The Devil Must Be Laughing

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "The Devil Must Be Laughing" by John Mayall from his album Talk About That, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful blues. This track, a standout from the 2017 release, features a stellar collaboration with legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who laid down electrifying guitar work on the song. Mayall shared a juicy tidbit about how this came together: the day before recording, he got word through the studio owner that Walsh wanted to drop by and play on a track or two. Mayall, thrilled at the prospect, welcomed Walsh, who arrived at noon, listened once, plugged in, and nailed the song in one take, followed quickly by a second track, "Cards on the Table." With a smile and a quick photo, Walsh was off, leaving the studio buzzing with excitement. Walsh himself called it a bucket-list moment, having idolized Mayall since 1970 for his work with the Bluesbreakers, which introduced him to guitar greats like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor.

The song itself is a poignant reflection of Mayall’s knack for weaving timely social commentary into his blues. "The Devil Must Be Laughing" tackles the grim political and world climate of the time, with lyrics addressing intolerance, mass murder, and unnecessary wars. Its dark, ominous tone is amplified by Walsh’s searing guitar, perfectly matching the song’s heavy themes. Critics have praised it as a blues masterpiece, with Live for Live Music calling it “splendid” and noting how Walsh’s playing gives “heat to the devil.” The track’s intensity, driven by Mayall’s soulful vocals and Hammond organ, makes it a powerful moment on the album, which was recorded in just seven days at House of Blues Studio in Encino, California, showcasing Mayall’s enduring agility at age 83.

John Mayall, often hailed as the “Godfather of British Blues,” began his musical journey in the late 1950s in England, where he was born on November 29, 1933. Growing up in Macclesfield, Cheshire, he was drawn to the raw, emotive sounds of Chicago-style blues, which became the foundation for his band, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. After serving in the British Army and studying at Manchester College of Art, Mayall started playing gigs in London, forming the Bluesbreakers in the early 1960s. The band became a launching pad for iconic musicians, including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Jack Bruce, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, many of whom went on to form Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and join The Rolling Stones. Mayall’s early albums, like 1966’s Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (known as the “Beano album”), were pivotal in sparking a blues revival, raising awareness for Black blues artists in the U.S. and beyond.

Mayall’s career spans over 60 albums, with his sound evolving from jazzy experiments to a steadfast return to gritty blues. His move to Los Angeles in the late 1960s broadened his influence, and he continued to mentor new talent while touring relentlessly. Even in his 80s, Mayall remained vibrant, releasing albums like Talk About That and The Sun Is Shining Down before retiring from touring in 2022. He passed away on July 22, 2024, leaving a towering legacy, recognized with a 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Musical Influence Award and a Grammy nomination. Fans can dive into his world through his official website, connect on Facebook, follow updates on Instagram, or join the conversation on X. For deeper fan engagement, check out the John Mayall Fans Facebook group, a lively hub for Zoo Freaks and blues lovers to share their passion for the blues baron’s timeless music.