The true origins of Jethro Tull lie far back in the band The Blades, which was formed in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1963 and played cover versions of Beatles and Rolling Stones songs. Over the years, following countless line-up and name changes with Ian Anderson as the only constant member, they went on to play their own blues-rock compositions. Numerous live performances across the country brought them to public attention and earned them a sizeable following. In the flow of the immense popularity for blues rock at the time, they were eventually offered a record deal by Island Records in 1967. At that time, the band consisted of Ian Anderson (flute, harmonica, piano, vocals), guitarist and singer Mick Abrahams, bassist Glenn Cornick and drummer Clive Bunker.

They recorded their debut album This Was from 13 June to 23 August 1968 at Sound Techniques studio in London, with Terry Ellis as producer and Vic Gamm as sound engineer. It was released worldwide in late October on Island Records as a typical product of its time and is the only LP featuring the original guitarist Mick Abrahams, who also contributed songwriting and vocals. The use of a flute and expansive blues structures, which included folk and traditional elements alongside jazz, distinguished the group. After the departure of Abrahams, the blues also disappeared, the rest is music history. A tiny part of the German first edition from 1968 included a huge poster, making it an exceptionally rare collector's item.