Eric Clapton has honored his “mentor,” blues and rock legend John Mayall, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Clapton, who was a member of Mayall’s band the Bluebreakers before achieving solo fame, expressed his gratitude and admiration in a heartfelt video posted to Instagram.
“Thank you, John, for rescuing me from oblivion and God knows what when I was a young man around the age of 18, 19, when I decided that I was gonna quit music,” Clapton said. “He found me and took me into his home and asked me to join his band. I stayed with him and learned all that I really have to draw on for today in terms of technique and desire to play the kind of music I love to play.”
Clapton described playing in Mayall’s band as “a fantastic experience,” emphasizing that Mayall taught him it was “OK just to play the music you wanted to play.” He added, “He was my mentor and a surrogate father. He taught me all I really know and gave me the courage and enthusiasm to express myself without fear, without limit.”
Reflecting on his influence, Clapton acknowledged a less savory aspect of their time together. “All I taught Mayall was drinking and womanizing,” he noted, adding, “I wish to make amends for that. I did that while he was alive and I have obviously since learned that is not the best way to carry on.”
Clapton concluded his tribute with a hopeful message: “I shall miss him, but I hope to see him on the other side. Thank you, John. I love you, I’ll see you soon, but not yet, as they say in the Gladiator movie.”
Other music legends also paid their respects. The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood shared tributes on social media, as did Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler. John Mayall’s legacy as a pivotal figure in blues and rock music continues to be celebrated by those who were fortunate enough to know him and learn from him.
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