A live celebration of one of the most important albums in British blues history, performed by a band with a direct connection to the original recording.
Formed to mark the 60th anniversary of John Mayall’s Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton, Sonny Flint’s Beano Bluesbreakers, is a tribute to one of the most influential recordings in British blues history. The project is dedicated to faithfully recreating the sound, feel and musical intent of the original album, which helped define the UK’s electric blues movement.
The band’s approach is rooted in authenticity, and its performances closely follow the original arrangements, with careful attention paid to tone, dynamics, and period detail. Neil Roberts recreates Eric Clapton’s landmark guitar work using Gibson guitars and Marshall amplifiers, while Sonny Flint plays a vintage Premier 54 Outfit drum kit consistent with the era. Vintage keyboard sounds, bass tones and harmonica complete a sound palette designed to reflect the character of the original sessions.
The project is further distinguished by its direct musical heritage. Sonny Flint is the son of Hughie Flint, the original drummer on the album, bringing a rare generational connection to the music itself. Vocalist Laine Hines is the son of Denny Laine, whose work with The Moody Blues and Wings places him firmly within the lineage of British blues and rock. These connections add depth and perspective to a project built on respect, understanding and lived experience.
As the album reaches its 60th anniversary, Sonny Flint’s Beano Bluesbreakers offers audiences the opportunity to hear this landmark recording performed in full, plus additional songs from the original live set, with precision, restraint and deep reverence for its place in music history.
Sonny Flint — Drums
Sonny Flint began drumming at the age of thirteen, inspired by his father, Hughie Flint, the original drummer on John Mayall’s Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton. Since then, he has built a wide-ranging career across rock and blues, including tours of the UK, Germany, Holland and the US with Martin Turner (ex-Wishbone Ash). He is now working with veteran singer-songwriter Claire Hamill as part of the Claire Hamill Band.
Laine Hines — Vocals & Harmonica
Laine Hines is a blues-rooted vocalist and harmonica player with a powerful, soulful delivery. Son of Denny Laine, he brings an innate musical instinct shaped by heritage, while firmly establishing his own authentic voice. His singing captures the spirit, phrasing and emotional honesty essential to the Bluesbreakers sound.
Neil Roberts — Guitar
Neil Roberts has spent much of the last decade immersed in the music of Eric Clapton, performing across the UK and Europe in acclaimed tribute projects and working alongside legendary Cream lyricist Pete Brown. A dedicated student of the Beano era, Neil brings both technical authority and deep stylistic understanding to the Bluesbreakers’ classic repertoire. His passion for vintage Gibsons, early Marshall amps and mid-60s Mod aesthetics completes the picture.
Pete Billing — Bass
Pete Billing is a highly experienced bassist whose musical journey spans blues, R&B, funk, soul, jazz and rock. Having played hundreds of gigs across London and the South East, he brings a deep groove and broad musical perspective to the band. His career highlights include sharing stages with major artists and jamming with true rock legends—experience he now channels back into the blues where it all began.
Rick Pentecost — Keyboards
Rick Pentecost has devoted his life to music, combining a long-standing career as a professional piano tuner to world-class artists, with decades of performance across a wide range of bands and styles. From early ska and blues projects to numerous high-profile tribute acts, his versatility and musical depth are unmistakable. A lifelong blues enthusiast, Rick sees the Beano material as a natural and exciting musical home.
Greg Heath — Saxophone
Originally from Auckland, New Zealand and based in the UK since 1989, Greg Heath is an internationally experienced saxophonist, composer and bandleader. Over a distinguished career he has performed and recorded with artists including Dr John, Van Morrison, Joan Armatrading and Roy Ayers, while maintaining strong roots in jazz, blues and popular music. His expressive playing and improvisational flair bring an additional dimension to the Beano Bluesbreakers, reflecting the jazz influences that were such an important part of the original band's sound.
