| 16th October 2006 06:25 AM |
|
|
| Ten Thousand Motels |
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
TV PROGRAM TRANSCRIPT
LOCATION: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2006/s1763726.htm
Broadcast: 12/10/2006
Chuck Berry nears 80th birthday
Reporter: Stephen Smith
KERRY O'BRIEN: It was John Lennon who said, "If you tried to give rock'n'roll another name you might call it Chuck Berry. " Lennon, of course, is long gone but Berry is still reelin' and rockin' and next week turns 80, a perfect opportunity or so it seemed for Stephen Smith from the BBC's 'Newsnight' program to seek an interview with the man himself in his hometown of St Louis, Missouri.
STEPHEN SMITH: Before there were the Beatles and the Stones, yes, even before Elvis himself, there was Chuck Berry. He made it all look so easy.
CHUCK BERRY: I record from feeling. Sometimes after I record I'm in a different feeling when the record comes out, and then sometimes I'm recording from like it's a job, it's a real chore to record and by the time it comes out I'm really digging it, you know.
STEPHEN SMITH: St Louis, Missouri is the birthplace of the man seen by many as the creator of rock'n'roll. As well as its original outlaw. It's been the best part of 30 years since Chuck Berry's last album was released. You could be forgiven for thinking he'd gone to that great auditorium in the sky, but he's still playing out at almost 80, still living in his hometown.
JOE EDWARDS, FRIEND: He could easily have a limousine or anyone drive him, but he likes doing it himself. He likes doing everything. He cuts his own grass.
CHARLES BERRY JNR: My father wrote a book 20 years ago and I feel that, I think he thinks that's the interview if anybody wants an interview they can refer to his book.
STEPHEN SMITH: We tracked down Chuck's grown up children, Chuck Berry Junior and his sister Ingrid. They now play in daddy's backing band.
CHARLES BERRY JNR: I guess I was in second grade and, you know, all the kids said, "Well, my dad's a policeman, my dad's a fireman. My dad's a doctor. " I said, "Well, my dad's the king of rock'n'roll. "
STEPHEN SMITH: That trumps it, doesn't it?
CHARLES BERRY JNR: I got beat up that day.
STEPHEN SMITH: Chuck's children didn't rate our chances of finding their dad, but we went looking for him in his old haunts all the same. Fortunately he'd composed some appropriate music for this. Chuck Berry was raised in one of the poorer neighbours of St Louis and grew up on Good Street which lent the name to his hit 'Johnny Be Good', but don't look for it now the road's been renamed. This was his church. This, his high school.
FAN: Oh gosh, there's no place you'd rather be.
STEPHEN SMITH: Just as we were giving up hope of finding the reclusive rock'n'roller, word reached us he was playing a gig right here in St Louis. Fans were warming up for the night with a screening of a documentary about Chuck Berry, including a favourite stand up row with Keith Richards of the Stones over how to set an amplifier.
CHUCK BERRY: Do you understand?
KEITH RICHARDS: I understand. I understand. Do you know you've got to live with it afterwards?
CHUCK BERRY: I've been living for 60 years with it.
KEITH RICHARDS: I know that.
CHUCK BERRY: Well, realise it!
KEITH RICHARDS: Well, who's it going to be when you're dead and gone? It ain't you and me
STEPHEN SMITH: At last we were face to face with the old boy himself. He won't be filmed but can't resist a fan with a camera. Does Chuck Berry still have it? Yes, I think he does.
KERRY O' BRIEN: The BBC's Stephen Smith in St Louis Missouri with that report.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
| 16th October 2006 09:34 PM |
|
|
| tumbled |
because of this thread, I am now placing my Chess 33 1/3 lp entitled "Chuck Berry's Golden Decade" on my turntable. aint no better sound than a scratchy chuck berry record. Happy Birthday brother. found it in a junk shop in f'burg. shame on whoever gave it up..
omg. have you ever heard the one called "Deep Feeling" form that LP. good fucking god.
[Edited by tumbled] |
| 16th October 2006 09:38 PM |
|
|
| sammy davis jr. |
I just saw ol Chuckles a couple months ago at Blueberry Hill....amazing for 80, but he 'aint what he used to be- much like Keith. Lots of bum notes,etc. but considering the band probably never rehearses, not bad. |
| 16th October 2006 09:44 PM |
|
|
| Saint Sway |
are there different versions of Hail! Hail out on dvd now? I thought there was supposed to be a deluxe version? Or box set? I've never seen it in the stores though. Only a dvd version packaged with the audio cd |
| 16th October 2006 10:07 PM |
|
|
| Dan |
Has he ever admitted his real birthday? I remember at some point he was either Xage or 5 years older. And his autobiography is awesome! |
| 16th October 2006 10:20 PM |
|
|
| mrhipfl |
quote:
sammy davis jr. wrote:
I just saw ol Chuckles a couple months ago at Blueberry Hill....amazing for 80, but he 'aint what he used to be- much like Keith. Lots of bum notes,etc.
