British guitarist reacts to Chuck Berry, an absolute PIONEER of rock and roll!

Tonight I'm taking a look at the legend that is Chuck Berry!

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[melvynobrien]

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.

[glamgal]

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!

[timcarr]

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.

[sammybeck]

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?

[paulsimmons]

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!

[jamescarter]

People like Chuck Berry were just born to do what he did. Love the shirt. Hey from Nashville Tennessee

[ROCKINGMAN]

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.

[BingBangBye]

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!

[magnuslauglo]

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.

[jtmichaelson]

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?"

[jackbrown]

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.

[lwv]

I saw Chuck live in 2001 and it was one of the greatest shows of my life!

[Wulfdane]

Chuck Berry is unique in his legendary status, as he helped shape the future of an entire musical genre.

[Thomasgene]

CHUCK! But don't forget his Piano player Johnny Johnson! Thanks FIL another Older but great Video!

[Pb-ijip]

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.

[rebelson]

"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.

[jessiemyrle]

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👍👌

[jroc]

Nobody can chunk out the rhythm like Chuck, the one and only

[cathyortiz]

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!!

[joycegriffin]

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