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This is a comment to remember if there is another Stones tour....
Because if there is, there will be a lot of discussions of set lists and "warhorses"
...and let's face it, in the end warhorses is what the paying people want.
Strange he only played 40 minutes! We did a show in Columbia Missouri the night before and had to drive back to St. Louis (roughly 2hr drive) at about 12:30 in the morning. Dad drove himself home by the way.
He jumped up and hopped a plane to LA around 10:00am yesterday morning. I have no idea exactly when he arrived but I'll bet he then drove from LAX to the Casino himself.
It really sounds like he was simply low on gas. I can never remember dad playing ANY show under 50 minutes. We had also just returned from Brazil after 6 days of traveling (4 shows that trip).
There's another show in Utah on Saturday. I'm sure the youtubies will post something there if they can sneak their camera's in.
CBII
It is a lot of rubbish. For being such a "great" fan, he should know that this "weird Mexican poem/song thing" is "South Of The Border" and that Chuck's amp is always HIGH, by Mr. Berry's request.
You can bet he is in pain. He cannot walk anymore and is in need of two hip replacements.
I never said I preferred a tribute act over the real Chuck. And, I think it is rude of you to twist my words around like that. That said, and corrected, I know what you mean about seeing him when you can. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to shake the hand of Johnny Johnson, for example. Back to Chuck, I have seen him many, many times over the years.
I can guarantee the person in the blonde wig was not my dad. Sounds more like that guy they called Buster that terrorized St. Louis back in the 80's. I can see the news media pulling something like that. Was the news paper "The Evening Whirl"?
CBII
I've seen that tribute band on Youtube. Not Memorex (the real thing) of course but if there can be Elvis imitators out there, more power to them (as long as the artist and publishing duties are properly paid). One of the guys looks like Buddy Holly.
CBII
Rubbish!!! There are enough people that age, who make more sense than you.
And it is not true that everything goes, the emotions stay.
Thanks! Thought it was too long for anyone to sift through but I'm glad some kind of insight could come out of it!
Right, my ears happened to fold inward while LR went into "Tutti FruttI" or "Lucille." Mine, and the ears of the hundreds of others who were present.
He didn't play them...end of story. His last song were bars of him singing "I gotta go...I hope you enjoyed my show" followed by several sax solos and BAM...show was over.
"Maybellene" was played regularly in his last tour of Europe. So it wasn't even a rare song that is played every few months.
I am aware of the song unfortunately Chuck didn't sing any of the lyrics to assume completely it was "House Lights." "We gotta go..we gotta close the show...Do you want us to stay? Stay here and boogie, all night and all day?" None of that. To assume it was "House Light" is fair but the performance didn't reflect that.
You are becoming obnoxious. I saw joking around with the band, mugging for cameras, little running around, more talking to audience...laughing with the audience and more interaction. That's what I saw last night. I was very happy to see it. I made a comment about it. Done.
THanks CBII for your insight! All those factors you mention could definitely come into play. I do wonder which airport he flew in...LAX or Ontario (being closer to Highland/San Bernardino). Either way, the show was great..would've have been an even better one had Dad played a fuller set. I drove 70 miles to see him so I'll definitely drive it again for Ol' Chucko. Technically, he's the Stones' fans' Grandfather (musicially speaking). And it's always good to see family....
:-) The Evening Whirl, great publication, although it's gone a bit mainstream, not having the "Dope Eaters and Wife Beaters" mugshot section anymore...
No, I believe it was the Post Dispatch; if it wasn't there, I heard it either on one of the local TV news broadcasts on 2, 4, or 5 most likely.
I've never heard of "Buster" but now I'm intrigued...what was his story?
Sorry for any insult I may have suggested...was only repeating what I heard from a legitimate news source at the time!
P.S. Not to change the subject, but I think I met you once, were you at the Johnny Johnson birthday celebration at Kiener Plaza maybe 6-8 years ago? Where some of the Kentucky Headhunters showed up and played too? I was a distant aquaintence of Johnnie's through mutual friends and was talking to him and I believe he introduced you to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-08-28 23:35 by kovach.
