Mick Abrahams dead: Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig star dies after health woes

Jethro Tull rock star Mick Abrahams has died following a string of health issues, the band's singer has announced in a tribute on the group's official website

A Jethro Tull rock star has died following a string of health issues, the band's singer has announced.

Mick Abrahams, who was a founding member of Jethro Rull and guitarist in Blodwyn Pig, has died. The news was announced on the Jethro Tull's official website, as the tribute was credited as written by Ian Anderson, the band's singer.

The announcement, dated as 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. 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.

"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 following Mick's departure, paid a touching tribute to his “friend and mentor”.

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.”

Ian Anderson also posted a tribute on the band's website, fondly looking back at how Mick “commanded the stage”.

The message read: “It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing of Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams."