Tributes pour in for British blues legend John Mayall
Figures from across the music industry have sent their tributes to the late blues legend John Mayall, who has died aged 90.
Mayall was a key force in spreading the gospel of blues to a wider audience in the 1960s and consequentially, British rock music taking over the world. A singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, he formed John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers in 1963, and they would rise to be the undisputed champions of the British blues scene, and provide an incubator for some of the country’s most lauded artists. This earned him the nickname ‘Godfather of the British blues’.
Among those who graced the stage with the Bluesbreakers include Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Aynsley Dunbar and Jack Bruce, to name but a few. These names clearly outline his importance to British music and culture.
According to a statement released by Mayall’s family on social media, the revered artist died at his California residence on July 22nd. It followed his retirement from touring due to ongoing health issues. It did not include any information about the cause of death, which will likely be shared at a later date.
The statement began: “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.”
The family continued: “John is survived by his six children, Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak and Samson, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also surrounded with love by his previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, his devoted secretary, Jane, and his close friends. 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.”
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, Mayall’s legacy continues to live on through his music, that of those he gave starts to, and the spirit of the British blues today.
Remembering Mayall’s impact on social media, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wrote: “In Memoriam: 2024 Inductee John Mayall was the godfather of British blues. As a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader, Mayall displayed a talent for mentoring gifted young musicians, many of whom he recruited for his groundbreaking band the Bluesbreakers.”
“With a rugged individuality and distinctive voice and style, he made visionary recordings that expanded the reach of the blues without ever watering them down,” they added. “Mayall exerted a major influence on rock & roll, inspiring countless musicians and fans with a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable and influential music.”
Founding member of The Cure, Lol Tolhurst, shared a personal memory of the late legend: “RIP John Mayall. A road warrior I met him once in the eighties at an airport ( of course ) – lovely man as I recall. A pioneer- we all owe him something for sure – Thank you.”
Iconic guitarist Joe Bonamassa also took to the social media platform to share a series of images of his favourite Mayall records, as well as an image of the pair together. Bonamassa captioned the heartbreaking post: “Rest in Peace my friend”.
American guitarist and singer Walter Trout, a friend of Mayall, posted an image with Mayall from the late pioneer’s 90th birthday last November, writing, “On John Mayall’s 90th Birthday last November, I had no idea, it would be one of the last times I’d see him. As usual, he was funny, generous, and kind. He is and will always be my musical mentor. We just lost a giant. I loved him like a father, and I always will.”
Singer-songwriter Peter Case simply wrote on X: “John Mayall, R.I.P. what a great musician”. Meanwhile, Ultravox frontman Midge Ure eulogised, “Sad to hear this. He brought us so many brilliant guitar players”.
The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger also said: “So sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing. 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.”
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