People see lots of things that do not happen and sometimes they miss things that do happen.
How do you know? Got all the set lists?
Well, he usually misses out more lyrics than he sings, but that goes for nearly all of his songs. Where do we draw the line?
That doesn't mean shit. Nobody knows what he really thinks and he often changes his mood within seconds.
No offense or insult taken Kovach. I was at JJ's celebration. It was an honor to be there. That man was a good family friend. It would not surprise me at all if we met there. If my recollection is accurate, that's also the show where Johnny had his book release party or at least book signing going on too.
Buster was a well known cross-dresser from East St. Louis that sold illegal drugs. He looked like he just escaped from the planet of the apes and made for a very, very ugly woman. He made the Evening Whirl a couple of times. My god I miss Mr. Thomas and his staff. "The Gun Club", "Who", "Why" and the "Wife beaters and sweetheart mis-treaters" sections of that paper were truly classic! I still have some of the really old ones somewhere in my house.
Justin a friend I've known since I was a child was at the show Thursday and pretty much validated everything you said about both performances. Paula called me this afternoon and said it was over too fast, Little Richard did not seem like he was really giving it his all and Dad seemed to have a shorter than normal set. Oh well, everyone has off nights.
CBII
An @#$%& for putting dubious claims into question?
Find out who the promotors were and tell them "Send more Chuck Berry!". He will go where ever they ask him to play. Hopefully, you will get to see the regular core band behind him.
CBII
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OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Justin
()
Date: August 28, 2009 10:56
Just came back from the San Miguel Indian Casino in Highland, California....about 70 miles from LA. Two legends: Chuck Berry and Little Richard. This was a "bucket list" kind of night as I've never seen Little Richard (seen Chuck twice before). I was ready...definitely aware of the realistic results with LR...he is 76...not getting younger...his touring schedule has almost come to a stop. I had tried to keep up with clips on YouTube of recent performances...so I was definitely ready. At least I THOUGHT I was ready....
LR begins 10 mins late...the curtains are pulled back and there he is at the piano...the band is pumping away his intro music which lasts about 4 minutes. Band: drums, bass, guitar, 3 saxophones and horn. Then the proceedings....LR launches (timidly) into Slippin and A' Slidin, Jenny, Jenny, Blueberry Hill, Keep A Knockin', Valley of Tears, a blues song and a near 10 minute vamp while ladies danced on stage (one of which fell backwards onto the floor as she tripped on something...music kept going btw). All the while, he makes the saxophone players play solo after solo after solo after solo. In fact, all songs included at least 2 full go's of a sax solo. About 45 mins pass and he ends the show...WITHOUT playing:
Lucille
Good Golly Miss Molly
Long Tall Sally
Tutti Frutti
The audience was pretty shocked. They were calling out all these songs...hoping and expecting that he'd defintiely come around to them. He did not.
In the end, his voice was surprisingly very strong for 76 and his piano playing was still great....way too low in the mix and age is finally showing. We watched a legend, no doubt. But was a little shocked that there were no hints of the "hits." Was it an artistic choice to leave out these big 4? I dunno...it stings a bit more because he chose to have a bunch of women on stage dance for 6 mins straight. To leave out any of the above songs for that...is wrong!
Curtain closed...lights came up....everyone dispersed for a bathroom or drink break. Meanwhile, the stage is being cleared for Chuck. Okay, here we go! Let's go! Chucko! No more than 10 minutes...no soundcheck...not even an announcment...Chuck goes straight into "Roll Over Beethoven"...while the curtain is still closed!! Fantastic! The sound guys weren't ready....the lighting crew weren't ready. It was great. Electricity is filling the room...we were kinda left hanging with LR a bit...but everyone knows Chuck will come through. And he did! He was in a GREAT GREAT mood. I've never seen him so jolly. Short of a few bum notes...guitar playing was very good. He goes straight into "Sweet Little Sixteen"..."Memphis, Tennessee" "Nadine" "Everyday I have the blues" and "School Days." All of which are unusually short renditions. Barely any solos and bam....song over. Hmmm...something fishy I thought.
THe audience is rooting for Chuck. We love the solos...people are screaming after every note he licks. He is really hitting the spot. He does a weird Mexican poem/song thing and then goes into "Let It Rock." All this time...he is playing his guitar so painfully quietly...barely a whisper. I suspect his amp was put WAY too high so he was striking it cautiously. The drummer and piano player were hired helping hands. While the piano player geled with Chuck beautifully...the drummer was waaay too timid playing those drums. VERY frustrating. Of course, because this was their very first meeting...he had to be EXTRA careful...but when the drummer plays softly....everyone else plays softly too. He has trouble with the stops and doesn't "Understand" when Chuck slams that leg down...the whole world STOPS!
After "Let It Rock" he says something about doing one last song. The audience kind of gasps..."One last song?" He's been on for only 30 mins. No no, you can't leave yet. He has yet to do "Oh Carol/Little Queenie" medley "Too Much Monkey Business" or even "Maybelline"...not that these were unusual expectations...these are songs that have been STAPLES in shows these last couple years. These are not hopes of a fanboy...but realistically expected.
As he's done in the recent years, he then asks for women to come on stage. Jim, the bass player, reminds him he's not done "Johnnie B" yet. He rips into it with ladies dancing everywhere....no duck walk. He'll only do it when he's on the stage without the ladies. They do one last song...a simple vamp about "Gotta go, gotta go" or something and then Chuck looks at the crowd mouths, "Bye, bye" and waves a little with his guitar and slips out the side. He is GONE! The crowd sees this as an encore. Meanwhile, I already know that this show is done. Chuck ain't coming out. The audience is going crazy...chanting "CHUCK! CHUCK!" I look around...the room which I thought were all old farts...were flooded by young people who were all standing and screaming for Chuck. Band members have already left. There is no way Chuck is coming back. Management probably didn't know what to do so there we sat for 3 minutes in the dark, chanting his name expecting him to do an encore. It never happens... The lights come up and curtain closes. People are shocked. We were blue balled! We had two big bites of a great meal and the waitor takes our plate away!
As I walked out...some guy stood at his seat in plain shock. "What just happened?" he asked. "Why did he leave?" It was a VERY weird energy in the room...I had to just laugh. As a huge CHuck fan, I have total tolerance for him but even I was left a little unsatisfied. The show was a little under 40 mins. Especially after the rather "limited" LIttle Richard performance we got...we were totally banking on ol' Chucko to save us! People walked around in a daze...a very weird vibe.
In the end, still a legendary show but a very very werid night to say the least. Dunno if Charles II is still on the board but would love to hear any feedback. Charles, I know you weren't there (was lookin forward to seein ya) but is dad shortening his sets lately? He seemed very very rushed at the tail end. So much in a rush that it left the audience a bit puzzled....
Still though, when Chuck was playing...my eyes were glued on him. The guy is music's first GUITAR HERO. Everyone in that room knew it...and we just didn't want the night to end. So soon.......
LR begins 10 mins late...the curtains are pulled back and there he is at the piano...the band is pumping away his intro music which lasts about 4 minutes. Band: drums, bass, guitar, 3 saxophones and horn. Then the proceedings....LR launches (timidly) into Slippin and A' Slidin, Jenny, Jenny, Blueberry Hill, Keep A Knockin', Valley of Tears, a blues song and a near 10 minute vamp while ladies danced on stage (one of which fell backwards onto the floor as she tripped on something...music kept going btw). All the while, he makes the saxophone players play solo after solo after solo after solo. In fact, all songs included at least 2 full go's of a sax solo. About 45 mins pass and he ends the show...WITHOUT playing:
Lucille
Good Golly Miss Molly
Long Tall Sally
Tutti Frutti
The audience was pretty shocked. They were calling out all these songs...hoping and expecting that he'd defintiely come around to them. He did not.
