Rocker Mick Abrahams has died at the age of 82.
He was the original guitarist with prog rock legends Jethro Tull, who have sold around 60 million records worldwide. He was also the frontman of blues rock band Blodwyn Pig.
Mick died on December 21 following a string of health issues, his former band announced. The news came from Jethro Tull singer Ian Anderson, who paid a moving tribute to Mick.
A statement on the band’s website read: “It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing of Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Mick had endured worsening ill health for the last 15 years leaving him finally unable to perform or interact socially to any degree.
He continued: “I spoke to Clive Bunker from the Choir of Southwark Cathedral to get confirmation that the reports earlier in the day were, in fact, correct. And, yes – Clive had received a phone call from Mick’s family to communicate the sad news.
“Mick was vitally important to the early Tull formation out of the ashes of The John Evan Band and McGregor’s Engine, the blues band he formed with Clive Bunker in the Luton/Dunstable area.
(Image: Redferns)
“As a strong vocalist and experienced, powerful and lyrical guitarist, Mick commanded the stage in his rendition of Cat Squirrel at the Marquee Club and every show we did together – even when we supported Cream on one occasion!
“As his party piece, Mick continued to add to and develop those musical ideas into a tour de force display of his instrumental talents for the rest of his performing days.”
Martin Barre, who joined the band after Mick’s departure, paid a touching tribute to his “friend and mentor”. He wrote: “My friend and mentor Mick Abrahams has passed. He was so nice to me and that is something I will never forget. What a magnificent guitar player who gave us so much. Rest in peace.”
One fan wrote on X: “Mick Abrahams, guitarist with Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig He gave early Tull a grittier, bluesier feel than their subsequent work R.I.P.”
Mick was the guitarist in Jethro Tull from 1967 to 1968, when he left the band following a dispute over the direction of the band, which won a Grammy award. He later formed Blodwyn Pig, who released two albums.
Mick suffered a heart attack in 2009 but managed to return to work. In 2010, it was announced that he had Ménière’s disease. However, it didn’t stop him from releasing music.
In 2015 he announced a new studio album called Revived!, which featured his Jethro Tull bandmate Martin Barre.
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
