Mick Abrahams, Jethro Tull’s Original Guitarist, Passes Away at 82: Remembering Our Shared Respect and Connection

Mick Abrahams in 1968.
Credit :

Alamy

NEED TO KNOW

• Jethro Tull’s original guitarist Mick Abrahams has died at the age of 82
• On Sunday, December 21, chief vocalist Ian Anderson confirmed the news of his death on the band’s website
• “Mick had endured worsening ill health for the last 15 years, leaving him finally unable to perform or interact socially to any degree,” Anderson wrote

Mick Abrahams, the original guitarist for Jethro Tull and founder of Blodwyn Pig, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by Jethro Tull’s lead vocalist Ian Anderson on December 21 via the band’s official website.

“It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing of Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams,” Anderson stated. “Mick had endured worsening ill health for the last 15 years, leaving him finally unable to perform or interact socially to any degree.”

Anderson further commented on the confirmation he received from Clive Bunker, a member of the Choir of Southwark Cathedral, who had been informed of Abrahams’ death by the guitarist’s family.

Mick Abrahams in Denmark in January 1969.

Jorgen Angel/Redferns

In his tribute, Anderson emphasized Abrahams’ significant role in forming the band out of the remnants of The John Evan Band and McGregor’s Engine, a blues outfit he created with Clive Bunker in the Luton area. He described Abrahams as “a strong vocalist and experienced, powerful and lyrical guitarist.”

Anderson reminisced about Abrahams’ commanding performances, particularly highlighting his rendition of “Cat Squirrel” at the Marquee Club and during other shows, including an engagement where they supported Cream. He noted that Abrahams’ musical prowess developed throughout his career.

Jethro Tull circa 1970.

Hulton Archive/Getty

Anderson reflected on their time together, mentioning a shared experience in a “tiny twin-bunk cabin” in 1968, where he wrote the song “Fat Man.” He acknowledged the mutual benefit and learning they gained from their collaboration over nearly a year, despite a later falling-out due to differing musical directions.

Born in April 1943 in Luton, England, Abrahams co-founded the band that would evolve into Jethro Tull in 1967, contributing to their debut album, *This Was*, released in 1968. However, he departed from the group in December 1968 over creative differences.

After leaving Jethro Tull, Abrahams formed Blodwyn Pig, achieving success with albums like *Ahead Rings Out* and *Getting to This*, both of which reached the Top 10 on the U.K. Albums chart. Although Blodwyn Pig disbanded in 1970, the group reunited occasionally. Abrahams also pursued a solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1971, alongside several other solo projects.

Health issues later impacted Abrahams’ ability to perform. In a 2018 interview, he revealed, “I had two heart attacks and a stroke almost at the same time [in November 2009]. Those have left their mark on me.” He expressed frustration over his diminished capacity to play guitar, stating, “These days, I can join in a bit on guitar with others, but nowhere near the level I was once able to achieve. That upsets me.”