In the end, his voice was surprisingly very strong for 76 and his piano playing was still great....way too low in the mix and age is finally showing. We watched a legend, no doubt. But was a little shocked that there were no hints of the "hits." Was it an artistic choice to leave out these big 4? I dunno...it stings a bit more because he chose to have a bunch of women on stage dance for 6 mins straight. To leave out any of the above songs for that...is wrong!
Curtain closed...lights came up....everyone dispersed for a bathroom or drink break. Meanwhile, the stage is being cleared for Chuck. Okay, here we go! Let's go! Chucko! No more than 10 minutes...no soundcheck...not even an announcment...Chuck goes straight into "Roll Over Beethoven"...while the curtain is still closed!! Fantastic! The sound guys weren't ready....the lighting crew weren't ready. It was great. Electricity is filling the room...we were kinda left hanging with LR a bit...but everyone knows Chuck will come through. And he did! He was in a GREAT GREAT mood. I've never seen him so jolly. Short of a few bum notes...guitar playing was very good. He goes straight into "Sweet Little Sixteen"..."Memphis, Tennessee" "Nadine" "Everyday I have the blues" and "School Days." All of which are unusually short renditions. Barely any solos and bam....song over. Hmmm...something fishy I thought.
THe audience is rooting for Chuck. We love the solos...people are screaming after every note he licks. He is really hitting the spot. He does a weird Mexican poem/song thing and then goes into "Let It Rock." All this time...he is playing his guitar so painfully quietly...barely a whisper. I suspect his amp was put WAY too high so he was striking it cautiously. The drummer and piano player were hired helping hands. While the piano player geled with Chuck beautifully...the drummer was waaay too timid playing those drums. VERY frustrating. Of course, because this was their very first meeting...he had to be EXTRA careful...but when the drummer plays softly....everyone else plays softly too. He has trouble with the stops and doesn't "Understand" when Chuck slams that leg down...the whole world STOPS!
After "Let It Rock" he says something about doing one last song. The audience kind of gasps..."One last song?" He's been on for only 30 mins. No no, you can't leave yet. He has yet to do "Oh Carol/Little Queenie" medley "Too Much Monkey Business" or even "Maybelline"...not that these were unusual expectations...these are songs that have been STAPLES in shows these last couple years. These are not hopes of a fanboy...but realistically expected.
As he's done in the recent years, he then asks for women to come on stage. Jim, the bass player, reminds him he's not done "Johnnie B" yet. He rips into it with ladies dancing everywhere....no duck walk. He'll only do it when he's on the stage without the ladies. They do one last song...a simple vamp about "Gotta go, gotta go" or something and then Chuck looks at the crowd mouths, "Bye, bye" and waves a little with his guitar and slips out the side. He is GONE! The crowd sees this as an encore. Meanwhile, I already know that this show is done. Chuck ain't coming out. The audience is going crazy...chanting "CHUCK! CHUCK!" I look around...the room which I thought were all old farts...were flooded by young people who were all standing and screaming for Chuck. Band members have already left. There is no way Chuck is coming back. Management probably didn't know what to do so there we sat for 3 minutes in the dark, chanting his name expecting him to do an encore. It never happens... The lights come up and curtain closes. People are shocked. We were blue balled! We had two big bites of a great meal and the waitor takes our plate away!
As I walked out...some guy stood at his seat in plain shock. "What just happened?" he asked. "Why did he leave?" It was a VERY weird energy in the room...I had to just laugh. As a huge CHuck fan, I have total tolerance for him but even I was left a little unsatisfied. The show was a little under 40 mins. Especially after the rather "limited" LIttle Richard performance we got...we were totally banking on ol' Chucko to save us! People walked around in a daze...a very weird vibe.
