Died On This Date (September 2, 2012) Mark Abrahamian / Lead Guitarist for Starship
themusicsover Mark Abrahamian
February 23, 1966 – September 2, 2012
Mark Abrahamian was the most recent lead guitarist for the iconic American rock band, Starship. Originally formed as Jefferson Airplane in 1965, the band was known by a few different names over the years – Jefferson Starship, Starship, and ultimately, Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas. It was with Thomas’ incarnation that Abrahamian had played since 2000. After graduating from The Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, Abrahamian went on to play live with the likes of Christopher Cross, Pat Travers, and Chuck Negron. Immediately following a Starship performance in Nebraska on September 2, 2012, Mark Abrahamian reportedly collapsed back stage and was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead of a heart attack. He was 46.
Greg Pineda, was the lead singer and guitarist for Southern California band, Aluminum Marshmallow. Originally formed by Pineda and Tom Behrens back while still in elementary school in 1967, the group had reunited several years ago. Since then, they have become local favorites in Sierra Madre, California. Pineda also owned and operated a recording studio, All Media Services, in Westlake Village, California. It was there that he produced a series of music videotapes called The Hollywood Music Store with the help of Chuck Negron, as well as members of Ambrosia, REO Speedwagon, Chicago and more. Greg Pineda was 54 when he passed away on January 3, 2009. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few months earlier.