Eric Clapton paid tribute to his friend and “mentor” John Mayall on social media Wednesday, following the Bluesbreakers legend’s passing at the age of 90.
The guitar god known as “Slowhand” was one of several outstanding musicians who got instruction under Mayall’s leadership as frontman of the Bluesbreakers. Clapton joined the group as lead guitarist after leaving the Yardbirds, when he was at a personal crossroads.
“I’d like to thank you, first and foremost, for saving me from oblivion and god knows what else. In his video homage to Mayall, Clapton remarked, “I was a young man, about 18 or 19, when I decided I was going to quit music.”
“He found me, took me into his home, and invited me to join his band. I stayed with him, and I learnt everything I need to know about technique and the drive to play the music I enjoy. I conducted all of my research at his home, in his record collection.
Clapton released one album with Mayall’s band, 1966’s Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton, before leaving to create Cream; Clapton was eventually replaced in the Bluesbreakers by Peter Green, who later founded Fleetwood Mac with Mayall veterans McVie and Mick.
Other former Bluesbreakers in Mayall’s influential group were Jack Bruce, Free’s Andy Fraser, Canned Heat’s Harvey Mandel, Jesse Ed Davis, and Mick Taylor, who eventually joined the Rolling Stones on Mayall’s recommendation; Mick Jagger noted this in his own homage to Mayall on Wednesday.
“So sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing,” Jagger wrote. “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.”
Clapton, who referred to Mayall as his “mentor,” continued, “I played with his band for a couple of years, with Hughie [Flint, drummer] and John [McVie, bassist], and it was a fantastic experience.” He showed me that it was good to simply play the music you wanted to play without trying to make it appealing to others. “To listen to myself.”
“He taught me everything I know and given me the strength and excitement to express myself fearlessly and without limitations. And all I gave him in exchange was how much fun it was to drink and womanize when he already had a family. “I want to make amends for that,” Clapton remarked near the end of his tribute. “I’ll miss him, but I’m hoping to see him on the other side.” Thank you, John. I love you, and I’ll see you soon, but not yet.