In the end, still a legendary show but a very very werid night to say the least. Dunno if Charles II is still on the board but would love to hear any feedback. Charles, I know you weren't there (was lookin forward to seein ya) but is dad shortening his sets lately? He seemed very very rushed at the tail end. So much in a rush that it left the audience a bit puzzled....
Still though, when Chuck was playing...my eyes were glued on him. The guy is music's first GUITAR HERO. Everyone in that room knew it...and we just didn't want the night to end. So soon.......
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
DandelionPowderman
()
Date: August 28, 2009 11:19
Maybe his fans are complaining about the warhorses, just like we do with our boys 
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Roll73
()
Date: August 28, 2009 11:51
Quote
Justin
when Chuck slams that leg down...the whole world STOPS!
quote]
You nailed it there pal!
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
UGot2Rollme
()
Date: August 28, 2009 14:26
thanks for your in-depth review. I must admit I read reviews of the "old timers" with a bit of morbid curiousity. It is a CRIME that Little Richard didn't play any of his big hits. As for Chuck, you clearly are a dear fan and he is truly the king of rock and roll, but... it may be time for him to call it a day and let the younger folk like Keef carry on the legacy.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
paulywaul
()
Date: August 28, 2009 15:03
Justin,
I saw little Richard here in London a few years ago, I seem to recall at the time he was proudly announcing on the stage that he was 71 or 72 ... can't quite remember which. Also, saw Chuck at the age of 83 not that long ago at the 100 Club, a tiny place that hold some 250-300 people. It was great to see them both, and of course it would be fair to say that there were "limitations" to their performances of course. Bur those few years later on, after what you describe, saddening though it is to have to say so, I actually think that as regards these two particular artists, time really has begun to catch up with them and I'd probably be content to leave it at that .... even if they were to come round again and maybe I'd have an opportunity.
Great review of yours, thanks ever so much for posting such a detailed account.
I saw little Richard here in London a few years ago, I seem to recall at the time he was proudly announcing on the stage that he was 71 or 72 ... can't quite remember which. Also, saw Chuck at the age of 83 not that long ago at the 100 Club, a tiny place that hold some 250-300 people. It was great to see them both, and of course it would be fair to say that there were "limitations" to their performances of course. Bur those few years later on, after what you describe, saddening though it is to have to say so, I actually think that as regards these two particular artists, time really has begun to catch up with them and I'd probably be content to leave it at that .... even if they were to come round again and maybe I'd have an opportunity.
Great review of yours, thanks ever so much for posting such a detailed account.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
kovach
()
Date: August 28, 2009 16:20
Last time I saw Chuck was when I attended the Hail Hail concerts in St. Louis, which would be tough to top! But even then, I noticed a lot of bum notes (which of course were mixed/overdubbed out of the film). Being some 22 years later, I'd fine it hard he's improved.
Although...just to be able to get up and give it a valiant effort is a feat in itself!
Little Richard...seen him a few times. I noticed too the lack of playing his huge hits, but relying on others songs like, Bob Seger's Old Time Rock & Roll. And I noticed he didn't even really sing many of the verses, just kept singing the chorus. Maybe his memory's failing him and he just can't keep up anymore. Although he certainly is still a character, some of his between song banter is hilarious!
Although...just to be able to get up and give it a valiant effort is a feat in itself!
Little Richard...seen him a few times. I noticed too the lack of playing his huge hits, but relying on others songs like, Bob Seger's Old Time Rock & Roll. And I noticed he didn't even really sing many of the verses, just kept singing the chorus. Maybe his memory's failing him and he just can't keep up anymore. Although he certainly is still a character, some of his between song banter is hilarious!
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Carnaby
()
Date: August 28, 2009 16:36
We don't live very far from the Casino and of course thought of going. But, we didn't, precisely because of what we feared would happen, ala your very fine report. Too bad.