But Chuck was still smokin' without the bum notes in his 60s |
| 16th October 2006 10:26 PM |
|
|
| The_Worst |
quote:
Dan wrote:
Has he ever admitted his real birthday? I remember at some point he was either Xage or 5 years older. And his autobiography is awesome!
I saw Chuck in Bridgewater, New Jersey about a month ago. I never posted because I was so bummed out at his performance because I love Chuck but the reality of it was it was by far the worse concert I have ever seen. Now, to put this in perspective, I saw Chuck 3 years ago & I though he was great. Sadly, last month's show was beyond horrible. He'd start one song & then end up singing another. He was the headliner & came on after Jerry Lee Lewis yet after about 2 songs the entire crowd (about 5,000 people just started walking out). I'm telling you he couldn't play 2 notes together. He couldn't even strum his guitar. He kept banging the guitar strings with his hand, not even strumming it. There were several points during the show where the band stopped playing all together because they had no idea what Chuck was doing. It was very sad. People were in shock & I was sick to my stomach. It wasn't even a concert, it was almost cruel-like he was out there to be made fun of. Finally, as there was almost a shocked silence amoung the 25% of the crowd that remained some jerk shouted out at the top of his lungs so that everyone could hear (including Chuck) "HANG IT UP CHUCK!!!! IT'S OVER!!!!!"
I was sick to my stomach. I've seen plenty of bad concerts but this was the only time I really wished I never attended a show because it left me with such a sad impression of a once giant man.
After the show, I ran around to the back of the stage where Chuck had his Cadillac to try & get his autograph (I missed him by 3 spots in line!!!). Nevertheless, while waiting for Chuck I overheard one of the guys in the band talking about the show & how bad Chuck was & I heard him say something to the effect of "It was very sad but what can you do? The man is old & sick".
Now I don't know if he meant he simply had the flu or if he was more gravely ill but whatever the case, it was a show that I will never forget for sadly all the wrong reasons.
Dan, the reason for my post is that the one other thing I did take away from the show was at one point Chuck mentioned he was going to be 80 next month so that definitely is his true age. Now I suggest everyone go crank up "Hail! Hail! Rock 'N Roll!" & remember Chuck in happier times.
P.S. Hope I didn't bum anyone out too badly...
[Edited by The_Worst] |
| 16th October 2006 10:56 PM |
|
|
| glencar |
Yabbut can he still play Soldier Field on a cold Chicago night? |
| 17th October 2006 05:09 AM |
|
|
| Gazza |
quote:
Dan wrote:
Has he ever admitted his real birthday? I remember at some point he was either Xage or 5 years older. And his autobiography is awesome!
I seem to remember that he always claimed to have been born in 1931, even though it was pretty much commonly accepted that it was 1926.
Around the time that the 60th birthday tribute show came up in 1986, he suddenly seemed to stop inisting he was approaching 55.
I guess he smelt the cash! |
| 17th October 2006 12:54 PM |
|
|
| Taptrick |
He was introduced at the Rams Seahawks game and RAN across the field. He did not play. I was a Blueberry Hill last Friday night and bummed out because I was to miss the 80 birthday concert. Anyone out here have tickets that can give a report?
Also saw Jake's Leg at Cicerros. Good band for their purpose - strange crowd.
That pub Growler's in Creve Couer was pretty cool.
Also had a friend who let me sample some new Michelob experimental products: Michelob Porter (all malt - not bad), Michelob Chocalate (surprisngly it works OK), and Michelob Vanilla (no thanks).
Highlight of my trip was my friends wedding under the arch last Saturday. 200 people. My friend Mike Quirk obtained a preachers license via the internet and did the ceremony in front of about 170 people. In a straight voice he said:
Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called life
Electric word life
It means forever and that's a mighty long time
But I'm here 2 tell u
There's something else
The afterworld
A world of never ending happiness
U can always see the sun, day or night
So when u call up that shrink in Beverly Hills
U know the one - Dr Everything'll Be Alright
Instead of asking him how much of your time is left
Ask him how much of your mind, baby
'Cuz in this life
Things are much harder than in the afterworld
In this life
You're on your own
And if de-elevator tries 2 bring u down
Go crazy - punch a higher floor
If u don't like the world you're living in
Take a look around u
At least u got friends
And then he did about five minutes of very moving ceremony tying in Prince, the arch, and marriage - great time.
|
| 17th October 2006 02:00 PM |
|
|
| Dan |
He hit my friend over the head with his guitar outside the House Of Blues in 1994. |
| 18th October 2006 07:46 AM |
|
|
| justinkurian |
Article published Oct 17, 2006
Rock Legend Chuck Berry Turning 80
By CHERYL WITTENAUER
Associated Press Writer
As he turns 80 Wednesday, Chuck Berry could leave the hard work of great music to younger souls, and rest comfortably as the rock `n' roll legend who first made his mark in the 1950s.
