understand - even after 35 years of visiting the USA on a regular basis - that this symbol had such fierce resonance for so many people," he wrote on his website.

I know I have forever lost some American friends Ian Anderson Jethro Tull

He said he would always stand up "to defend the honour and integrity of the American people, anytime, anywhere and in the face of anyone's criticism".

"Anyway, I was out of line on the flag thing and I am sorry for it. I know I have forever lost some American friends as a result."

Veterans

His remarks were originally published in the Asbury Park Press newspaper in New Jersey.

He told the paper: "I hate to see the American flag hanging out of every bloody station wagon, out of every SUV, every little Midwestern house in some residential area."

Anderson plays flute and sings in the veteran rock band, who were formed in 1968 and still have a dedicated following.

They enjoyed a string of hit singles, including Living In The Past and Teacher, in the late 1960s and early 70s, and have sold 60 million albums around the world.