Wouldn't mind seeing this guy some time. He really does love Chuck. Young enough to be believable-
[www.chuckberrytribute.com]
[www.chuckberrytribute.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-08-28 16:39 by Carnaby.
Wouldn't mind seeing this guy some time. He really does love Chuck. Young enough to be believable-
[www.chuckberrytribute.com]
[www.chuckberrytribute.com]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-08-28 16:39 by Carnaby.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
loog droog
()
Date: August 28, 2009 17:02
Quote
UGot2Rollme
tIt is a CRIME that Little Richard didn't play any of his big hits.
This is a comment to remember if there is another Stones tour....
Because if there is, there will be a lot of discussions of set lists and "warhorses"
...and let's face it, in the end warhorses is what the paying people want.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
CBII
()
Date: August 28, 2009 19:22
Quote
Justin
Just came back from the San Miguel Indian Casino in Highland, California....about 70 miles from LA. Two legends: Chuck Berry and Little Richard. This was a "bucket list" kind of night as I've never seen Little Richard (seen Chuck twice before). I was ready...definitely aware of the realistic results with LR...he is 76...not getting younger...his touring schedule has almost come to a stop. I had tried to keep up with clips on YouTube of recent performances...so I was definitely ready. At least I THOUGHT I was ready....
LR begins 10 mins late...the curtains are pulled back and there he is at the piano...the band is pumping away his intro music which lasts about 4 minutes. Band: drums, bass, guitar, 3 saxophones and horn. Then the proceedings....LR launches (timidly) into Slippin and A' Slidin, Jenny, Jenny, Blueberry Hill, Keep A Knockin', Valley of Tears, a blues song and a near 10 minute vamp while ladies danced on stage (one of which fell backwards onto the floor as she tripped on something...music kept going btw). All the while, he makes the saxophone players play solo after solo after solo after solo. In fact, all songs included at least 2 full go's of a sax solo. About 45 mins pass and he ends the show...WITHOUT playing:
Lucille
Good Golly Miss Molly
Long Tall Sally
Tutti Frutti
The audience was pretty shocked. They were calling out all these songs...hoping and expecting that he'd defintiely come around to them. He did not.
In the end, his voice was surprisingly very strong for 76 and his piano playing was still great....way too low in the mix and age is finally showing. We watched a legend, no doubt. But was a little shocked that there were no hints of the "hits." Was it an artistic choice to leave out these big 4? I dunno...it stings a bit more because he chose to have a bunch of women on stage dance for 6 mins straight. To leave out any of the above songs for that...is wrong!
Curtain closed...lights came up....everyone dispersed for a bathroom or drink break. Meanwhile, the stage is being cleared for Chuck. Okay, here we go! Let's go! Chucko! No more than 10 minutes...no soundcheck...not even an announcment...Chuck goes straight into "Roll Over Beethoven"...while the curtain is still closed!! Fantastic! The sound guys weren't ready....the lighting crew weren't ready. It was great. Electricity is filling the room...we were kinda left hanging with LR a bit...but everyone knows Chuck will come through. And he did! He was in a GREAT GREAT mood. I've never seen him so jolly. Short of a few bum notes...guitar playing was very good. He goes straight into "Sweet Little Sixteen"..."Memphis, Tennessee" "Nadine" "Everyday I have the blues" and "School Days." All of which are unusually short renditions. Barely any solos and bam....song over. Hmmm...something fishy I thought.
THe audience is rooting for Chuck. We love the solos...people are screaming after every note he licks. He is really hitting the spot. He does a weird Mexican poem/song thing and then goes into "Let It Rock." All this time...he is playing his guitar so painfully quietly...barely a whisper. I suspect his amp was put WAY too high so he was striking it cautiously. The drummer and piano player were hired helping hands. While the piano player geled with Chuck beautifully...the drummer was waaay too timid playing those drums. VERY frustrating. Of course, because this was their very first meeting...he had to be EXTRA careful...but when the drummer plays softly....everyone else plays softly too. He has trouble with the stops and doesn't "Understand" when Chuck slams that leg down...the whole world STOPS!
