I SPOKE to John Mayall OBE at his home in Los Angeles (from my home in Basingstoke).

He moved there in 1969 and it’s now his 'home' in every sense.

Mayall was born in Macclesfield and grew up in Bramall in Greater Manchester. He put together the first of his bands, the Bluesbreakers in 1963 and went on to become the ‘Godfather of British Blues’.

Throughout the ‘60s, the Bluesbreakers acted as a finishing school for the leading blues-rock musicians of the day. Guitarists Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor joined his band in a remarkable succession in the mid ‘60s, honing their skills before going on to join Cream, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones.

In a career spanning over half a century, he has released 60 albums and contributed to the rock-blues scene more than any other musician in history and continues to actively record, releasing his first new studio album in five years A Special Life earlier this year.

And 2014 has also been marked in a significant way with his year-long world tour in celebration of his 80th anniversary. Its 34 UK dates include a Basingstoke gig at The Anvil on October 25, during which he’ll be supported by King King.

Having won twice Best Blues Band Award at the British Blues Awards, the latter Glasgow four piece are led by vocalist/guitarist Alan Nimmo.

Those with long musical memories might recall that John is no stranger to the town. The Bluesbreakers played some eight times in Basingstoke in1965 and included Eric Clapton on at least five of the appearances.

One of the advertisements which appeared in The Gazette at the time declared them to be the Galaxy Club's resident group!

Sadly, John told me that has no particular memories of his eight appearances in Basingstoke in 1965 and declined my invitation to visit the Town Hall (so no 'Mayall meets Mayor') saying: “We run a very tight ship. The tour itinerary is calculated to the minute. On tour, we never get time for sight-seeing or shopping.”

He did tell me about his A Special Life, which features his current band, who’ve been together for six years. John says that all the songs are first or second takes and that the entire album was recorded in three days. He describes the band as a “well-oiled machine”.

Surprisingly, he does not admit to owning a huge record collection. He says he has a few that he has acquired down the years but never actively looks for them.

John Mayall will turn 81 on November 29, just after the anniversary tour comes to an end at Ronnie Scott's Club on November 26.

He did tell me that he has written an autobiography, but he is not sure when it might appear. Presumably it will have to be scrutinized by publishers and lawyers on its way to print.

*See John Mayall in The Anvil on Saturday, October 25 at 7.45pm. Tickets priced £30.50 are available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.