Mick Abrahams, guitarist and founding member of British rock band Jethro Tull, has died aged 82. The announcement was made by the band’s frontman, Ian Anderson, who paid his last respects, describing him as a “virtuoso guitarist”.
“It was with great sadness that I learned yesterday of the death of Mick Abrahams, founding member of Jethro Tull”, Ian Anderson sent in a public message.
The artist had been dealing with serious health problems for several years, which gradually worsened over the past 15 years and eventually prevented him from going on stage or leading an active social life.
Ian Anderson spoke about the important role Mick Abrahams played in the initial formation of the Jethro Tull Band, born out of the break-up of the John Evan Band and McGregor’s Engine, the blues band Abrahams formed with Clive Bunker in the Luton–Dunstable area.
Born in 1943 in Bedfordshire, UK, Mick Abrahams founded Jethro Tull with Ian Anderson in the late 1960s. The band distinguished themselves with an unmistakable musical style that combined rock with blues, classical and Celtic influences.
Rolling Stone magazine described Jethro Tull as “one of the most commercial and eccentric progressive rock bands” from the world.
Throughout its career, the band released around 20 albums and went through numerous line-up changes. Mick Abrahams left the band after the recording of the first album.
“A powerful singer and experienced guitarist, virtuoso and expressive, Mick knew how to captivate audiences and develop musical ideas that became a masterful display of his instrumental talent, until the end of his career.” it is stated in the press release sent by the formation.
