| Author |
Topic: Chuck Berry's Accident - 84 and still performing |
Sherman Willden
From:
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
|
|
|
 |
Alvin Blaine
From:
Picture Rocks, Arizona, USA
|
|
|
|
Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 11:01 am |
|
Berry has been sleepwalking through his gigs for years. Some musicians are at the top of their game till the end. Sadly, most are not. There are no 84 year-old opera singers. Better to remember him in his heyday (this must be the headless version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMY5VGYh2Go |
|
|
|
Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 1:49 pm
|
|
I disagree with you guys,As long as these old legends [that you admired and tried to copy years ago] can manage to crawl on stage and do their thing,LET THEM. Be kind to us old geezers because by Gods grace you WILL be one before you know it.If these FEW great ledgends [rock,pop, or country] we have left bother you,you allways have Kenny,RF,Lady Gaga,etc. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
|
|
|
Barry Blackwood
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 2:03 pm
|
|
There's no agreeing with you on this one, Charles. IMO, better to go out on top than embarrass yourself by staying too long at the party. For example - on top, Rocky Marciano - stayed too long, Brett Farve. Any questions?  |
|
|
|
Alvin Blaine
From:
Picture Rocks, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 2:40 pm
|
|
| Charles Davidson wrote: |
| I disagree with you guys,As long as these old legends [that you admired and tried to copy years ago] can manage to crawl on stage and do their thing,LET THEM. Be kind to us old geezers because by Gods grace you WILL be one before you know it.If these FEW great ledgends [rock,pop, or country] we have left bother you,you allways have Kenny,RF,Lady Gaga,etc. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC. |
The problem with it is that he's not doing his thing anymore. He can't play the songs, he can't play guitar, he can't tune his guitar, he can't sing, he can't even remember the words. So he's not doing his thing anymore, he's doing a very bad impression of a very bad garage band do a very bad impression of something that may have been a Chuck Berry song.
For me that diminishes the admiration I ever had for him. I would respect him more if I had never saw him play the past 20 years(I've been on 3 shows with him the past 20 years).
I'm not even going to get into how he treats his pickup bands and musicians in general.
_________________
http://www.oldbluesound.com/about.htm
http://www.facebook.com/cowboytwang |
|
|
|
Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 3:52 pm
|
|
All a matter of opinion guys ,you have yours,I have mine and stand by it. More power to these old ledgends. It's SOOOO simple, If they bother you,DON;T watch them.And when you are playing a gig and someone [who's paying you] request Johnnie B. Goode,just tell them you don't do that old fogey crap.   YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
|
|
|
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 4:32 pm
|
|
| Prize fighters and entertainers seem to think that they have one more fight left in them until they get walloped in the face and left on the mat like Muhamed Ali. Doesn't this man have friends or relatives to stop this? Promoters should never allow this. Its cruel and embarassing. He should have retired 15 years ago. Open a petting zoo. Retire in dignity. |
|
|
|
Barry Blackwood
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 5:12 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| All a matter of opinion guys ,you have yours,I have mine and stand by it. More power to these old ledgends. It's SOOOO simple, If they bother you,DON;T watch them.And when you are playing a gig and someone [who's paying you] request Johnnie B. Goode,just tell them you don't do that old fogey crap. |
Charlie, I don't watch them, and I don't recall anybody asking for that song for at least the last five years that I played. C.B. still has his fans I suppose, but they aren't the same people who would be fans of the bands I was in, fogeys included. |
|
|
|
Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 5:54 pm
|
|
| worked some gigs with him in the late 1980s. He was amazing. |
|
|
|
Clyde Mattocks
From:
Kinston, North Carolina, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 6:04 pm
|
|
He probably has no choice. Most of these guys have long since run thru their money.
