Mick Abrahams dead: Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig star passes away aged 82 following a string of health woes
Jethro Tull star Mick Abrahams has passed away after a series of health problems. announced.
Mick, founding member of Jethro Tull and guitarist of Blodwyn Pig, has passed away at the age of 82.
The rock guitarist is survived by his wife Kate, two sons and grandchildren.
The news was announced on Jethro Tull’s official website and was written by the band’s singer Ian Anderson.
The announcement was published on 21 December and read: ‘It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the death of founding member of Jethro Tull, Mick Abrahams.
‘Mick had been enduring worsening health problems for the last 15 years and was eventually unable to interact or perform socially at any level.
Jethro Tull and the Blodwyn Pig Mick Abrahams died aged 82 following a series of health problems (pictured in 1970)
Members of rock and roll band Jethro Tull pose for a portrait with their album This Was and record company executives in New York in 1968.
‘I spoke to Clive Bunker of Southwark Cathedral Choir to get confirmation that the reports earlier in the day were in fact correct.
‘And yes – Clive had received a call from Mick’s family to tell them the sad news.’
He continued: ‘Mick was vital to the formation of The John Evan Band, the blues band he founded with Clive Bunker in the Luton/Dunstable area, and the early Tull formation, which was formed from the ashes of McGregor’s Engine.
‘As a powerful vocalist and experienced, powerful and lyrical guitarist, Mick dominated the stage in his rendition of Cat Squirrel at the Marquee Club and at every show we did together; even once when we supported Cream!
‘As part of the score, Mick continued to add and develop these musical ideas to turn them into a powerful display of his instrumental talents for the rest of the performance days.’
Martin Barre, who joined the band after Mick’s departure, paid a touching tribute to the musician, writing: ‘My friend and mentor Mick Abrahams has passed away. He was very good to me and that is something I will never forget.
‘He is an amazing guitarist who has given us so much. Rest in peace.”
Fans were quick to share their love for the guitarist, writing: ‘One of my favorite guitarists. His instrument had a unique sound and voice. ‘He’s a great actor’;
The news was announced on Jethro Tull’s official website and was written by the band’s singer Ian Anderson (Mick seen in 2017)
Mick was the guitarist in the band’s original line-up from 1967 to 1968. He was also the founder of Blodwyn Pig (seen 1969)
‘RIP Mick, thank you for all the beautiful music. Someone here mentioned the gravity-defying “Cat’s Squirrel” he made with Jethro Tull from the album “This Was”;
‘Fair winds and following seas, Mick. Thank you for sharing your gift. You are missed’;
‘The music you contributed never failed to lift me towards the sun. Open and Open. REST IN PEACE,’;
‘RIP..your music will live on long after we are all gone..’
Mick was the guitarist in the band’s original line-up from 1967 to 1968. He was also the founder of Blodwyn Pig.
Fans were quick to share their love for the guitarist, writing: ‘One of my favorite guitarists. His instrument had a unique sound and voice. ‘Great actor’
Mick reportedly suffered a heart attack in November 2009. The following year he was reported to have Ménière’s disease (seen in 1987)
He left the band shortly after the release of This Was in 1968 due to disagreements with Ian. While his band Blodwyn Pig went on to record two albums, the group eventually disbanded in 1970.
Mick reportedly suffered a heart attack in November 2009.
The following year he was reported to have contracted Ménière’s disease.
Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear disease that causes sudden, severe vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss and ear fullness caused by excess fluid that impairs balance and hearing.
