JOHN Mayall, the Godfather of British blues, will play the Grand Opera House, York, on October 31 on his 36-date autumn tour.

Now 83, the pioneering Macclesfield-born guitarist, singer, organist and songwriter will be showcasing his 65th album of original material, Talk About That, released in January on the Forty Below Records label.

Mayall rose to fame in the early 1960s' British blues revolution with the formation of his band John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers, whose cast of legendary members accommodated Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, and Mick Fleetwood in different line-ups of the group.

Mayall’s groundbreaking blues blend brought him acclaim in the United States too, where he was heralded for his jazz, rock and blues innovations. This culminated in his Grammy Award nomination for his 1993 album, Wake Up Call, whose personnel included guest appearances by Mick Taylor, Mavis Staples and Buddy Guy.

Awarded an OBE for his services to British music in 2005, Mayall was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. He permanently retired the Bluesbreakers name in 2008, since when he has toured in a dynamic and bold trio with George Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums.

Mayall has played York consistently over the past decade, visiting The Duchess in July 2009; York Barbican in November 2011 and the Barbican again in November 2014 on his 80th Anniversary Tour.

On October 31, his special guests will be The Buddy Whittington Band, fronted by former Bluesbreaker Buddy Whittington. Tickets are on sale on 0844 871 3024, at atgtickets.com/york or at flyingmusic.com/box-office/