JOHN Mayall, the Godfather of British blues, will play York Barbican on October 29 on his 80th anniversary world tour.

His 34 British shows in October and November will follow tours of the United States, Canada and Europe and the summertime release of his first studio album in five years, A Special Life, on which he goes back to his blues roots but with diversions into rock and Americana too.

The Macclesfield-born blues singer, guitarist, organist and songwriter, who turned 80 on November 29 last year, is joined on the road by Texan guitarist Rocky Athas and the Chicago rhythm section of bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport .

Mayall put together his first of his bands, The Bluesbreakers, in1963, since when he has released 60 albums. The Bluesbreakers acted as a finishing school for the leading British blues-rock musicians of the day, such as guitarists Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor in the mid-1960s, who honed their skills before going on to join Cream, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones respectively. John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Jack Bruce all played and recorded with Mayall in the Sixties too.

For his 2014 British tour, Mayall will be supported by Alan Nimmo's Glasgow four-piece, King King, twice winners of the Best Blues Band Award at the British Blues Awards. For tickets, ring 0844 854 2757 or book online at yorkbarbican.co.uk