Mick Fleetwood pays tribute to “musical father” John Mayall

Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood has paid tribute to late British blues legend John Mayall, who passed away Tuesday.

Fleetwood was once a member of Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Although the stint lasted less that a year, this is where the drummer met two fellow members of his own group, Peter Green and John McVie.

Other musicians that have received a platform through the Bluesbreakers include Eric Clapton and more.

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“The news of John Mayall’s passing … in many ways hit me as losing a musical father!,” Fleetwood wrote on social media Wednesday. “John Mayall was a guiding light to so many of us young English players!

“To have spent time as part of his band the Blues Breakers led the three of us, Peter Green, John McVie, and myself to form Fleetwood Mac back in 1967!! He is owed much gratitude from so many in the musical world.”

A number of other artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late blues pioneer.

"So sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing," Mick Jagger tweeted. "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."