_________________
LeGrande II, Nash. 112, Fender Twin Tone Master, Session 400, Harlow Dobro, R.Q.Jones Dobro |
|
|
|
Alvin Blaine
From:
Picture Rocks, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 7:04 pm
|
|
| Charles Davidson wrote: |
| All a matter of opinion guys ,you have yours,I have mine and stand by it. More power to these old ledgends. It's SOOOO simple, If they bother you,DON;T watch them.And when you are playing a gig and someone [who's paying you] request Johnnie B. Goode,just tell them you don't do that old fogey crap. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC. |
Your not getting it. I have NOTHING against Chuck Berry Songs, and total admire him as a legend in rock-n-roll. I'm just saying that when someone who is a legend gets on stage and sound worse than a group of elementary school kids that just got their first guitar two days ago, THEN YOU SHOULDN'T BE ON STAGE.
_________________
http://www.oldbluesound.com/about.htm
http://www.facebook.com/cowboytwang |
|
|
|
Scott Shipley
From:
The Ozark Mountains
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 7:28 pm
|
|
There are legends who still kick butt despite advancing years. I have a dear friend who still performs on the GOO every weekend, and will be 82 in March. She still sounds amazing, and carries herself with class and dignity.
Another GOO legend who has Alzheimer's and most times can't even tell you where he's at, lights up like the 4th of July when he hits the stage. Has to be led to the stage, but once he's on, he's on. Doesn't forget one word or miss a beat.
_________________
Scott Shipley Facebook |
|
|
|
Alvin Blaine
From:
Picture Rocks, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 7:40 pm
|
|
| Scott Shipley wrote: |
There are legends who still kick butt despite advancing years. I have a dear friend who still performs on the GOO every weekend, and will be 82 in March. She still sounds amazing, and carries herself with class and dignity.
Another GOO legend who has Alzheimer's and most times can't even tell you where he's at, lights up like the 4th of July when he hits the stage. Has to be led to the stage, but once he's on, he's on. Doesn't forget one word or miss a beat. |
I saw B.B. King recently and he was killer. He does sit down and doesn't sing as much as he used to, but he still has that tone and power, and he turned 85 last Sept. I would pay good money to go see him anytime. Same with Merle (he's only in his '70s), I saw him last year and I think he's singing and playing better than he ever has.
Some can do it, and even get better, and some lose it.
I think Chuck Berry could do more for his legacy if he stopped playing and wrote a book about his life, because he has had a VERY colorful life. He could tour doing book signings and probably make more money then doing these Rockabilly shows he's been doing the past couple of years.
_________________
http://www.oldbluesound.com/about.htm
http://www.facebook.com/cowboytwang |
|
|
|
Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
|
Posted 3 Jan 2011 8:20 pm
|
|
To tell the truth,Don't think Chuck or ANY of his peers really care what the age police think,I know I sure as hell don't. My goal is to kick the bucket on stage,To have someone say [Hey look Charlie's asleep at the steel]  YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
|
|
|
CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
|
Posted 4 Jan 2011 12:50 am
|
|
a close friend of mine here who's a musicologist, journalist & author for many french reviews caught Crazylegs last year here
he told me Chuck was surprisingly good & that his son was running the band & arrangements
for those who know Chuck well, after makin' his $$$ he savors tranquility at home
having looked at the links above, it's a shame to see him like that, especially after seeing him many times in his prime
as Clyde M writes, he probably needs the money
God bless Grandpa Crazylegs
 |
|
|
|
Peter Huggins
From:
Van Nuys, California, USA
|
Posted 4 Jan 2011 2:38 am God Bless Grandpa Crazylegs
|
|
+ 1
_________________
A big THANKS to all my friends, here and everywhere ! |
|
|
|
Bo Borland
From:
South Jersey -
|
Posted 4 Jan 2011 8:37 pm
|
|
I played a gig with him years ago, he was a tough band leader for a guy who didn't tune his guitar.
He led, we followed. I don't remember if he even spoke to us. |
|
|
|
Dave Hopping
From:
Aurora, Colorado
|
Posted 5 Jan 2011 7:58 pm
|
|
| I say put up with the bad nights,because there are still a few good ones left.Soon enough there won't be any. |
|
|
|
Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
|
Posted 5 Jan 2011 10:54 pm
|
|
| Dave Hopping wrote: |
| I say put up with the bad nights,because there are still a few good ones left.Soon enough there won't be any. |
Nicely put.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
|
|
|
Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
|
Posted 6 Jan 2011 2:26 pm
|
|
I still say leave the few legends we have left the hell alone,if they need to be wheeled on stage in a wheelchair by God let them perform if they chose to. If [you] don't like it,STAY AWAY. I believe the GREAT Les Paul was performing in his 90's. I never had the chance to see him so I really don't know. Was he playing at the same level at 90 as he was back in the 40's and 50's ? I saw a few TV shows about him and read a few things about him,Not ONCE did I read or hear[DON'T LET THAT OLD MAN ON STAGE,HE'S TOO OLD ] For those of you that think that Mick Jagger,Chuck Berry, Little Jimmy,Ray Price,Lorretta,etc are too old for you,I suggest you get you some Taylor Swift or Rascal Flatts or maybe Little Wayne or Snoop Dogg is more your style.  YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.
_________________
Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
|
|
|
Alvin Blaine
From:
Picture Rocks, Arizona, USA
|
Posted 6 Jan 2011 4:09 pm
|
|
| Charles Davidson wrote: |
| I still say leave the few legends we have left the hell alone,if they need to be wheeled on stage in a wheelchair by God let them perform if they chose to. If [you] don't like it,STAY AWAY. I believe the GREAT Les Paul was performing in his 90's. I never had the chance to see him so I really don't know. Was he playing at the same level at 90 as he was back in the 40's and 50's ? I saw a few TV shows about him and read a few things about him,Not ONCE did I read or hear[DON'T LET THAT OLD MAN ON STAGE,HE'S TOO OLD ] For those of you that think that Mick Jagger,Chuck Berry, Little Jimmy,Ray Price,Lorretta,etc are too old for you,I suggest you get you some Taylor Swift or Rascal Flatts or maybe Little Wayne or Snoop Dogg is more your style. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC. |
Bama, it's not about being old, it's about not being able to perform on stage anymore at a level higher than someone who just started playing last week.
Do you really think that's the way a legend should be remembered?
_________________
http://www.oldbluesound.com/about.htm
http://www.facebook.com/cowboytwang |
|
|
|
Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
|
Posted 6 Jan 2011 4:27 pm
|
|
It's not up to any of us how he should be remembered. I think that Chuck has given of himself so much over the years that if it makes him happy to go out there and mumble and chugg along, then more power to him. I wish I could see him live, even in this condition. I'm not happy to hear he is unwell, but I'd be happy to support him in concert no matter what the quality of his performance is. I assume he's not so strapped that he HAS to do it, so I can bet he likes to get out there and turn it up still. And it's no surprise he wants to. Don't we all? I hope no one ever tells me I'm not good enough anymore, especially if I wrote the book on rock and roll.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
Posted 6 Jan 2011 5:01 pm
|
|
| Chris LeDrew wrote: |
| It's not up to any of us how he should be remembered. |
It's up to the media.....magazines, newspapers, video.....and more importantly youtube.....performers are immortalized on youtube for future generations....if an 18 year old (who was not part of that history) clicks on to a clip of a poor performance....that's what they're going to remember.....and it's human nature to remember the negative things....I'm not saying that it's fair or that it's right, it just is....
I remember a thread here some years back....it had to do with older steel players, arthritis and how different people deal with it.....and I'll never forget this quote by Buddy Emmons...."you either cut it or you don't".......and to me, that's the bottom line.... |
|
|
|
Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
|
Posted 6 Jan 2011 5:35 pm
|
|
Howard, I see your point. I can understand how someone not well-versed in who pioneered certain musical genres might be turned off by a hand-held cell phone recording of a bad performance. But it's hard for me to think critically about a man who changed the course of popular music in the way Chuck did. The saying "either you cut it or you don't" is too broad a swath to cut with regard to Chuck. Either way you look at it, his riffs/melodies/lyrics will always be the engine behind rock and roll until it breathes its last breath. Even in modern rock you can't listen for ten minutes without hearing his influence. It cuts as deep as that of Beethoven in classical music. Admittedly, I don't have a stronger argument than to say that I find it off-putting that the man is being criticized at all. I wish I had more, but I don't. Long live Chuck Berry. Every stagger and mumble from that man is a gift to us, and his memory with live on for centuries.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
|
|
|
