Mick Fleetwood pays tribute to “musical father” John Mayall
Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood has paid tribute to his late “musical father” John Mayall, and noted his impact on his own band.
The British blues legend was known for leading John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers, an influential force in 1960s guitar music and beyond. According to a statement posted by his family on social media, he died at his California home on July 22nd. This followed his retirement from touring due to persistent health issues. No further information about the cause of death has been yet shared, but it likely will be at a later date.
The statement reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home yesterday, July 22nd, 2024, surrounded by loving family. 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. John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain.”
His family concluded: “We, the Mayall family, cannot thank his fans and long list of bandmembers enough for the support and love we were blessed to experience secondhand over the last six decades.”
Without Mayall’s contributions, British rock music wouldn’t have become such a world-beating force. A talented vocalist, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, he formed the Bluesbreakers in 1963, his conduit for spreading the gospel of the genre and repackaging it for the new and deeply experimental era. Before long, he would become ‘Godfather of the British Blues’ because of his efforts.
The Bluesbreakers were an institution and would have three long and successful stints, but their first one, ending in 1970, was undoubtedly the most consequential. As well as being the definitive British blues outfit, Mayall also gave a platform to many future stars to hone their work. These include Eric Clapton—who left The Yardbirds to join them—Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Taylor, and the future Fleetwood Mac trio, Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood.
Reacting to his old friend’s death, Fleetwood shared an Instagram post paying tribute to him, describing him as a significant force in his life. He wrote: “The news of John Mayall’s passing… in many ways hit me as losing a musical father!! John Mayall was a guiding light to so many of us young English players!”
Acutely aware of Mayall’s indirect influence on Fleetwood Mac forming, Fleetwood continued: “To have spent time as part of his band the “Blues Breakers“ led the three of us, Peter Green, John McVie, and myself to form Fleetwood Mac back in 1967!! He is owed much gratitude from so many in the musical world.”
Clapton has also honoured the late Mayall. Posting a poignant video message, he dubbed the late musician “my mentor and a surrogate father” who “taught me all I really know and gave me the courage and enthusiasm to express myself without fear or without limit.” Candidly, he also shared his immense regret about how their relationship unfolded, with the young and brash guitarist hard-partying when Mayall was a family man in it solely for the music.
Clapton said: “And I wish to make amends for that. I did that while he was alive, and I’ve obviously since learned that that is not the best way to carry on.”
Alongside former Bluesbreakers members Fleetwood and Clapton, tributes have poured in from across the world to honour the late John Mayall. He is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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