“John’s importance in music is as profound as the guitarists that he hired”: the guitar world pays tribute to John Mayall
Blues legend John Mayall has died aged 90, according to a statement on his Instagram page.
Mayall died surrounded by his family at his home in California on Monday (22 June), with the statement reading, “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 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain.”
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A post shared by John Mayall (@johnmayallofficial)
Mayall, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, in 1933, followed in the footsteps of his father Murray in playing the guitar. His band the Bluesbreakers provided a springboard for the careers of musicians including John McVie and Eric Clapton, while he also enjoyed a lengthy solo career.
Musicians from around the guitar world have been reacting to Mayall’s death following the Instagram announcement yesterday.
Mick Jagger was among those leading the tributes, writing on X, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/mn0sAu4oI3
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) July 24, 2024
Joe Bonamassa shared an image of the Bluesbreakers’ debut album on Instagram, writing, “I loved this man. I loved this man’s music … John’s importance in music is as profound as the guitarist that he hired …. He was a wonderful guy that changed the game for all of us, made us all smile and appreciate the blues and the work ethic that is required to be a life long touring musician. He did 20 shows in 20 days. No bullshit, no ego, and no generous recollections of past triumphs. He was the ‘We are here today and let’s play the blues’ gentleman that we all hoped for.
He finished, “Sir John Mayall was a consummate professional, a wonderful bandleader, guitarist, singer, writer, professor of the Blues and my friend. This is a big loss for all of us. Rest in peace. It was an honor of a lifetime to be in your orbit and to call you a friend.”
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A post shared by Joe Bonamassa (@joebonamassa)
Walter Trout, who was the lead guitarist of the Bluesbreakers from 1984 to 1989, posted a photo of himself with his old bandmate on X (formerly Twitter) from his 90th birthday last year. He said, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/9NqaPzBJDx
— Walter Trout (@waltertrout) July 24, 2024
Steve Hackett of Genesis was another guitarist to post on X, writing, “I’m very sad to hear about the death of John Mayall. He was a true champion of the blues. He remains a huge inspiration to me and a legion of other musicians.”
I’m very sad to hear about the death of John Mayall. He was a true champion of the blues. He remains a huge inspiration to me and a legion of other musicians.
— Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) July 24, 2024
The music store Andertons also paid their respects to Mayall, writing on X, “Thank you for everything you have done for British Blues, inspiring the guitar heroes who inspired all of us to pick up the guitar.”
Rest in Peace John Mayall.
Thank you for everything you have done for British Blues, inspiring the guitar heroes who inspired all of us to pick up the guitar. pic.twitter.com/OWEBr429pF
— Andertons Music Co. (@andertonsmusic) July 24, 2024
Mayall was due to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year, being included in the class of 2024. The awards paid tribute to Mayall, too, calling him the “godfather of British blues” and saying“Mayall exerted a major influence on rock and roll, inspiring countless musicians and fans with a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable and influential music.”
(3/3) Mayall exerted a major influence on rock & roll, inspiring countless musicians and fans with a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable and influential music.
— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) July 23, 2024
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