But Berry, the duck-walking, guitar-playing rock genius who defined the music's joy and rebellion in such classics as "Johnny B. Goode," "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven," has plenty left to say and play.
He still performs regularly at an intimate nightclub here, his hometown, as well as venues from Las Vegas to London, saying "these shows keep me alive."
Early next year, he'll release a CD of new material, his first commercial release in more than 20 years.
"There's some stuff that will surprise people," his piano player, Robert Lohr, said. "It's Chuck Berry meets Ray Charles, black gospel meets country.
"There's one song, `Big Boys,' that is classic top-shelf Chuck Berry."
At his 75th birthday concert here five years ago, Berry was feted by Little Richard on stage, while regards poured in from Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, David Bowie, Bo Diddley and other music icons.
The celebration for his 80th will be a more intimate affair - a dinner party with family and close friends, and a late-night performance at Blueberry Hill, where he has given legendary concerts in the "Duck Room" one night a month since 1996.
The concerts draw visitors from around the world, and satisfy Berry's nostalgic yearning for the smaller venues of his earliest $4-a-night gigs in the 1950s, friend and Blueberry Hill owner Joe Edwards said.
In recent years, Berry's been joined by his guitarist son, Charles Berry Jr., and daughter Ingrid Berry Clay, on vocals and harmonica. Berry treasures performing with his kids, Edwards said.
When he takes the stage Wednesday night, Berry will sling his guitar with an ease belying his age, and scoot across the stage in his famous one-legged hop, his extended leg kicking off the stage.
The old man, still as lean and agile as a teenager, will also surely please the crowd with his signature duck walk, the iconic crouched move he patented in a 1956 performance in New York. It's a move imitated by rockers through all the decades since.
"He intuitively choreographed the first stage moves of the rock era, setting the tone for what a rock performance could be visually as well as through the music," Edwards said. "He used the guitar as a foil on stage, moving it around his back and in front of him. Jimi Hendrix and all that followed got it all from him first."
The only sign of Berry's creeping age on stage is the occasional brain freeze when he can't quite recall a verse he's sung thousands of times. He typically laughs it off, leans on the band to fill in the blank, or offers comical utterances to reassure the audience his mental acuity is still intact.
"He's entitled to that. He's 80 years old," said Jim Marsala, who's been Berry's bassist for 33 years.
There's no evidence time has taken a toll on him physically.
Berry, whose father and brother were carpenters, and who seems driven by an incessant work ethic, loves to tinker at Berry Park, a 155-acre property in nearby Wentzville, Mo., where he records and lives when not at his suburban St. Louis home. He relaxes by maintaining Berry Park's buildings, mowing the lawn and splitting wood, said Berry Jr., describing his father as a "regular guy" off stage.
Berry's music and a 1987 autobiography started while he served time in federal prison on tax charges will have to speak for the rock `n' roll genius, who refuses all but the rare interview.
He made an exception following the death - at age 80 - of his longtime friend and collaborator Johnnie Johnson in April 2005. Johnson was the master boogie-woogie piano player who gave Berry his first break.
On New Year's Eve 1952 at the Cosmopolitan in East St. Louis, Ill., Johnson called Berry to fill in for an ailing musician in his Sir John Trio.
The struggling and unknown Berry rushed over, did a hillbilly country number with a bluesy vein that knocked people out, and launched a career.
Berry told reporters in April 2005 he'd miss his friend and his music, but wasn't melancholy.
"My turn is coming very soon," he said. "Would you shed a tear for Chuck? I hope not, because I don't see why one should weep when something inevitable must come.
"At 78, I'm glad to be anywhere, anytime." |
| 18th October 2006 09:17 AM |
|
|
| trevcourt |
I had the opportunity to go see Chuck last summer and decided to stay away. My wife couldn't understand it, as I am a huge fan. I explained that I didn't want to see him attempt to play songs that he could no longer do justice. A scene as described above would be too depressing. That said, people yelling "hang it up" from the audience is uncool - it is CHUCK BERRY.
Beyond the hits, Chuck has always been a GREAT ballad singer and even has a way with country-type songs. His original lyrics and his phrasing have always been as important and impressive as his guitar playing. And his mind and sense of humor are always sharp. I would appreciate a Chuck show where he sat and didn't attempt to act like it was 1959. He could do a "storytellers" type show that, I think, would be really impressive. Of course this would require work, which, at this point, I don't think Chuck is interested in.
|
| 18th October 2006 10:57 AM |
|
|
| Taptrick |
I'm not sure how accurate the "loves to Tinker at Berry Park" is anymore - if he's not playing somewhere, yo can usually find him at the Ameristar casino in St. Charles.
|
| 18th October 2006 11:49 AM |
|
|
| sammy davis jr. |
Ahhhh....I loves me some casino's. |
|
