Original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams dead at 82
Mick Abrahams, the original guitarist in Jethro Tull, has died aged 82.
Abrahams passed away on December 19th, 2025. No cause of death has been revealed.
The guitarist, born in Luton in 1943, joined The John Evan Band in 1967 shortly before they changed their name to Jethro Tull. He contributed to the group’s first album, 1968’s This Was, before departing due to creative tensions with frontman Ian Anderson.
Following his departure from the band, he founded the blues outfit Blodwyn Pig, who released two albums before parting ways. Other musical ventures included Wommett and The Mick Abrahams Band.
He suffered a heart attack in 2009, but Abrahams continued to record music. His final release was the 2015 album, Revived.
During an interview with Prog in 2018, Abrahams said of his health struggles, “I had two heart attacks and a stroke almost at the same time [in November 2009]. Those have left their mark on me. 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.”
Martin Barre, who replaced Abrahams in Jethro Tull, took to Facebook to confirm news of his predecessor’s death, writing, ‘My friend and mentor Mick Abrahams has passed.”
Barre continued, “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.”
Additionally, Anderson, his former bandmate in Jethro Tull, has also played a heartfelt tribute to the late guitarist, writing, “It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing of Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams.”
His homage 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.”
Anderson powerfully concluded, “We all offer our condolences to Mick’s family and close friends, who can feel justifiably proud of his achievements and musical legacy.”
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