Mark Abrahamian, Starship Guitarist, Dies After Nebraska Concert

Mark Abrahamian, Starship's guitarist has died, aged 46, the Huffington Post have reported. Mark died as the result of a heart attack that he suffered after a performance in Nebraska on Sunday, September 2, 2012. The band, who began life as Jefferson Starship in the 1970s and have undergone many evolutions, announced the news of his passing via their Twitter account, in a message that 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."

Abrahamnian had played with Starship since 2000 and had previously played with other 70s rock legends such as Toto, Survivor and AC DC during his career. The band's road manager Scott Harrison told the Associated Press that Mark collapsed after Sunday's show. "We were back in the dressing room eating. He apparently told the bass player he wasn't feeling well," Harrison confirmed on Monday, September 3, 2012. "It's a shock to everyone," he added and explained that he was waiting at the airport in Omaha, for Abrahamian's fiancee to arrive. She and Mark had planned to marry in December, he revealed. Mark had reportedly been suffering from chest pains, though he had not told the band this.

The band added a lengthier message online, to say "We are all shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of our guitar player Mark Abrahamian. 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."