John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers’ 1966 album, Beano, catapulted the band to critical acclaim, with music critics lauding them as the most influential blues outfit in the Western world. This documentary explores John Mayall’s illustrious and impactful career, including his role in launching the careers of several rock icons.
The film examines how Mayall not only shared the stage with a young, up-and-coming Eric Clapton but also provided a platform for future megastars like Rolling Stone Mick Taylor and Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood.
The documentary culminates in a memorable event: Mayall’s 70th birthday reunion concert, where he performed with Clapton and Taylor for the first time in 38 years at a UNICEF concert in Liverpool.
John Mayall: 40 Years of the Blues airs on Sunday 25 August 2024 at 9:50 pm on BBC Four.
