England: John Mayall, the godfather of British Blues, to celebrate 80th birthday with Southport gig

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England: John Mayall, the godfather of British Blues, to celebrate 80th birthday with Southport gig
John Mayall’s place in music history became apparent when he put together the first of his bands, the Bluesbreakers, more than 50 years ago.

As the artist who provides the link between Cream, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones, the Macclesfield born guitarist would go on to become the godfather of British blues. His role as front man and mentor has shaped and influenced modern music history. Now he’s back on the road to celebrate his 80th birthday, calling in at Southport next month.

“I like Southport,” he says. “Always have. I like Liverpool too. We’ve played there so many times, had so many good nights there. Like they say, it’s one of those places where musicians want to play. For me, now, looking back as I do, I look back at gigs from the past and it makes me smile.
“Sometimes it’s just a moment that might stick out in your mind. One particular tune or the way something sounded in a hall that night. Every show is different – that’s why I’m still doing it after all these years.”

John is now part way through his year-long world tour in celebration of his 80th anniversary, which includes 34 UK dates in October and November this year which follow dates in North America, Canada and Europe.

“I’m having fun,” he says simply. “I still love being on the road. I have no idea what I’ll play yet (in Southport). That’s the joy of it – we see what works with the hall, what kind of a day we’ve had, how the wind is blowing. In your part of the world the wind blows pretty strong, so we’re bound to come up with something.”

Eric Clapton with John Mayall and friends at the Summer Pops, Kings dock, Liverpool Eric Clapton with John Mayall and friends at the Summer Pops, Kings dock, Liverpool. He says he’s looking forward to being back in the UK, and particularly close to where he grew up. As a teenager he first became attracted to the jazz and blues 78s in his dad’s record collection. Initially it was all about guitarists such as Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson, Brownie McGhee, Josh White and Leadbelly. However once he heard the sounds of boogie woogie piano giants Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson and Meade Lux Lewis, his desire to play in that style was all he could think of. At the age of 14 when he went to Manchester’s Junior School of Art, he had access to a piano for the first time and he began to learn the basics, as well as mastering the guitar and a couple of years later, the harmonica, inspired by Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson and Little Walter.

In a career spanning over half a century he has released 60 albums and contributed to the rock-blues scene more than any other musician in history and continues to actively record, this summer releasing his first new studio album in five years, entitled A Special Life.

It was recorded last November at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood and was produced byJohn himself, with co-production, engineering and mixing by Eric Corne. It looked back to his roots, with an eclectic mix of songs centered in the blues, with diversions into rock and Americana.
“I’m pleased to still be making records,” he laughs. “I still have that fire to go into the studio and make something happen.”

On the tour, as on the new album, he’s joined by Texas guitarist Rocky Athas and a Chicago-based rhythm section of Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums.  The current line-up came together five years ago for his last studio album, Tough, and has developed over the years through consistent touring around the world.For the UK tour he will supported by special guest artist, King King. Having won twice Best Blues Band Award at the British Blues Awards, the Glasgow four piece led by vocalist/guitarist Alan Nimmo have had rave reviews for what critics have called their first two classic albums.

“They are great, and I think you’ll like the band too, there’s a good mix in there, we bounce well off each other.”  Being in John’s band is something of a badge of honour. 
Throughout the 60s, the Bluesbreakers, acted as a finishing school for the leading blues-rock musicians of the day. Guitarists Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor joined his merry band in a remarkable succession, honing their skills before going on to join Cream, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones. But it didn’t stop there. John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Jack Bruce and John Almond all played and recorded with Mayall in the 60s.

“I’ve been very lucky to get to do what I love for so long,” he says. “I think 80 years – wow that sounds like a lot. And I suppose it is. But it hasn’t felt like that because I’ve been enjoying myself so much along the way.  “What is it they say? Time flies when you’re having fun. I’ve certainly had a lot of fun.”  John Mayall plays Southport Theatre on November 12.

By Jade Wright