"Sonny Flint's" Beano Bluesbreakers

Event Information

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 Outfitdrum 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. An endorsement from Hughie Flint is forthcoming.

*Individual band members - Bios*

*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.