TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a Cheshire-born music legend.

John Mayall, known as ‘the godfather of British blues’, has died aged 90.

He was perhaps best known for his influential band, the Bluesbreakers, which was a training ground for superstars such as Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood.

A statement shared on his Instagram announced Mayall died on Monday (July 22) at his home in California, surrounded by his 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," read the post.

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

Following the announcement, tributes have been paid from across the music world.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said: "So sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing.

"He was a great pioneer of British blues and had a wonderful eye for talented young musicians, including Mick Taylor - who he recommended to me after Brian Jones died - ushering in a new era for the Stones."

Steve Hackett, lead guitarist of Genesis, said: "I’m very sad to hear about the death of John Mayall.

"He was a true champion of the blues.

"He remains a huge inspiration to me and a legion of other musicians."

Mayall was born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield.

He once said: “The only reason I was born in Macclesfield was because my father was a drinker, and that’s where his favourite pub was.”

His father also played guitar and banjo, and his records of boogie-woogie piano captivated his teenage son.

Mayall said he learned to play the piano one hand at a time — a year on the left hand, a year on the right, “so I wouldn’t get all tangled up.”

While piano was his main instrument, he also performed on guitar and harmonica, as well as singing in a distinctive, strained-sounding voice.

The Bluesbreakers first formed in 1963 and over the years helped launch the careers of several musical icons, including Clapton and Jack Bruce, later of Cream; Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac; Mick Taylor, who played for five years with the Rolling Stones; and Jon Mark and John Almond, who went on to form the Mark-Almond Band.

Although Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was nominated for a Grammy for Wake Up Call which featured guest artists Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Mick Taylor and Albert Collins.

He received a second nomination in 2022 for his album The Sun Is Shining Down and was made an OBE in 2005.

Mayall was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024 and was due to be inducted later this year.

“2024 Inductee John Mayall was the godfather of British blues,” read a tribute from the awards.

“As a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader, Mayall displayed a talent for mentoring gifted young musicians, many of whom he recruited for his groundbreaking band the Bluesbreakers.

“With a rugged individuality and distinctive voice and style, he made visionary recordings that expanded the reach of the blues without ever watering them down.

“Mayall exerted a major influence on rock and roll, inspiring countless musicians and fans with a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable and influential music.”