Now 80, John Mayall says performing “only gets better with age” and the number of gigs he still does every year is “crazy”.

“There’s never been a moment I have thought of giving it up.”

Sporting the formidable title ‘Godfather of British Blues’ and an OBE, he is regarded by many as the genre’s most influential artist and he will be coming to St Albans next week with support from King King, crowned Best Blues Band for two years running at the British Blues Awards.

John’s love of music started at home in Macclesfield, Cheshire in the ‘30s.

“I grew up in a house with music. My father had a great record collection and being around that I got interested.

“It was a gradual thing, you do it to express yourself and it’s something that becomes part of you.

“There was no eureka moment.”

But he didn’t start playing professionally until he was 30, saying: “Until that time there wasn’t an audience for blues music.”

But once he did, he quickly rose up through the club ranks and his pioneering band The Bluesbreakers, was offered it’s frst recording contract in the ‘60s. John went on to launch the careers of band members Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green and Mick Taylor.

“Anybody who I have chosen to work with me is obviously a unique talent. I would say I have had a good eye for spotting budding talent.”

Now, 45 albums later, John is still going strong and in May released his latest offering A Special Life to coincide with his 80th anniversary tour.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Sunday, October 19, 7.30pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk