Day music died...stars’ tributes to Chuck Berry
FROM the Rolling Stones to hard rock group Kiss, tributes flooded in yesterday for one of rock’n’roll’s greatest pioneers, Chuck Berry, who died at the age of 90.
They shared their sadness over the death of the Johnny B Goode singer.
Before going on stage in Las Vegas, Sir Rod Stewart said: “It started with Chuck Berry. The first album I ever bought was Chuck’s Live At The Tivoli and I was never the same. He was more than a legend, he was a founding father. You can hear his influence in every rock’n’roll band from my generation on. I’ve been performing his Sweet Little Rock & Roller since 1974 and tonight when my band and I perform it at Caesars Palace, it’ll be for Chuck Berry.”
The Rolling Stones said they were “deeply saddened”, adding: “Berry was not only a brilliant guitarist, singer and performer, but most importantly, he was a master craftsman as a songwriter. His songs will live for ever.”
Berry played an important role in the making of The Stones. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards rekindled their friendship on a train platform as they discussed the Berry Rockin’ At The Hops record Jagger was holding. “One of my big lights has gone out,” said Richards.
Sir Mick Jagger said: “I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us.
“He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers.
“His lyrics shone above others and threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck you were amazing and your music is engraved inside us forever.” Kinks star Dave Davies heralded Berry’s death on Saturday as “the day music died”, saying that Berry was “probably the most important influence” in his life.
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr said: “RIP and peace and love Chuck Berry Mr Rock ’ n’ Roll Music.”
Kiss guitarist Gene Simmons said he was one of the founding fathers of rock‘n’roll.
Berry died at his home in Missouri. His career spanned over 60 years but his 1972 single My Ding-A-Ling was his only UK and US number one hit.