He lit up our teenage years and blew life into our dreams
Mick Jagger on the lasting influence of Chuck Berry
gave to us. He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers.
“Chuck, you were amazing and your music is engraved inside us forever.”
Bandmate Ronnie Wood said of the guitarist’s death: “He was one of the best and my inspiration, a true character indeed.”
And Keith Richards wrote: “One of my big lights has gone out.”
The Kinks’ frontman Sir Ray Davies said: “Without Chuck Berry there would have been no roll to rock to. He is one of America’s great poets.”
US rocker Bruce Springsteen wrote: “Chuck Berry was rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock’n’roll writer who ever lived.” It wasn’t just the world of music who paid tribute to Berry.
Former president Barack Obama said he “rolled over everyone who came before him – and turned up everyone who came after”. He added: “We’ll miss you, Chuck. Be good.”
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys also tweeted: “I am so sad to hear about Chuck Berry passing – a big inspiration. He will be missed by everyone who loves rock’n’roll. Love and Mercy.”
The Animals singer Eric Burdon – who toured the UK with Berry in 1964 – said: “A lot of people had different opinions of him, but he was very kind to me.” Berry’s life was not without controversy and he spent time in jail for tax evasion, transporting a 14-yearold girl across state lines and robbery.
Burdon said: “One has to remember that it’s not easy being black in America so you can kind of forgive the stints in prison as just being part of the American experience.”
Berry’s website heralds his first album in 38 years, as coming “soon”.
He leaves behind his wife Themetta Suggs-Berry and four children.
His family said he was a “beloved” husband, dad, grandfather and greatgrandfather. They added: “Though his health had deteriorated recently, he spent his last days at home surrounded by the love of his family and friends.” Two women, 26 and 27, have been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan, 25, outside a bar in Brighton.