You can't teach an old dog new tricks? We beg to differ.

Musical icons like John Mayall, George Benson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Walter Trout, Patti Smith and John Prine have been out on the road for years, touring every corner of the globe, making musical history time and again and not only learning new tricks but teaching them. 

Get the low down on two of our fave music legends performing at Bluesfest Byron Bay in 2020.

John Mayall - Godfather of the British Blues

The self-confessed 'road dog' has a succession of dynamic albums under his belt and at the age of 86, there are certainly no signs of him slowing down anytime soon. Often referred to as 'The Godfather of British Blues,' John Mayall has an impressive musical career spanning over 50 years.

The English singer, pianist, harmonica player, guitarist, and songwriter is synonymous with the UK Blues scene. He founded the band, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers in the 1963, helping launch the careers of Blues and Blues-Rock musicians Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (who went on to form Cream), John McVie, Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood (who became the original Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (later guitarist for The Rolling Stones) and Walter Trout (who is also appearing at Bluesfest this year!).

Patti Smith - Godmother of Punk

One of the most influential female artists of all time, Patti Smith burst onto the New York scene in 1967 with a unique fusion of Punk, Rock and poetry. Her debut album, 'Horses' has become an iconic masterpiece, although it was her later album 'Easter' which afforded her the most commercial success and produced the anthemic single "Because The Night" (co-written with Bruce Springsteen).

In 2017, Patti Smith and her Band re-visited 'Horses' track by track, with powerful and unforgettable performances at Bluesfest and on tour in Sydney and Melbourne. She went on to win the Helpmann Award that year for Best International Contemporary Concert. She is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, recipient of the Polar Music Prize, and holds the honour of "Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres" from the French Ministry of Culture.

At the young age of 72, the best-selling author, performance poet and visual artist, and The Godmother of Punk, Patti Smith follows no-one but herself. 

Don't miss these musical legends and so many more at Bluesfest Byron Bay this Easter! Held at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm in Byron Bay, NSW from Thursday 9 April until Monday 13 April. Check out the line-up so far here.