John Mayall Interview
By George Burrows
March 11,2011
John Mayall has been a cornerstone of the blues for decades, continually touring and evolving his sound while mentoring generations of musicians.
How long have you been on the road, playing live?
I started in 1962 and have been going along creatively ever since. It is one aspect that gives me great satisfaction. The current lineup of Rocky Athas on guitar, Greg Rzab on bass guitar and Jay Davenport on drums has been with me since 2009 and gives me great energy that can be heard on the latest album, TOUGH.
You have had countless bands and band configurations. What usually dictates change and what is the average life of a touring band?
There is no average time that any one lineup stays together. It always depends on the creative process which is ever ongoing.
Could you tell us about your current band and how long they have been with you?
Today’s lineup fulfills every aspect of my work. Very high energy and of course exceptional expertise on their respective instruments. We have been together now since the beginning of 2009 and it seems we go from strength to strength. Originally organist Tom Canning was on board but after he left we have found new excitement in the dynamics of a four piece lineup.
If you could change one thing in the music world and it would become a reality, what would that be?
I don’t really have an answer to that one. As long as there is an audience for the blues in all media I think we are in good shape. We look forward to seeing you in Iowa. It’s been a long time but we’ll sure make up for it when we hit the stage.
John Mayall
March 27, 2011 — Riverside, Iowa
Drummers with John Mayall (Selected Lineups)
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Hughie Flint — Bluesbreakers drummer, 1960s
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Keef Hartley — Bluesbreakers drummer, late 1960s
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Mick Fleetwood — Brief tenure with the Bluesbreakers before forming Fleetwood Mac
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Colin Allen — Drummer in Mayall’s early 1970s bands
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Joe Yuele — Longtime touring drummer in Mayall’s later U.S. lineups
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Jay Davenport — Drummer in Mayall’s band during the 2009–2011 period
In Memory of John Mayall
John Mayall, the pioneering British blues musician whose band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers helped launch the careers of Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, died on July 22, 2024, at the age of 90. According to family statements reported by major news outlets, Mayall passed away peacefully at his home in California after ongoing health issues that had led him to retire from touring.
Sources: The Guardian, July 23, 2024; Associated Press obituary reports, July 23, 2024.