Mark Abrahams Biography
MARK
Abrahams
Mark Abrahams: A Virtuoso of Rock and Blues Guitar
Mark Abrahams is a British guitarist whose name resonates across the rock and blues landscape. Known for his melodic phrasing, technical prowess, and emotive playing style, Abrahams has carved out a distinguished career as the lead guitarist for the legendary band Wishbone Ash.
Early Life and Musical Roots
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Born: September 30, 1978, in Leeds, England
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Raised in: Yorkshire, UK
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Musical Influences: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Peter Green, Eric Clapton, Paul Kossoff, Mark Knopfler, and Wishbone Ash
Mark’s journey began in the heart of Yorkshire, where he was captivated by the expressive power of the guitar. Inspired by blues and classic rock icons, he developed a style that fused soulful bends with intricate solos, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence.
Career Beginnings and Vision Guitars
Before stepping onto the world stage, Mark spent nearly two decades immersed in music retail. In 2009, he founded Vision Guitars in Castleford, West Yorkshire—a beloved shop that became a hub for musicians and enthusiasts alike. His entrepreneurial spirit was recognized in 2012 when he won a Twitter #SBS business award from BBC Dragon Theo Paphitis.
During this period, Mark also performed extensively with Yorkshire rock outfit Coyote, playing over 100 shows annually and sharing stages with artists like Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses) and Oliver Dawson Saxon
Mark's musical journey took a significant turn when he joined the iconic British rock band, Wishbone Ash in 2017 as their lead guitarist. Carrying on the legacy of the band's founding members, he brought fresh energy and remarkable skill to their sound. His contributions helped maintain the band's distinctive fusion of blues, folk, and progressive rock as well as the bands signature twin guitar harmonies, earning him a dedicated fan base around the world.
Joining Wishbone Ash
In 2017, Mark’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined Wishbone Ash, a band renowned for its twin-lead guitar harmonies and genre-defining albums like Argus and Live Dates. He replaced guitarist Muddy Manninen and made his live debut at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 7, 2017.
Contributions to Wishbone Ash:
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Studio Album: Coat of Arms (2020) – Co-writer and lead guitarist
Live Albums:
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Roadworks 5 – Live in Sacramento
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Roadworks 6 – Live in Japan
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California to Kawasaki
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Live Dates Live – Recorded at Daryl Hall’s Club in New York, mastered by Mark himself
As of 2025 Mark has performed over 600 shows in 20+ countries with Wishbone Ash, sharing festival stages with legends like Status Quo, Bonnie Tyler, Procol Harum, Steve Hackett, and Uriah Heep
Session Work and Solo Projects
Beyond Wishbone Ash, Mark is a sought-after session guitarist, offering remote recording services from his studio. His versatility spans rock, blues, folk, and alternative genres, and his ability to elevate a track with tasteful guitar work has earned him collaborations with numerous artist
Legacy and Impact
Mark Abrahams stands as a modern torchbearer of classic rock and blues guitar. His contributions to Wishbone Ash have helped preserve and evolve the band’s iconic sound, while his solo ventures continue to inspire guitarists worldwide. With a blend of technical mastery and heartfelt expression, Mark has earned his place among the greats of contemporary rock.
Career Milestones of Mark Abrahams
1. Early Discovery of Wishbone Ash (Age 9)
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At just nine years old, Mark discovered the music of Wishbone Ash—a moment that would later come full circle when he joined the band decades later.
2. Music Retail Career & Vision Guitars (1997–2017)
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Began working in music retail in 1997, gaining deep industry knowledge.
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Founded Vision Guitars in Castleford in 2009, which became a beloved hub for musicians.
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Won a Twitter #SBS award in 2012 from BBC Dragon Theo Paphitis for his business acumen.
3. Live Performance with Coyote
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Played over 100 live shows per year with Yorkshire rock band Coyote.
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Shared stages with Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses) and Oliver Dawson Saxon.
4. Joining Wishbone Ash (2017)
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Replaced guitarist Muddy Manninen and debuted live at Sweden Rock Festival on June 7, 2017.
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Became a key figure in maintaining the band’s signature twin-lead guitar sound.
5. Major Album Contributions
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Coat of Arms (2020): Co-wrote and recorded this studio album with Wishbone Ash.
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Lead single “We Stand As One” premiered during the band’s 50th anniversary tour.
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Featured on multiple live albums:
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Roadworks 5 – Live in Sacramento
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Roadworks 6 – Live in Japan
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California to Kawasaki
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Live Dates Live (recorded at Daryl Hall’s Club, mastered by Mark himself).
6. Global Touring Success
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Performed over 500 shows in 20+ countries, including UK, South Africa,Canada, Japan, Europe, and the U.S.
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Shared stages with Status Quo, Bonnie Tyler, Procol Harum, Steve Hackett, and Uriah Heep.
7. Guest Appearance with Walter Trout (2018)
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Joined blues legend Walter Trout on stage in Leeds to perform “Gonna Hurt Like Hell”—a standout moment for fans of both artists.
8. Session Guitarist & Endorsements
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Offers remote session guitar work for artists worldwide.
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Endorsed by Tokai Guitars and Nemphasis Pedals, featured in marketing campaigns for both
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In 2024 Mark teamed up with East Durham Guitars to create the Mark Abrahams Signature Guitar - CHECK IT OUT HERE
Mark Abrahams endorses products by and would like to thank:
Ernie Ball Strings, Nobels Pedals, East Durham Guitars, AnalogMan Pedals Elvidge Custom Guitars, Orange Amplifiers, Kloppmann Electronics Pickups, Kemper Profiling Amplifiers, Mojoaxe, Pickups By Pete A Flynn, BluGuitar, Nemphasis Pedals,
