Starship guitarist Mark Abrahamian has died, aged 46, after suffering a heart attack following a gig in Nebraska on Sunday (September 2, 2012). The band, previously known as Jefferson Starship, announced the news on their Twitter page.
Abrahamian's band-mates said, "We are shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of our guitar player Mark Abrahamian. We will miss you, brother. Rest in peace, Mark". The musician had previously played with the likes of AC DC, Toto and Survivor, before joining Starship in 2000. The group's road manager Scott Harrison told the Associated Press, "We were back in the dressing room eating. He apparently told the bass player he wasn't feeling well.It's a shock to everyone". Mark - who had planned to marry his girlfriend in December - had reportedly been suffering from chest pains, though failed to tell his band-mates.
In a lengthier tribute piece, Starship said, "Mark was a kind, thoughtful and innovative soul. He was also a friend and family member. Mark also happened to be one hell of a guitar player. We are devastated by the loss of our brother and just dealing with it the best we can".