Following the passing of his mentor, Eric Clapton sends a devastating message: “I love you, and I’ll see you soon.”
After John Mayall passed away on Tuesday, rock icon Eric Clapton posted an emotional statement on social media on Wednesday.
Mayall, a 90-year-old British blues artist, was chosen to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. And Clapton really launched his career in Mayall’s Bluesbreakers band.
The video that Clapton uploaded on X, the former Twitter platform, featured him saying, “I want to say a few words about my friend John, who I learned passed away last night or sometime yesterday.” “I want to thank you for saving me from what God knows—mostly from oblivion. He contacted me when I was a young man, about the age of 18, 19, and asked me to join his band. I stayed with him and learnt from him, and at that point I chose to give up music.
In terms of technique and motivation to perform the kind of music he loves to play, he added, “I learned everything I really have to draw on today.” “I conducted all of my study in his house, among his records, and on the Chicago blues, about which he was an immense authority. And it was an amazing opportunity for me to perform with Huey and John in his band for a few years. He showed me that it was acceptable to just play the music you wanted to play, without trying to impress other people or look good. He was not just my mentor but also a surrogate parent, teaching me to listen to my inner voice and reasons.
Clapton continued to shower him with sincere praise.
He added, “He taught me everything I really know and gave me the courage and enthusiasm to express myself without boundaries or fear.” “And I want to make up for it since all I gave him in return was how much fun it was to drink and womanize while he was already a family guy that I carried out that action during his lifetime, and it is evident that I have since realized that is not the ideal course of action.
“I will miss him,” he continued. “I hope to see him on the other side, but I will miss him.” Thus, John, thank you. I promise to see you soon since I adore you, but not quite yet. Like they say in the movie Gladiator. May God reward you. I’m grateful.
According to Rolling Stone, before joining Cream, Clapton only recorded one album with Mayall’s group in 1966, “Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton.”
On his Instagram account on Tuesday, Mayall revealed his passing.
The tweet stated, “On Monday, July 22, 2024, John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home, surrounded by his loving family.” “One of the greatest road warriors in history has found peace after health issues forced him to end his incredible touring career.”
