Warmly regarded as the Godfather of the British Blues, John Mayall will be bringing his unique take to the Astor Theatre on Thursday, April 23, 2020 for a Bluesfest side show. The tour is a chance to witness the works of a pioneer of blues music; and to witness a musician who is still prevalent in the music scene after more than 50 years. If you’re a fan of Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac or The Rolling Stones, then you have already seen the impact of his legacy.
At the prime age of 86, they say the English-born blues artist is nowhere close to retiring. In 2018, Mayall released his 64th album Nobody Told Me, which featured guest appearances from Alex Lifeson, Joe Bonamassa, Todd Rundgren and Steve Van Zandt. And in 2016, he had released Talk About That with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joe Walsh from The Eagles. Mayall has won many accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Blues Matter, an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen’s Honours’ list and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame.
The greatest success for a blues musician, however, is the artists he has mentored. Mayall created the band Bluesbreakers in 1963, which included numerous musical greats, including the legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green and Mick Taylor. His tutelage continues to this day, with his band featuring blues up-and-comers and his hopes of having his own blues masterclass in 2020.
Despite his age, and the fact that he had to cancel a US tour in 2018 due to pneumonia – which he has since recovered from – the Godfather is ready to bless us with his musical talent for what could be the last time in Perth.
John Mayall plays the Astor Theatre Thursday, April 23, 2020. Ticket from Bluesfest Touring website.
