Chuck Berry Guitarist / Vocalist
I attended two Chuck Berry shows, both were at The Blueberry Hill in St Louis, Missouri in 2006.
One on 9/13/06 and the other on 10/19/06 (Mr. Berry's 80th Birthday concert show)
Chuck's autograph from the 9/13 show
His showmanship was still very sharp, inter-acting with the crowd, quick witted and then recited a 10 minute rhyming poem (because he broke a string) from memory, while Chuck Jr. restrung and tuned his Father's trade mark Gibson guitar, which was still out of tune when Mr. Roll N Roll started playing it again. When he received his Guitar back, his playing continued to be borderline horrible. Out of tune and sloppy licks in odd keys (as Chuck is know for (odd keys not sloppy playing )), even his band seemed to be caught off guard at times. Joe Perry at the 80th birthday party show couldn't find the right key to jam in while on stage with Chuck Sr. even with the help of Chuck Jr. helping him out. It was a mess!
I saw Les Paul at age 92 in NYC and his playing was exceptional and his persona sharp, wise cracking and was a true pleasure to witness live. He also did a meet & greet after the show (No Extra Charge), talking, signing autographs and taking photos with everyone.
I talked to Chuck briefly after one of his shows in the Blueberry Hill back Parking lot and he was a little standoffish. I ask him for a picture but he didn't want to take photos because the flash bothered his eyes. He was although friendly and talked to me for several minutes before he left in his Cadillac.
Regardless of his temperament on or off the stage he is an American Institution!
Chuck's Persona is very infectious and I recommend you seeing him if his tour comes near you.
Here are some Photos from the Blueberry Hill shows I attended.
From Fox KTVI News 2 St. Louis MO
| Chuck Berry in Town to Celebrate His 80th Birthday | ||
| Wednesday, 18 Oct 2006, 11:31 PM CDT | ||
|
St. Louis, MO -- Next to getting a ticket to a Cardinals game, the hottest ticket in town was for Chuck Berry's birthday party Wednesday night. The rock and roll legend is still working hard at 80 years old. Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born in St. Louis October 18, 1926 and after performing around the world he's back in his hometown for his birthday party.
|
Pictures from the show
Chuck's Star in front of the Blueberry Hill
One of the many gems at the Chuck Berry Shire as you enter the Blueberry Hill
Being interviewed by KTVI's Fox 2 Anchor/reporter Dan Gray
Owner of the Blueberry Hill Joe Edwards welcomes Aerosmith's Joe Perry. Aerosmith was playing in Kansas City the next night.
Joe introduces Chuck
Chuck did his signing about a half hour after his set. He would only sign autographs and would not take pictures.
Chuck was nice enough to sign my drawing I drew of him in 1987. Visit my drawinsg at MJM Artworks here