No question that Chuck Berry was an absolute pioneer of rock and roll. You provided an excellent analysis of Chuck's guitar playing techniques as well as his overall performance ability. Incidently, my mother and I saw Chuck and Little Richard in concert in 2002. At one point during his performance, some people wanted to get up to dance on the stage; however security tried to stop them. Chuck said, "It's OK, let them on." I think it showed that he valued the connection with the audience. In the video you provided, I noticed Chuck doing his famous "duck walk;" he did the same at this concert--the result was what sounded like hundreds of lions roaring from the audience. When my mother and I learned of Chuck's death in 2017, my mother told me that she was glad that she got to see him in concert as she never had the chance before. To me, I was thrilled to have experienced seeing two of rock n' roll's pioneers live(both Chuck and Little Richard). Great job, Fil!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) was the Grandmother of R&R. Her song "Rock Me" was released in 1942 and a musical critic called it Rock and Roll." Another song "Strange Things Happening Every Day" came out in 1944. That was in the R&R category as well.
Practically everything he wrote was great R 'n' R. Great guitar with those double stops, rhythm, lyrics and vocals. Many of his exciting classics were covered by thousands of other artists, even in other languages, this must be testament to Chucks appealing sound. Love your analysis, especially of my favourites, great to watch.
When John Lennon and Keith Richards both point to one guy, that guy must be THE guy! A great guitarist has to have an identifiable sound and when you listen to Chuck Berry's Greatest Hits, every song is perfect. I can't think of any other greatest hits albums that are so classic. Chuck Berry's influenced the progression of Rock and Roll like no other player. Your comments about Chuck were spot on. I can't think of any Post-50's guitarist that didn't cut their teeth on his songs! Great video! RIP Chuck Berry!
You can tell Chuck's in his own little world, but at the same time he's still relating to the band. He used to throw big parties for the public at his home in Wentzville, Missouri, and a friend of mine who went to those said they were fantastic because of him and his band. Rock on, Chuck!
My granddaughter is graduating from college this year and will be an elementary school Music teacher. She'll barely make enough money to keep a roof over her head and feed herself, but she has a passion to help young people love music!! She was herself in elementary school when she decided what she wanted to do with her life. My only advice to her was - listen to everything! Every piece of music of every kind ever composed deserves a listen. You never know what you will love until you hear it. So many kids her age are only interested in one type of music. She's like you and what's great about you Fil, is you listen to anything and everything. That's how you learn.
Phil Phil Phil... you are the greatest. You being an exceptional guitarist without the snobbiness is rare. You review all styles of playing and genre with the same respect, for the lack of a better word. But who else can analyze riffs and such but another exceptional guitar player, right?
sammy beck.. i couldn agree with u more.. i loves fil`s way.. i dont want to say he likes everything, i dont think he does, but he seems to get some value out of what he looks at.. appreciating the artist on their own merrit, their entertainment value, individuality and ability.. hope he keeps going.. would become a `sponser` but dont have a bank account. so i`m pleased i can see this here..
Played bass for Chuck at three gigs he did in Toronto in the seventies; great songs, but a weird dude. He never told us what song he was going to do, or the key; he said only two things about the songs: when he stamps his foot we stop, and when he turns the headstock of the guitar towards the floor the song is over. You were expected to know the songs.
when he was on 'Midnite special' w/ Tom Jones, he said "did you notice I have on my "colored" shirt''? there's what Phil's talking about. he could get laffs and entertain w/ music at the same time.I think he will be the last rock star (hope I'm proven wrong)to reach 90.
Another charmer. His brit performance of My Ding a Ling, quite risqué, and worked that crowd so hard into singing the different parts, even thou the females were quite put upon n embarrassed, rather astonishing. He was also a perfectionist and a task master with his band. Good example is the Keith Richard's documentary. In the doc, he got the Stones on stage which just wasn't going well, had to break while showing a stones member a cord he couldn't master & realizing the mood, he turned it around by praise & consumate professionalism. He took his craft seriously & was an intellectual. He was provocative & had another strike in his career with the whole bathroom thing. Great analysis. As you can see, I'm going thru your catalog 🕵️♂️
When the name Rock n Roll became popular, Chuck said, "They used to call what I do R&B, now they call it "Rock n Roll." Saw him live at a charity concert in 1972 with a lot of performers. Chuck's "My Ding A Ling" was a hit at the time. People were shouting for him to come on. He was the highlight of the show. He played some extra verses of "My Ding a Ling" that aren't on the recording. They were hilarious!! John & Yoko was supposed to be there but he called & they broadcast his call. He couldn't b/c he had to go to court to fight for his US Citizenship but thanked us for coming. That was the 1st time I almost saw John. The 2nd was when I had just gotten advance tix to see him Yoko tour for Double Fantasy. Later that same day, I found out he'd been shot. Anyway, back to Chuck - an amazing performer!!
The thing about Chuck Berry is that you could do a video of equal length discussing his brilliance as a songwriter, too. As much as his guitar playing shaped rock & roll, so did his lyrics. You'd probably enjoy doing a video on Bo Diddley, who did just as much to shape the sound of Rock & Roll guitar. Incidentally, Bo played rhythm guitar on a few of Chuck's songs. Put on some headphones and listen to Berry's original recording of "Memphis" and you can hear Bo chugging away in the background with some tasty riffs. As always, a great video. It's fun to see your expressions and how much you're obviously enjoying watching him play.
Nice comment, Jack. Go lyric by lyric through "Memphis" and you'll actually read a multilayered story. Chuck Berry was not the typical rock and roll songwriter, white or black. Anyone who can work "mounted cavalier" into a hit song is obviously way more sophisticated than the norm during that first decade of the rock era.
Everybody can throw in their opinion of greatest player. But I can’t recall seeing a guitarist having more fun than Chuck. I feel truly the King of Rock n Roll🎸👑
I met Chuck in the late ‘90’s/early 2000’s and got his autograph on a “sticky note”. I was working security at a hospital in Missouri and was talking with my boss in the basement. All the sudden my boss gets this surprised look on his face and says: “hey Chuck.” Me and the other 2 security guys turn around and there stands Chuck Berry! He was visiting a friend and had gotten turned around as he was leaving and somehow managed to find his way to us. He graciously signed an autograph for each of us and then one of my coworkers escorted him to his vehicle. Several years later I met his daughter after he had passed (I’m not sure which one) and was able to tell her the story.
You always seem to enjoy yourself Phil. But on this one in particular you really seem to be digging it. And I can see why. Thank you for highlighting this performance.
Chuck Berry is IMO really an underrated guitarist - at least among non musicians. The extended guitarwork he gets into in the live setting doesn't really get showcased on the 2-3 minute singles. The London '72 show is really terrific - I especially love the version of Let it Rock from that night. IMO Chuck Berry belongs on the Mt Rushmore of rock music.
..ho.Fil.🙏Chuck ..what a man,, a pillar of rock, funny, who drives us, i,,besides, your beautiful face, your gracious smile..and it's complete !! Furtive happiness.👌👑🎸🎸🎸
Wow! I'm still impressed with every analysis you do. You do your research and you know your subject! Nobody else does that ! You give these artists the consideration they deserve no matter what genre . keep doing that! Its been a while since I've watched Chuck Berry and I forgot how dynamic he was.He is one of the "Greats "
Fil, your videos are so entertaining. People like myself who have no musical abilities at all love your explanations on the breakdown of how this is done. Thank you👍👌
Angus from AC/DC got his camel walk from Chuck Berry as well. Chuck Berry broke every glass ceiling in music and society when he first came out. I am happy to say I got to see him 3 times in concert in the 70s. He is sorely missed.
How can ya not love this! Omg! I wish I ad a dollar for every goosebump this performance gives me! It's classic rock n roll! It's awesome! I can say no more!👍😎🎸🎶
I saw Chuck Berry when I was 12 years old (1977) at the West Palm Beach Amphitheater. My dad was a huge fan and by the time the end of the show so was I. Great to see and listen to in concert
I like your honesty and enthusiasm. I have over the years KILLED the vocals on karaoke a few nights -- with 10% of the duck walk, and 100% AIR guitar (I can't play). You make a great point that it was awesome he did all three and more, and engaged the band and audience with all the showmanship -- doing so many things at once, so awesomely. Nice review -- just discovered you, reviewed a few of your reviews, and newly-subscribed to your channel here.
during a Bruce Springsteen interview about when he gigged with Chuck Berry Bruce said Chuck arrived 5 minutes before showtime and when asked what songs they were going to play (as in setlist) Chuck replied "Chuck Berry songs"
What I really like about your videos is that you're always so enthusiastic and positive. This mixed with your knowledge makes good content! I adore you. :) Thanks Fil!
Chuck Berry. Such a legend. I love how John Lennon once said when he was getting sued by Chuck Berry's publisher for ripping off Chuck's song "Can't Catch Me" for the song "Come Together", he said, "If you're going to get sued who better than Chuck Berry?"
Chuck Berry - I never tire of listening to him. He was a treasure and will never be replaced. Unfortunately we can say that about SO many musicians. Maybe I'm getting too old. Have seen lots of them go into the beyond - whatever that is. Getting older is no bowl of cherries or the golden years. Golden years, my ass.
Fil, I'm 66 and I saw Chuck Berry in 1971 in Cincinnati, OH. Believe it or not but it wasn't in a large arena it was at a nightclub for college students right next to the University of Cincinnati. It was so small I could almost reach out and touch him on stage. I was a young 18 year old girl and what really impressed me was how much energy he had for a man of his age. He wasn't young. But the energy you see in this video he was able to maintain it through the whole show. (And several encores.) I loved the splits, the duck walk and just the overall enthusiasm. And, oh, my goodness did he have a filthy mouth. LOL! Reelin' and Rockin' and My Ding a Ling were a lot of fun and dirty.😁
One word..LEGEND! It brings to mind the time when he was on the stage with another legend, John Lennon. Then Yoko opens her mouth & starts "singing". Every time I see that video I wish I could read Chuck's mind! 😂 Great video Fil!🤘🎵🌟
I was a teenager when Chuck was hitting the airwaves around `1956.The kids loved his high spiritedness and clever lyrics, songs.Another true musical genius of the mid 1950s was Little Walter on blues harmonica.There are some other great blues harmonica players, but Little Walter is my favorite.Listen to his styling on Muddy Waters song "I'm Ready".
Chuck Berry is in my top 10 list of my favourite guitarists. I love what he does. There is elements of blues, country and jazz in his playing. This is a great performance. I love the signature duck walk. May he rest in peace. Cheers Fil!
I had the opportunity to let Chuck melt my face 18 years ago here in Florida. I had waited so long! Chuck was 76 at the time and opened with “Roll Over Beethoven”... it was impossible not to get emotional. My good friend and roommate at the time called our answering machine during Johnny be good just to leave a live musical message! We remember to this day watching Chuck drive up all by himself in a Cadillac
Fil your love for rock and roll is refreshing and you do your homework for sure, at the tender age of 58 I hadn't beat up my drums in quite some time well the kit is dusted off and my ears are ringing again :)
Such a great gig, definitely watch the whole thing! Chuck at the top of his game and absolute killer smile. As usual just a young pickup band he'd never met before arriving in the country, who were expected to KNOW all the songs. Word is, in some situations, he would thread his guitar cable through the handle of his money case and into his amp so he'd know right away if anyone tried to steal the cash which he always demanded up front. Absolute boss
Learnt how to play like Chuck @ 17 in 1972 when the Stones played Queenie and Oh Carole, also songs of sheet music ( 40 cents) . Actually got bored playing his stuff but it always went down well at weddings and got people dancing.. Thanks Fil.
He didn’t raise the bar. He WAS the bar. And nobody has jumped it yet. Chuck Berry is the Father of Rock 'n Roll and always will be the Greatest there ever was.
Whatever it was that happened in 60's, it could not have happened if Chuck Berry had not previously written the book on it. And with his great piano player Johnny Johnson, they determined how rock n roll guitar and piano would be played together. The Father of Rock and Roll.
@Richard Davis Yeah, in his 90s and in a wheelchair. No longer performing, he's devoted the rest of his life to the church and shed the wig, makeup and mustache. Saw a UA-cam video about him recently. Looks NOTHING like you'd recognize!
@Richard Davis I think he gave us all that his health would allow. That's all you can ask really. So many who died early left us wondering "what if?". Richard Pettington Hasn't. Just his legacy thank God.
+Richard Davis Little Richard was there, but a just a year or two behind Berry. Without a doubt, Little Richard influenced everyone as far as what you could do with style, stage performance, and offstage personality. His keyboard playing broke new ground as well. But the guitar will always be the lead instrument of Rock and Roll. All I know for sure is, the King of Rock n Roll was not Elvis.
@@ursafan40 All True! Even Little Richard had his own influences. Fil and I talked about it (and who) in a thread on a previous video. Fil REALLY KNOWS his music history! In the 50s a black man couldn't be called the "king", whereas a white kid from the south... Could.
Man you have great knowledge! I love the intro to original artist from the 40's, 50's and '60's. The birth of Rock'n'Roll. God Bless America and the UK!
Im from st.louis. I sobbed like a baby the day he died.he means so much to the city and it's musical history.easily the best musican to reside from st.louis. you should check out link wray.great guitarist.
@@wingsofpegasus while I have the opportunity. Sincerely thank you for your genuinely amazing love for music showing anyone who might not had seen this kind of music otherwise. From one fellow player to another. Sincerely thank you and good luck to you in all ventures.
Saw Chuck twice. I saw him when he was part of the massive 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dedication concert in Cleveland, Ohio. I saw him again in Cleveland in 2012, when the Rock Hall honored him as part of their masters series. It was a concert by a number of famous performers, concluding with Berry doing a five song set.
It’s great that moments like this have been captured for all-time. There is footage from Belgium TV in the mid 60’s were he is really delivering that package of playing and entertaining. ‘Maybelline’ from that show is worth a look at,prime-time Chuck. I last saw Chuck with Jerry Lee in Wolverhampton in 2004 ish,and as soon as Chuck went into his trademark Duckwalk,I was up out of my seat before,I knew it,I couldn’t help myself.
Thanks for this. I've been watching a lot of Chuck's live performances. Also I was drinking quite a bit the other night and listening to Hank Williams and realized that Roll Over Beethoven was easily based on "Move It On Over." hahaha So while he did popularize rock'n'roll and r&b and everyone copied him, he of course has those influences as well that go way back. Just think of the song "Down The Road a Piece" and how old that song was (1940!). I have the 6 LP box set on vinyl of Chuck Berry and it is easily one of my most played sets. I also have an original first pressing of St. Louis to Liverpool and it is fantastic and I think has a bit different sound as he had by then heard the Stones and Beatles I'm sure. It's really too bad we don't have any live recordings of Cliff Gallup for you to review, because I think he was one of those top rock'n'roll guitarists as well.
We had the most fantastic music in the 60, and 70 and even the 80. We grew up pickup, because when you grow up with the best it is hard to accept any thing less. Great times to be young
Chuck didn't invent Rock and Roll; but he embodied it like no other through his brilliant sonwriting, unique guitar playing, and incredibly athletic performances. Music historians will still be talking about Chuck Berry 500 years from now.
1)Chuck Berry (Grandaddy of Rock 'n Roll): "School Days" 2)Elvis: "Little Sister" 3)Jerry Lee Lewis: "Great Balls of Fire" 4)Little Richard: "Lucille" The dawn of Rock 'n Roll music... 4)
(smiles) You've gone and chosen MY favourite clip of Mr.Berry here. Christ I've lost count of how many times I've watched this clip. What you say about Chucks' performance on stage, reminds me slightly of how Roy Clarke was too. Not the exact same but both made light of what they could do,almost in a flippant manner. Its like that old saying Fil, 'it aint whatcha do, its the 'way' you do it'! (and most people believe Chuck Berry did it the best). Tc now
He was one of the very first cats on Earth her were playing this new music they started calling Rock N Roll!! Another cat whose influence Can NOT be overstated!! Great Job as usual Fil
There is a great film about Chuck, called "Hail Hail Rock & Roll". It tells a lot about his life and music. It features Keith Richards putting on a concert around Chucks birthday, and also his great keyboard player Johnnie Johnson.
Thanks for this one, CB has always been a god to me. Check out his Tonight Show performance from 1987, He truly stole the show that night. I remember watching it with my dad, we were both elated by the performance and energy that came through the tv.
Another great reaction, what can be said about chuck berry! The man who inspired countless people to lift a guitar in the late 50s early 60s. The foundation of the British Sound.Roll over Beethoven,you can't catch me, carol and bye bye Johnny all present and correct in the set lists of the Beatles and the Stones and their early records. As Keith Richards said something came off that groove on a Chuck Berry record, and the rest is history!
So many of the early performers in early R & R - Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Bill Haley and to many more to name were not "spring chickens" when R & R came on the scene! The three named were born in the mid 1920!
Great to watch Chuck! He's been an inspiration since the beginning of rock and roll :--) I like the link of your tee shirt.... with Chuck's song and back to the future.. :--)
I'd love to hear your input on Prince's Super Bowl performance....in the Miami rain.....the producers were concerned about the weather and Prince simply said, "Can you make it rain harder?"
Ahh....! The man is awesome Fil! I don’t think there is a guitarist he hasn’t influenced! The country boy can play my god he can!! And what a voice the complete package!! You can see where Angus got his guitar duck walk from!! Absolutely brilliant Fil !! 😀😀😀👌👌👌👌
Love Chuck Berry...Hail Hail Rock and Roll his 70th Birthday concert from his hometown St Louis Missouri is a great documentary and concert..his interaction with Kieth Richards is classic..also features Etic Clapton
Hail! Hail! Celebrated Chuck's 60th birthday, not his 70th. Chuck was born on October 18th 1926. The two shows took place on October 16th 1986, two days before Chuck's 60th birthday. The film was released on October 9th 1987, offering some viewers a chance to watch the movie on Chuck's 61st birthday. Chuck died on March 18th 2017 at the age of 90. He loved to play and he still toured the world into his early 70s. He played at restaurant/bar about 10 miles from his house, once a month, from 1996 to 2014. That means he was 87 and still performing. The man was a work horse.
the best part of that film was when CB (if my feeble memory serves),stood at the box office of the theater where the show takes place, and explains that when he was a kid, because of his race, was not allowed in to see a show. now he was on the marquee.something like that.
When it comes to the legendary Chuck Berry, I'd say, clear the floor cause I'm fixing to cut a rug, lol. I never saw him in person, but saw him quite a bit on tv. I always got a kick out of watching him do the duck walk, I think that was everyone's favorite part aside from his amazing guitar playing. May he RIP. Thank you, Fil for another exciting and remarkable analysis! 🎸🤘❤
No question that Chuck Berry was an absolute pioneer of rock and roll. You provided an excellent analysis of Chuck's guitar playing techniques as well as his overall performance ability. Incidently, my mother and I saw Chuck and Little Richard in concert in 2002. At one point during his performance, some people wanted to get up to dance on the stage; however security tried to stop them. Chuck said, "It's OK, let them on." I think it showed that he valued the connection with the audience. In the video you provided, I noticed Chuck doing his famous "duck walk;" he did the same at this concert--the result was what sounded like hundreds of lions roaring from the audience. When my mother and I learned of Chuck's death in 2017, my mother told me that she was glad that she got to see him in concert as she never had the chance before. To me, I was thrilled to have experienced seeing two of rock n' roll's pioneers live(both Chuck and Little Richard). Great job, Fil!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) was the Grandmother of R&R. Her song "Rock Me" was released in 1942 and a musical critic called it Rock and Roll." Another song "Strange Things Happening Every Day" came out in 1944. That was in the R&R category as well.
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Practically everything he wrote was great R 'n' R. Great guitar with those double stops, rhythm, lyrics and vocals. Many of his exciting classics were covered by thousands of other artists, even in other languages, this must be testament to Chucks appealing sound. Love your analysis, especially of my favourites, great to watch.
When John Lennon and Keith Richards both point to one guy, that guy must be THE guy!
A great guitarist has to have an identifiable sound and when you listen to Chuck Berry's Greatest Hits, every song is perfect. I can't think of any other greatest hits albums that are so classic. Chuck Berry's influenced the progression of Rock and Roll like no other player.
Your comments about Chuck were spot on. I can't think of any Post-50's guitarist that didn't cut their teeth on his songs! Great video!
RIP Chuck Berry!
Amen.
Oh yes, thats how it happend Burt Weedon "play in a day" and Chuck Berry music. Ever back room in england had bands practicing.
You can tell Chuck's in his own little world, but at the same time he's still relating to the band. He used to throw big parties for the public at his home in Wentzville, Missouri, and a friend of mine who went to those said they were fantastic because of him and his band. Rock on, Chuck!
My granddaughter is graduating from college this year and will be an elementary school Music teacher. She'll barely make enough money to keep a roof over her head and feed herself, but she has a passion to help young people love music!! She was herself in elementary school when she decided what she wanted to do with her life. My only advice to her was - listen to everything! Every piece of music of every kind ever composed deserves a listen. You never know what you will love until you hear it. So many kids her age are only interested in one type of music. She's like you and what's great about you Fil, is you listen to anything and everything. That's how you learn.
Phil Phil Phil... you are the greatest. You being an exceptional guitarist without the snobbiness is rare. You review all styles of playing and genre with the same respect, for the lack of a better word. But who else can analyze riffs and such but another exceptional guitar player, right?
Haha thanks!
sammy beck.. i couldn agree with u more.. i loves fil`s way.. i dont want to say he likes everything, i dont think he does, but he seems to get some value out of what he looks at.. appreciating the artist on their own merrit, their entertainment value, individuality and ability.. hope he keeps going.. would become a `sponser` but dont have a bank account. so i`m pleased i can see this here..
Played bass for Chuck at three gigs he did in Toronto in the seventies; great songs, but a weird dude. He never told us what song he was going to do, or the key; he said only two things about the songs: when he stamps his foot we stop, and when he turns the headstock of the guitar towards the floor the song is over. You were expected to know the songs.
That must have been hard to follow!
I read he got paid before each show and would just end the show with no warning. Just walk off the stage.
+mel, you must be good because Chuck only used the hottest band for his back- up band in whatever town he played in.
He always got paid in advance or he wouldn't play at all.
Three of the best gigs I ever did; it was a thrill, and the crowds were huge.
People like Chuck Berry were just born to do what he did. Love the shirt. Hey from Nashville Tennessee
Thanks!
when he was on 'Midnite special' w/ Tom Jones, he said "did you notice I have on my "colored" shirt''? there's what Phil's talking about. he could get laffs and entertain w/ music at the same time.I think he will be the last rock star (hope I'm proven wrong)to reach 90.
Another charmer. His brit performance of My Ding a Ling, quite risqué, and worked that crowd so hard into singing the different parts, even thou the females were quite put upon n embarrassed, rather astonishing. He was also a perfectionist and a task master with his band. Good example is the Keith Richard's documentary. In the doc, he got the Stones on stage which just wasn't going well, had to break while showing a stones member a cord he couldn't master & realizing the mood, he turned it around by praise & consumate professionalism. He took his craft seriously & was an intellectual. He was provocative & had another strike in his career with the whole bathroom thing. Great analysis. As you can see, I'm going thru your catalog 🕵️♂️
"He never ever learned to read and write so well, but he could play the guitar just like a ringin a bell..." That line gets me everytime.
Chuck Berry is unique in his legendary status, as he helped shape the future of an entire musical genre.
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Chuck Berry is definitely in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll. He’s right up there.
Nobody can chunk out the rhythm like Chuck, the one and only
When the name Rock n Roll became popular, Chuck said, "They used to call what I do R&B, now they call it "Rock n Roll." Saw him live at a charity concert in 1972 with a lot of performers. Chuck's "My Ding A Ling" was a hit at the time. People were shouting for him to come on. He was the highlight of the show. He played some extra verses of "My Ding a Ling" that aren't on the recording. They were hilarious!! John & Yoko was supposed to be there but he called & they broadcast his call. He couldn't b/c he had to go to court to fight for his US Citizenship but thanked us for coming. That was the 1st time I almost saw John. The 2nd was when I had just gotten advance tix to see him Yoko tour for Double Fantasy. Later that same day, I found out he'd been shot. Anyway, back to Chuck - an amazing performer!!
The thing about Chuck Berry is that you could do a video of equal length discussing his brilliance as a songwriter, too. As much as his guitar playing shaped rock & roll, so did his lyrics.
You'd probably enjoy doing a video on Bo Diddley, who did just as much to shape the sound of Rock & Roll guitar. Incidentally, Bo played rhythm guitar on a few of Chuck's songs. Put on some headphones and listen to Berry's original recording of "Memphis" and you can hear Bo chugging away in the background with some tasty riffs.
As always, a great video. It's fun to see your expressions and how much you're obviously enjoying watching him play.
Thanks!
Nice comment, Jack. Go lyric by lyric through "Memphis" and you'll actually read a multilayered story. Chuck Berry was not the typical rock and roll songwriter, white or black. Anyone who can work "mounted cavalier" into a hit song is obviously way more sophisticated than the norm during that first decade of the rock era.
CHUCK! But don't forget his Piano player Johnny Johnson! Thanks FIL another Older but great Video!
I saw Chuck live in 2001 and it was one of the greatest shows of my life!
Everybody can throw in their opinion of greatest player. But I can’t recall seeing a guitarist having more fun than Chuck. I feel truly the King of Rock n Roll🎸👑
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I met Chuck in the late ‘90’s/early 2000’s and got his autograph on a “sticky note”.
I was working security at a hospital in Missouri and was talking with my boss in the basement. All the sudden my boss gets this surprised look on his face and says: “hey Chuck.” Me and the other 2 security guys turn around and there stands Chuck Berry! He was visiting a friend and had gotten turned around as he was leaving and somehow managed to find his way to us. He graciously signed an autograph for each of us and then one of my coworkers escorted him to his vehicle. Several years later I met his daughter after he had passed (I’m not sure which one) and was able to tell her the story.
You always seem to enjoy yourself Phil. But on this one in particular you really seem to be digging it. And I can see why. Thank you for highlighting this performance.
No problem!
Chuck Berry is IMO really an underrated guitarist - at least among non musicians. The extended guitarwork he gets into in the live setting doesn't really get showcased on the 2-3 minute singles. The London '72 show is really terrific - I especially love the version of Let it Rock from that night.
IMO Chuck Berry belongs on the Mt Rushmore of rock music.
He sure as hell ain’t underrated by us guitar players
..ho.Fil.🙏Chuck ..what a man,, a pillar of rock, funny, who drives us, i,,besides, your beautiful face, your gracious smile..and it's complete !! Furtive happiness.👌👑🎸🎸🎸
Wow! I'm still impressed with every analysis you do. You do your research and you know your subject! Nobody else does that ! You give these artists the consideration they deserve no matter what genre . keep doing that! Its been a while since I've watched Chuck Berry and I forgot how dynamic he was.He is one of the "Greats "
Thanks!
I've noticed that you smile more when you really like a song.
Thank you for being so honest in your appraisal of an artist
Fil, your videos are so entertaining. People like myself who have no musical abilities at all love your explanations on the breakdown of how this is done. Thank you👍👌
Angus from AC/DC got his camel walk from Chuck Berry as well. Chuck Berry broke every glass ceiling in music and society when he first came out. I am happy to say I got to see him 3 times in concert in the 70s. He is sorely missed.
Chuck berry feels rythms by dancing and blues scale. He is Genius.
How can ya not love this! Omg! I wish I ad a dollar for every goosebump this performance gives me! It's classic rock n roll! It's awesome! I can say no more!👍😎🎸🎶
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Chuck Berry is the black Prince of Rock & Roll
And congratulation to the backing band in this video "The Rocking Horse "
I saw Chuck Berry when I was 12 years old (1977) at the West Palm Beach Amphitheater. My dad was a huge fan and by the time the end of the show so was I. Great to see and listen to in concert
Cool!
Surely THE definitive Rock 'n' Roll song.
I like your honesty and enthusiasm. I have over the years KILLED the vocals on karaoke a few nights -- with 10% of the duck walk, and 100% AIR guitar (I can't play). You make a great point that it was awesome he did all three and more, and engaged the band and audience with all the showmanship -- doing so many things at once, so awesomely. Nice review -- just discovered you, reviewed a few of your reviews, and newly-subscribed to your channel here.
Thanks!
during a Bruce Springsteen interview about when he gigged with Chuck Berry Bruce said Chuck arrived 5 minutes before showtime and when asked what songs they were going to play (as in setlist) Chuck replied "Chuck Berry songs"
What I really like about your videos is that you're always so enthusiastic and positive. This mixed with your knowledge makes good content! I adore you. :) Thanks Fil!
Thanks Nick!
Chuck Berry. Such a legend. I love how John Lennon once said when he was getting sued by Chuck Berry's publisher for ripping off Chuck's song "Can't Catch Me" for the song "Come Together", he said, "If you're going to get sued who better than Chuck Berry?"
Haha yep!
Chuck Berry - I never tire of listening to him. He was a treasure and will never be replaced. Unfortunately we can say that about SO many musicians. Maybe I'm getting too old. Have seen lots of them go into the beyond - whatever that is. Getting older is no bowl of cherries or the golden years. Golden years, my ass.
Musicianship is half of making it. Showmanship really selling it!
Yeah!
One of the all-time greats!
Truly the man at the creative heart of all the bands I would come to love and adore..
Yep!
Fil, I'm 66 and I saw Chuck Berry in 1971 in Cincinnati, OH. Believe it or not but it wasn't in a large arena it was at a nightclub for college students right next to the University of Cincinnati. It was so small I could almost reach out and touch him on stage. I was a young 18 year old girl and what really impressed me was how much energy he had for a man of his age. He wasn't young. But the energy you see in this video he was able to maintain it through the whole show. (And several encores.) I loved the splits, the duck walk and just the overall enthusiasm. And, oh, my goodness did he have a filthy mouth. LOL! Reelin' and Rockin' and My Ding a Ling were a lot of fun and dirty.😁
One word..LEGEND! It brings to mind the time when he was on the stage with another legend, John Lennon. Then Yoko opens her mouth & starts "singing". Every time I see that video I wish I could read Chuck's mind! 😂 Great video Fil!🤘🎵🌟
I was a teenager when Chuck was hitting the airwaves around `1956.The kids loved his high spiritedness and clever lyrics, songs.Another true musical genius of the mid 1950s was Little Walter on blues harmonica.There are some other great blues harmonica players, but Little Walter is my favorite.Listen to his styling on Muddy Waters song "I'm Ready".
Chuck Berry is in my top 10 list of my favourite guitarists. I love what he does. There is elements of blues, country and jazz in his playing. This is a great performance. I love the signature duck walk. May he rest in peace. Cheers Fil!
Amen.
I had the opportunity to let Chuck melt my face 18 years ago here in Florida. I had waited so long! Chuck was 76 at the time and opened with “Roll Over Beethoven”... it was impossible not to get emotional. My good friend and roommate at the time called our answering machine during Johnny be good just to leave a live musical message!
We remember to this day watching Chuck drive up all by himself in a Cadillac
Cool!
This performance got an old guy up and dancing at 5:30am! Ha ha! I love it!👍😎🎸🎶
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Fil your love for rock and roll is refreshing and you do your homework for sure, at the tender age of 58 I hadn't beat up my drums in quite some time well the kit is dusted off and my ears are ringing again :)
Thanks!
Another great video Fil, they just don't make 'em' like that anymore, your input and analysis is brilliant.
Very cool review... I remember watching Chuck Berry on TV in the seventies and thinking there was no one like him... there never will be!
Amen!
