Eric Clapton Pays Massive Tribute To John Mayall
via Eric Clapton / Youtube
Eric Clapton recently paid tribute to the late John Mayall, acknowledging the profound impact the blues legend had on his career. Clapton reflected on his time with Mayall’s Blues Breakers, where he honed his guitar skills alongside future Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie and drummer Hughie Flint. Mayall, who passed away at age 90 on July 22, was not only a mentor but a life-changing influence on Clapton.
In an emotional video tribute, Clapton shared, “I want to say thank you, chiefly, for rescuing me from oblivion… when I was a young man around the age of 18 or 19, when I decided I was going to quit music.” Clapton recalled how Mayall took him in, offering him a place in his band and an invaluable education in music.
“He found me and took me into his home, and asked me to join his band; and I stayed with him; and I learned all that I really have to draw on today in terms of technique and desire to play the kind of music I love to play.”
Clapton continued, “I did all my research in his home in his record collection – the Chicago blues that he was such an expert on.” Playing alongside Mayall, Clapton absorbed lessons that shaped his entire career.
“He taught me that it was okay to just play the music you wanted to play without dressing it up or making anybody else like it… to listen to myself, to my inner motivations.”
Eric Clapton’s Need for Reconciliation with John Mayall
Despite his deep gratitude, Clapton admitted he had regrets.
“He was my mentor; and, as a surrogate father, he taught me all I really know, and gave me the courage and enthusiasm to express myself without fear, without limit. And all I gave him in return was [to illustrate] how much fun it was to drink and womanize when he was already a family man. I wished to make amends for that – and I did that while he was alive.”
In closing, Clapton expressed his sorrow at Mayall’s passing, saying, “I shall miss him, but I hope to see him on the other side.” Directly addressing Mayall once more, he concluded:
“Thank you, John. I love you; I’ll see you soon, but not yet. Not yet, as they say in the Gladiator movie.”
