Michael Timothy Abrahams (born 7 April 1943) is an English guitarist and band leader, best known for being the original guitarist for Jethro Tull from 1967 to 1968 and the frontman for Blodwyn Pig.

Jethro Tull

Abrahams was born in Luton, Bedfordshire. He played on the album This Was recorded by Jethro Tull in 1968, but conflicts between Abrahams and Ian Anderson over the musical direction of the band led Abrahams to leave shortly after the album was finished, but not before contributing guitar to one further non-LP single. Abrahams wanted to pursue a more blues/rock direction, while Anderson wanted to incorporate more overt folk and jazz influences.

Blodwyn Pig and later career

Abrahams went on to found Blodwyn Pig, and the group recorded two albums, Ahead Rings Out (1969) and Getting to This (1970), before breaking up in 1970. Abrahams soldiered on with the short-lived Wommett, then the Mick Abrahams Band, and he has continued to release albums by himself and with reunited versions of Blodwyn Pig. He has worked as a driver, lifeguard, and financial consultant, occasionally playing gigs, especially to support causes in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Abrahams suffered a heart attack in November 2009 and took time to recuperate before resuming work. In April 2010, his website revealed that he had Ménière's disease, which would hold him back from performing at least for another year. In December 2013, he posted an update referring to his continuing health problems and mentioning that he hoped to release an album in 2014. In 2015, Abrahams announced a new studio album called Revived!, with several guests–among them Martin Barre, his replacement in Jethro Tull.

Discography

Jethro Tull

Blodwyn Pig

Mick Abrahams Band

Solo

Reformed Blodwyn Pigs

This Was Band

Collaborations

Freemasonry

Mick Abrahams is a Freemason and a member of the Chelsea Lodge No 3098, the lodge for members of the entertainment industry. He mentions this in some detail in his autobiography, What Is A Wommett?