Such a great gig, definitely watch the whole thing! Chuck at the top of his game and absolute killer smile. As usual just a young pickup band he'd never met before arriving in the country, who were expected to KNOW all the songs. Word is, in some situations, he would thread his guitar cable through the handle of his money case and into his amp so he'd know right away if anyone tried to steal the cash which he always demanded up front. Absolute boss
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Learnt how to play like Chuck @ 17 in 1972 when the Stones played Queenie and Oh Carole, also songs of sheet music ( 40 cents) . Actually got bored playing his stuff but it always went down well at weddings and got people dancing.. Thanks Fil.
Long live the guitar and those who play it!! Keep up the good work sir.
Thanks!
Brilliant, grew up with Chuck, great memories, thank you
He didn’t raise the bar. He WAS the bar. And nobody has jumped it yet. Chuck Berry is the Father of Rock 'n Roll and always will be the Greatest there ever was.
Whatever it was that happened in 60's, it could not have happened if Chuck Berry had not previously written the book on it. And with his great piano player Johnny Johnson, they determined how rock n roll guitar and piano would be played together. The Father of Rock and Roll.
@Richard Davis
Amen. "The Innovator" and "The Architect" Little Richard to whom so many huge names (including The Beatles) owe their inspiration!
@Richard Davis Yeah, in his 90s and in a wheelchair. No longer performing, he's devoted the rest of his life to the church and shed the wig, makeup and mustache. Saw a UA-cam video about him recently. Looks NOTHING like you'd recognize!
@Richard Davis I think he gave us all that his health would allow. That's all you can ask really. So many who died early left us wondering "what if?". Richard Pettington Hasn't. Just his legacy thank God.
+Richard Davis Little Richard was there, but a just a year or two behind Berry. Without a doubt, Little Richard influenced everyone as far as what you could do with style, stage performance, and offstage personality. His keyboard playing broke new ground as well. But the guitar will always be the lead instrument of Rock and Roll.
All I know for sure is, the King of Rock n Roll was not Elvis.
@@ursafan40 All True!
Even Little Richard had his own influences. Fil and I talked about it (and who) in a thread on a previous video. Fil REALLY KNOWS his music history!
In the 50s a black man couldn't be called the "king", whereas a white kid from the south...
Could.
Man you have great knowledge! I love the intro to original artist from the 40's, 50's and '60's. The birth of Rock'n'Roll. God Bless America and the UK!
Thanks!
Chuck without a doubt was a legend. You could not take your eyes off him if he was playing live!
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Tidbit: Buckcherry, another salute to the master.
A lot of people are standing on this man's shoulders.
Im from st.louis. I sobbed like a baby the day he died.he means so much to the city and it's musical history.easily the best musican to reside from st.louis. you should check out link wray.great guitarist.
Amen.
@@wingsofpegasus while I have the opportunity. Sincerely thank you for your genuinely amazing love for music showing anyone who might not had seen this kind of music otherwise. From one fellow player to another. Sincerely thank you and good luck to you in all ventures.
Saw Chuck twice. I saw him when he was part of the massive 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dedication concert in Cleveland, Ohio. I saw him again in Cleveland in 2012, when the Rock Hall honored him as part of their masters series. It was a concert by a number of famous performers, concluding with Berry doing a five song set.
It’s great that moments like this have been captured for all-time. There is footage from Belgium TV in the mid 60’s were he is really delivering that package of playing and entertaining. ‘Maybelline’ from that show is worth a look at,prime-time Chuck. I last saw Chuck with Jerry Lee in Wolverhampton in 2004 ish,and as soon as Chuck went into his trademark Duckwalk,I was up out of my seat before,I knew it,I couldn’t help myself.
Thanks for this. I've been watching a lot of Chuck's live performances. Also I was drinking quite a bit the other night and listening to Hank Williams and realized that Roll Over Beethoven was easily based on "Move It On Over." hahaha So while he did popularize rock'n'roll and r&b and everyone copied him, he of course has those influences as well that go way back. Just think of the song "Down The Road a Piece" and how old that song was (1940!). I have the 6 LP box set on vinyl of Chuck Berry and it is easily one of my most played sets. I also have an original first pressing of St. Louis to Liverpool and it is fantastic and I think has a bit different sound as he had by then heard the Stones and Beatles I'm sure. It's really too bad we don't have any live recordings of Cliff Gallup for you to review, because I think he was one of those top rock'n'roll guitarists as well.
We had the most fantastic music in the 60, and 70 and even the 80. We grew up pickup, because when you grow up with the best it is hard to accept any thing less. Great times to be young
Chuck didn't invent Rock and Roll; but he embodied it like no other through his brilliant sonwriting, unique guitar playing, and incredibly athletic performances. Music historians will still be talking about Chuck Berry 500 years from now.
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don't know about that, but he may well be forever associated w/ Beethoven, which I think is fitting.
Just love him - such a great entertainer.
A pioneer of rock and roll a true legend and an influence on almost everyone who came after him
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You look at everything I need to see bro.. unreal... ☮️🎸👊🏻💯 ty
Thanks!
Great comments on this video. Loved the stories from your fans.
Thanks!
If anyone kicked guitar butt, it was Chuck.
Your assessment is spot on, Phil! Great job, thanks😊
now you have gone back to my dad's music. he loved this excellent rocker
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Love the interaction w the drummer
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1)Chuck Berry (Grandaddy of Rock 'n Roll): "School Days"
2)Elvis: "Little Sister"
3)Jerry Lee Lewis: "Great Balls of Fire"
4)Little Richard: "Lucille"
The dawn of Rock 'n Roll music...
4)
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But elvis, through the sheer magnitude and scope of his critically acclaimed recordings, is by definition, the king.
