John Mayall, a legend of the British blues scene known for giving a platform to the likes of Eric Clapton, has died aged 90.

“Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world’s greatest road warriors,” said a statement posted to Mayall’s Instagram.

 

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Born in Macclesfield in 1933, Mayall took an interest in his father’s jazz and blues records as a teenager, learning to play piano, guitar and harmonica. Following three years of national service, he went to art school and became a graphic designer. He moved to London aged 30 to become a professional musician, recruiting John McVie, later of Fleetwood Mac fame, to form the band the Bluesbreakers.

The line-up was frequently chopped and changed. Eric Clapton joined in 1965 after leaving the Yardbirds and the first sessions with him were produced by Jimmy Page. Clapton was subsequently replaced by another future Fleetowood mac man in Peter Green, with Jack Bruce also playing bass at some stage.  Other notable members include drummer Mick Fleetwood, as well as a 17-year-old Mick Taylor, who joined the band before he went on to replace Brian Jones in the Rolling Stones.

The Bluesbreakers enjoyed two top ten UK albums, before Mayall permanently retired the outfit in 2008. The musician continued to perform with other artists, playing hundreds of gigs a year right up until 2022.

A number of artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late blues guru.

"So sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing," tweeted Mick Jagger. "He was a great pioneer of British blues and had a wonderful eye for talented young musicians, including Mick Taylor - who he recommended to me after Brian Jones died - ushering in a new era for the Stones."

"Sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing," wrote Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, also on X. "His album with Eric Clapton as the Blues Breakers inspired tons of British bands. Safe to say without that album there probably wouldn’t be a Black Sabbath and definitely not a Polka Talk Blues Band! RIP John Mayall, thanks for the inspiration."