Jethro Tull star Mick Abrahams has died following a string of health issues. announced.
Mick, who was a founding member of Jethro Tull and guitarist in Blodwyn Pig, passed away aged 82.
The news was announced on Jethro Tull’s official website and was written by Ian Anderson, the band’s singer.
The announcement was posted on December 21, read: ‘It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing of Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams.
‘Mick had endured worsening ill health for the last 15 years leaving him finally unable to perform or interact socially to any degree.
Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig Mick Abrahams has died aged 82 following a string of health woes, (pictured in 1970)
Members of the rock and roll band Jethro Tull pose for a portrait with their album This Was and record label executives in 1968 in New York
‘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.
He continued: ‘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.
‘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 the musician.
He said: ‘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.’
Mick was the band’s guitarist in the original line-up from 1967 to 1968. He was also the founder of Blodwyn Pig.
He left the band shortly after the release of their album, This Was in 1968, due to clashes with Ian. And while his band Blodwyn Pig went on to record two albums, the group ultiamtely split in 1970.
It’s been reported that Mick suffered a heart attack in November 2009.
The following year, it was reported that he had Ménière’s disease.
Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder causing sudden, severe vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss, and ear fullness, stemming from excess fluid disrupting balance and hearing.
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