Eric Clapton has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former Bluesbreaker bandmate, John Mayall, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 90.
Mayall and Clapton were a formidable force in the British blues scene during the ’60s, teaming up under Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to create one of the most influential electric guitar partnerships of the era.
After forming the Bluesbreakers in 1963, Mayall recruited Clapton a few years later. Clapton, who had just left the Yardbirds and was contemplating quitting music altogether, found new life in the Bluesbreakers. Together, they recorded the iconic 1966 album Blues Breakers: John Mayall with Eric Clapton (often referred to as The Beano Album). This record became a cornerstone of British blues and solidified Clapton’s status as a rising blues guitarist, setting the stage for his future success. Mayall’s influence was instrumental in revitalizing Clapton’s career after his departure from the Yardbirds, making him one of the most significant figures in Clapton’s life.
In a touching video tribute, Clapton expressed his deep gratitude to Mayall, whom he described as his “mentor” and credited with “rescuing me from oblivion” at a time when he was ready to give up on his music career.
“He found me, took me into his home, and asked me to join his band,” Clapton recalled. “I stayed with him, and I learned everything I rely on today in terms of technique and the desire to play the music I love.”
Clapton went on to describe how he immersed himself in Mayall’s extensive record collection, conducting what he called “research” into the Chicago blues that Mayall knew so well. His time with the Bluesbreakers, he said, was invaluable: “It was a fantastic experience. He taught me that it was okay to play the music you wanted to play without dressing it up or worrying about whether others liked it. He was my mentor and a surrogate father.”
Reflecting on Mayall’s lasting impact, Clapton added, “He taught me everything I know and gave me the courage and enthusiasm to express myself without fear or limitation. I shall miss him, but I hope to see him on the other side. So, thank you, John. I love you, and I’ll see you soon, but not yet. God bless you.”
Clapton and Mayall’s partnership remains one of the most iconic duos in British blues music. In his final interview with Guitar World, Mayall himself reflected on their collaboration, saying, “He didn’t approach me—I had to dig him out.”
“He was so disenchanted with the whole scene right after he left the Yardbirds. I had to talk with him and convince him that what I was doing was more genuine.”
Mayall credited Clapton with transforming the sound of the Bluesbreakers, remarking, “He really was the first to understand what the blues was all about.”
