John Mayall, revered as the 'father of British blues', has passed away peacefully at the age of 90, his family has confirmed. Fans have paid emotional tributes to the much-loved musician.

The British blues pioneer was honoured in an emotional tribute as his family announced the news on social media.

In an online message, they stated: "It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home yesterday, 22 July 2024, surrounded by loving family.

"Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world's greatest road warriors."

The post continued: "John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain."

The Macclesfield-born and Manchester-raised musician is credited with helping to create a blues revival and is often described as the "father of British blues".

Mayall founded the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s. Following their 1966 album featuring Eric Clapton, the band has been acclaimed by critics as one of the world's most influential.

The group are also considered a training ground for other rock musicians such as Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood.

Despite releasing more than 30 albums and performing into his late 80s, he never reached the level of fame as some of his alumni.

Addressing this, he said in 2013: "I've never had a hit record, I never won a Grammy Award, and Rolling Stone has never done a piece about me."

Speaking to the Santa Barbara Independent, he added: "I'm still an underground performer."

Paying tribute, many have taken to social media to share their sadness at the news. One person penned: "Beautiful figure, this talented man. RIP John Mayall. John Mayall, pioneering figure of British blues, dies aged 90."

"RIP British blues pioneer John Mayall, who made some very, very good records," a second added.

"Rest in Peace to the legendary Blues great John Mayall gone at 90 years of age. A literal giant of the great British blues boom of the 1960s whose impact is felt to this very day. #RIP #theblues #JohnMayall," another shared.

A fourth wrote: "Thanks for all the therapy #RIP ‘The blues allows you to express yourself fully and honestly. It's like therapy for the soul.’ John Mayall."

"Another music legend has passed away. John Mayall was a massive pivotal influence on the British Blues music scene. I was lucky enough to see him live and he was superb. His catalogue of music is immense and I will play these two albums today. RIP John and thanks for the music," another reflected.

"John Mayall was a massively important musician for blues. Launching the careers of Eric Clapton, Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones) and more, it's impossible to say how different British blues and blues rock would be without him. RIP," someone else added.