“Thank you for rescuing me when I decided that I was going to quit music”: Eric Clapton pays emotional tribute to his Bluesbreaker bandmate and blues mentor John Mayall

On October 19, Eric Clapton and John Mayall gathered at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London for an unforgettable night of blues tribute. The occasion was a celebration of the life and music of Freddie King, a legendary guitarist and singer who passed away on March 3, 1976. Clapton and Mayall, both renowned for their own work in the blues genre, were joined by special guest Steve Lukather for an evening that honored King’s enduring legacy. The sold-out crowd was treated to an impressive display of musicianship as the three guitarists took turns playing King’s iconic songs, including ‘Hide Away,’ ‘San-Ho-Zay,’ and ‘The Stumble.’ Clapton opened the show with a rousing performance of ‘Hide Away’ before handing over to Mayall for his own take on the song. Lukather then joined the duo for an electrifying rendition of ‘San-Ho-Zay.’ The evening continued in this manner, each guitarist taking their turn to pay tribute to King’s music. A highlight of the night was a trio performance of ‘The Stumble,’ which featured Clapton, Mayall, and Lukather trading licks and showcasing their mastery of King’s distinctive style. After the main performance, the three guitarists returned to the stage for an encore that included ‘Hide Away’ once more. The evening concluded with a standing ovation from the packed audience, a testament to the enduring impact of Freddie King’s music on generations of blues musicians and fans alike. In his own tribute to King during the show, Clapton praised the legendary guitarist for his unique tone and phrasing, stating that ‘Freddie King was one of the greatest guitarists I’ve ever heard.’ Mayall added, ‘He was an incredible player with a very distinctive sound.’ The event served as a fitting tribute to Freddie King’s legacy, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as a special moment in blues history.

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