Legendary British blues pioneer John Mayall passed away earlier this week at the age of 90. Mayall will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year. He is credited with helping develop the English style of rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the 1960s, with his influential band the Bluesbreakers being a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars. He was also a huge influence on Rush's Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the latter of whom guested on Mayall's 2019 album Nobody Told Me. Geddy Lee posted the following tribute to his Instagram earlier today alongside a photo of the Crusade album cover that he mentions:
The great John Mayall passed away this week - he was a major influence on early Rush - Alex, John and myself listened to his albums over and over again. This one in particular - Crusade - which featured the incredible guitar work of Mick Taylor on songs like "Driving' Sideways" and Snowy Wood". John was a relatively unsung hero who boosted the careers of so many great players. In 2014, I had the singular pleasure of being introduced to him by his fabulous bassist Greg Rzab. I was thrilled. RIP John - and thank you ...
