Tributes paid to Brit rockstar Mick Abrahams after his death aged 82
The star died earlier this month and has been described as a "magnificent guitar player"
Tributes have poured in following the death of guitarist Mick Abrahams after his death at the age of 82.
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Abrahams, who starred in the rock bands Jethro Tull and Blodwyn Pig, in the late 1960s, died earlier this month, his family confirmed.
Described as a "magnificent guitar player," Abrahams played on Jethro Tull's album 'This Was' but quit shortly afterwards, before going on to form blues-rock group Blodwyn Pig.
The news was announced on Jethro Tull's website and was written by Ian Anderson, the band's singer Ian Anderson.
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It read: "It is with great sadness that we learned 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."
Anderson added: "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!"
Abrahams had been fighting health problems for years, including suffering a heart attack in November 2009 before it was revealed he had Ménière’s disease - an eating disorder - the following April.
Martin Barre, who later joined Jethro Tull, 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."
Another friend, Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry, also said: "He was such a lovely guy as well as being a terrific guitarist."