Amazing for such a tall man to move like that what made chuck so good he had that fantastic rhythm that rhythm and groove makes you move
(smiles) You've gone and chosen MY favourite clip of Mr.Berry here. Christ I've lost count of how many times I've watched this clip. What you say about Chucks' performance on stage, reminds me slightly of how Roy Clarke was too. Not the exact same but both made light of what they could do,almost in a flippant manner. Its like that old saying Fil, 'it aint whatcha do, its the 'way' you do it'! (and most people believe Chuck Berry did it the best). Tc now
GO, GO, CHUCKIE, GO! He was a great ROCK AND ROLLER!, One of the best guitar players, 50's - Present! Great Analysis, Fil, Spot On.....
Oh Yeah! A True Legend. Let’s dance!
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FIL Great JOB AS ALWAYS .KEEP ROCKING .
Thanks!
He was an acrobatic player of his guitar, moving with great flexibility fingers, arms, and legs along the songs!!
He was one of the very first cats on Earth her were playing this new music they started calling Rock N Roll!! Another cat whose influence Can NOT be overstated!! Great Job as usual Fil
Amen!
The legend that is and was Chuck Berry! Such a great performance!
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So glad to find this video. I thought it was Buddy Holly who use to dance like that, but it was Chuck Berry.
My Mom always loved Chuck Berry & still does!
There is a great film about Chuck, called "Hail Hail Rock & Roll". It tells a lot about his life and music. It features Keith Richards putting on a concert around Chucks birthday, and also his great keyboard player Johnnie Johnson.
Watched that years ago it was great, there is one part where Keith looks like he would like to hit Chuck over the head with his guitar.
Yeah, Keith Richards arguing with Chuck Berry on how to do a slur, you know, in a Chuck Berry song, was a great Rock 'n' Roll moment
Thanks!
Gosh, you’re 100% correct man...those HANDS!! And such a showman! ✌🏻😎
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Thanks for this one, CB has always been a god to me. Check out his Tonight Show performance from 1987, He truly stole the show that night. I remember watching it with my dad, we were both elated by the performance and energy that came through the tv.
No problem!
I thoroughly enjoyed the clip. I remember my parents grooving to him, and discovered Sister Rosetta several years ago ;0 #Hail, Hail R&R
Another great reaction, what can be said about chuck berry! The man who inspired countless people to lift a guitar in the late 50s early 60s.
The foundation of the British Sound.Roll over Beethoven,you can't catch me, carol and bye bye Johnny all present and correct in the set lists of
the Beatles and the Stones and their early records. As Keith Richards said something came off that groove on a Chuck Berry record, and the rest is history!
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Fil, Great analysis as always 🤘
Thanks Kathy!
Awesome video, Fil! Great choice with Chuck Berry too. In a lot of ways he is the epitome of rock n roll, in my opinion..
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Chuck is the godfather of the lead guitar, and GOD bless him! If they ever make a Mount Rushmore of guitar hero's, his face will be on it.
Amen!
So many of the early performers in early R & R - Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Bill Haley and to many more to name were not "spring chickens" when R & R came on the scene! The three named were born in the mid 1920!
Great to watch Chuck!
He's been an inspiration since the beginning of rock and roll :--)
I like the link of your tee shirt.... with Chuck's song and back to the future..
:--)
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I'd love to hear your input on Prince's Super Bowl performance....in the Miami rain.....the producers were concerned about the weather and Prince simply said, "Can you make it rain harder?"
Great analysis Fil, Chuck influenced so many guitarists...
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Ahh....! The man is awesome Fil! I don’t think there is a guitarist he hasn’t influenced! The country boy can play my god he can!! And what a voice the complete package!! You can see where Angus got his guitar duck walk from!! Absolutely brilliant Fil !! 😀😀😀👌👌👌👌
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The backing group, "Rocking Horse" (I think) is also worth a mention, they were solid throughout this session.
We saw Chuck Berry in South Bend Indiana. It was about 1991, at the baseball field. Chuck was great.
Cool!
Love Chuck Berry...Hail Hail Rock and Roll his 70th Birthday concert from his hometown St Louis Missouri is a great documentary and concert..his interaction with Kieth Richards is classic..also features Etic Clapton
Hail! Hail! Celebrated Chuck's 60th birthday, not his 70th. Chuck was born on October 18th 1926. The two shows took place on October 16th 1986, two days before Chuck's 60th birthday. The film was released on October 9th 1987, offering some viewers a chance to watch the movie on Chuck's 61st birthday. Chuck died on March 18th 2017 at the age of 90. He loved to play and he still toured the world into his early 70s. He played at restaurant/bar about 10 miles from his house, once a month, from 1996 to 2014. That means he was 87 and still performing. The man was a work horse.
Yes I knew that..I wss typing on my phone and hit the 7 instead of 6😳
Amen!
the best part of that film was when CB (if my feeble memory serves),stood at the box office of the theater where the show takes place, and explains that when he was a kid, because of his race, was not allowed in to see a show. now he was on the marquee.something like that.
i still playing catch up. chuck berry was where it was at!!!
When it comes to the legendary Chuck Berry, I'd say, clear the floor cause I'm fixing to cut a rug, lol. I never saw him in person, but saw him quite a bit on tv. I always got a kick out of watching him do the duck walk, I think that was everyone's favorite part aside from his amazing guitar playing. May he RIP. Thank you, Fil for another exciting and remarkable analysis! 🎸🤘❤