John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers

[althrax]

Dear Fans and Friends:
As reports about the disbanding of the Bluesbreakers have been
circulating since the end of the last European tour, I have to
apologize for not announcing and confirming it sooner. Physically and
emotionally it has been a tough decision to make. The main reason is
that at age seventy five I want to cut back on my usual heavy workload
and also give myself freedom to work with other musicians if and when
I feel like it. Needless to say this doesnÂ't mean IÂ'll be abandoning
the blues but rather hoping to expand on it through guest appearances
and in the company with other musicians. Meanwhile I canÂ't thank Joe,
Hank and Buddy enough for all the great contributions theyÂ've made to
my musical journey thus far. It has been a great ride indeed.

In February I will be joining my friend Mark Hummel to take part in
another of his blues harmonica tours of the west coast and my new band
members for 2009 will be announced in due course after IÂ've taken
some time off to re-evaluate. This has been a difficult announcement
to make, but I hope you will all understand and look forward to what
new music I will have to offer in the new year.

-- John Mayall

[Mark Kane]

Whoa! time to rest. The list of fiddlers in his band boggles the mind. I hope he enjoys the rest of his time.

[stuagu]

met john three or four years ago at a gig, very friendly & humble fellow. his work load reduction is well deserved & i wish him the rest of the bluesbreakers well. johns place in the britsh blues movement & subsequently the world blues scene hierarchy is assured. his promotion of blues was fantastic & as has been mentioned, the players that have come & gone have been incredible,
this sounds like an obituary... its not meant to,
keep the blues alive fella!

[thewhit]

Very few have kept the pace nor attracted such accomplished band members as John Mayall. The best to John and his new band and projects in 2009.

BTW I didn't realize that he was 75 years old. He deserves some kick back time.

[tdarian]

Finally, at age 75, a mid-life crisis! What a brilliant career so far, and what a heck of a nice guy. The list of great musicians who have bubbled up to the surface under John's guidance is legendary.