John Mayall – Second Generation: Live Magic 1968–1993 Box Set Review
If you’ve been following Now Spinning Magazine, you’ll know I recently covered the epic First Generation box set from Madfish – a lavishly curated celebration of John Mayall’s studio and early live work. And now, as promised, we’re stepping into the wild, raw, and blues-drenched terrain of the Second Generation: Live Magic 1968–1993.
This set is a very different beast.
Housed in a more rustic, bootleg-inspired package, this 30-CD set is built for fans who want it all. The presentation is still unmistakably Madfish – a weighty hardback book filled with essays by Gaz Mayall (John’s son), Russell Beecher, rare photos, memorabilia, and full gig listings. But unlike the more pristine polish of the First Generation, this collection goes for grit and immersion.
All 30 CDs are previously unreleased live recordings, covering 24 different shows. This is not a “best of”—this is a raw audio documentary capturing Mayall’s evolution on stage with guitar legends like Mick Taylor, Harvey Mandel, Walter Trout, and Coco Montoya.
Who’s This For?
Let me be blunt. This set is not aimed at the casual fan. If you’re just discovering John Mayall, go listen to Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, The Turning Point, or Bare Wires first. This set is for those of you who already own First Generation, who collect Mayall live tapes, who want the full picture—warts, wonders, and all.
Madfish are upfront about the quality. Some recordings were taken from FM broadcasts or the sound desk, others are clearly audience tapes. In the book, they even describe some tracks as “mediocre recordings.” That could be a red flag for some, especially with a price tag north of £250. As someone with sensitive ears and a low tolerance for bootleg audio, I approached this with caution.
The Sound Quality? Surprisingly Varied – And That’s the Point
I sorted the CDs into three tiers:
Tier One: Rougher audience recordings. Some minor distortion, tape hiss, or a distant mix—but the performances still shine through.
Tier Two: FM radio or desk recordings with good balance. Easy to adjust to.
Tier Three: Professional-sounding sets that could easily pass for official releases.
And in that third category? Some absolute gems. Mayall’s band is electric, and guitarists like Walter Trout and Mick Taylor are on fire. You get jamming, solos, and the thrill of hearing blues legends tearing it up live in venues across the world.
For completists, having this much unreleased material in one place is a dream come true.
Packaging and Presentation
The packaging has its quirks. The CDs sit in gatefold sleeves, but the design means discs can slide into the same compartment if not handled carefully. There’s no protective inner sleeves (unlike some past Madfish releases), which might raise eyebrows given the price. However, the overall build and presentation are still impressive—and the book is packed with loving detail.
Final Thoughts
This is a labour of love. John Mayall himself was involved in planning this release before his passing, and the royalties go directly to his family. Madfish have created something honest, imperfect, passionate, and deeply respectful.
If you’re the kind of fan who wants to go on holiday with an artist, who relishes deep listening and musical archaeology—this is for you. If you’re looking for hi-fi perfection, maybe not.
As always, trust your ears. And if you’re on the fence, listen to what you can, ask questions, and weigh your expectations. I was pleasantly surprised.
Music is the healer and the doctor. Keep spinning those discs.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
