I have never understood the compulsion some regulars at Mudcat have to attack any performer who is popular.
The question asked was whether a particular video clip might inspire youngsters, not if we thought that Ian Anderson is the most brilliantly accomplished flute player who ever existed.
Would the style of playing inspire? It inspired me, although not to play flute.
Ian Anderson was clearly inspired by Roland Kirk to play flute in that particular way.
Whether it would inspire a particular young flute player would surely be up to them, but if they never heard either players, it isn't going to be part of their experience, so won't influence at all.
As for accusations of "cheap tricks" or "showboating" - he is the frontman of a rock band. That is the job description! The big flute solos date from an era where most other rock bands had a guitar or Hammond organ doing exactly the same sort of long semi improvised solo. Hardly a crime!
Quack!
GtD.