John Mayall: Pioneer of British blues dies aged 90

At the same time he recruited Eric Clapton, who had just quit the Yardbirds over their decision to abandon the blues for a more commercial style.

The presence of Clapton, already an acknowledged star, raised the profile of Mayall's band.

However, the frequent arrival and departure of musicians began to dog the Bluesbreakers.

Clapton made an unannounced three-month trip to Greece in August 1965, leaving Mayall with the problem of finding a new guitarist.

His troubles multiplied in October when bassist John McVie was fired, because of his heavy drinking; he was replaced by Jack Bruce.

Mayall finally found a guitarist in Peter Green, who spent just three days as a Bluesbreaker before Eric Clapton returned and Green was summarily dismissed.

At the same time Jack Bruce walked out after a row over his wages and Mayall was forced to rehire John McVie.

In March 1966, Decca was persuaded to re-sign the Bluesbreakers and they recorded what would be Mayall's first studio album.

Determined to cash in on the popularity of his talented guitarist, the album was entitled, Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton.

Fans would later dub it The Beano Album because of the comic Clapton is shown reading on the record cover.

The album was well received, reaching sixth place in the charts and providing Mayall with the commercial breakthrough that had previously eluded him.