After "Let It Rock" he says something about doing one last song. The audience kind of gasps..."One last song?" He's been on for only 30 mins. No no, you can't leave yet. He has yet to do "Oh Carol/Little Queenie" medley "Too Much Monkey Business" or even "Maybelline"...not that these were unusual expectations...these are songs that have been STAPLES in shows these last couple years. These are not hopes of a fanboy...but realistically expected.
As he's done in the recent years, he then asks for women to come on stage. Jim, the bass player, reminds him he's not done "Johnnie B" yet. He rips into it with ladies dancing everywhere....no duck walk. He'll only do it when he's on the stage without the ladies. They do one last song...a simple vamp about "Gotta go, gotta go" or something and then Chuck looks at the crowd mouths, "Bye, bye" and waves a little with his guitar and slips out the side. He is GONE! The crowd sees this as an encore. Meanwhile, I already know that this show is done. Chuck ain't coming out. The audience is going crazy...chanting "CHUCK! CHUCK!" I look around...the room which I thought were all old farts...were flooded by young people who were all standing and screaming for Chuck. Band members have already left. There is no way Chuck is coming back. Management probably didn't know what to do so there we sat for 3 minutes in the dark, chanting his name expecting him to do an encore. It never happens... The lights come up and curtain closes. People are shocked. We were blue balled! We had two big bites of a great meal and the waitor takes our plate away!
As I walked out...some guy stood at his seat in plain shock. "What just happened?" he asked. "Why did he leave?" It was a VERY weird energy in the room...I had to just laugh. As a huge CHuck fan, I have total tolerance for him but even I was left a little unsatisfied. The show was a little under 40 mins. Especially after the rather "limited" LIttle Richard performance we got...we were totally banking on ol' Chucko to save us! People walked around in a daze...a very weird vibe.
In the end, still a legendary show but a very very werid night to say the least. Dunno if Charles II is still on the board but would love to hear any feedback. Charles, I know you weren't there (was lookin forward to seein ya) but is dad shortening his sets lately? He seemed very very rushed at the tail end. So much in a rush that it left the audience a bit puzzled....
Still though, when Chuck was playing...my eyes were glued on him. The guy is music's first GUITAR HERO. Everyone in that room knew it...and we just didn't want the night to end. So soon.......
Strange he only played 40 minutes! We did a show in Columbia Missouri the night before and had to drive back to St. Louis (roughly 2hr drive) at about 12:30 in the morning. Dad drove himself home by the way.
He jumped up and hopped a plane to LA around 10:00am yesterday morning. I have no idea exactly when he arrived but I'll bet he then drove from LAX to the Casino himself.
It really sounds like he was simply low on gas. I can never remember dad playing ANY show under 50 minutes. We had also just returned from Brazil after 6 days of traveling (4 shows that trip).
There's another show in Utah on Saturday. I'm sure the youtubies will post something there if they can sneak their camera's in.
CBII
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
WolfgangG
()
Date: August 28, 2009 19:26
Well, I am reading quite some trash here. Some points:
1. Someone, who prefers a Chuck Berry tribute act over the real Chuck Berry, is mad. Just plain mad! See the man while you still can. A character! A legend! And even impressive if a 100 years old.
2. Little Richard nearly always does his greatest hits. Maybe the author did not recognize them. "Long Tall Sally" is usually the last song, but Richard tends to only mumble one verse into the mic. Hard to recognize.
3. "Too Much Monkey Business" and "Maybellene" are by no means staples in Berry's live shows. What are you talking about? "Maybellene" gets played very occassionally and "Too Much Monkey Business" about every twentieth show.
4. The simple song called "Gotta go, gotta go" is "House Lights", his usual show closer. The song can be found on his last studio album "Rock It".
5. Chuck's live shows are usually at least 60 minutes long. Why he chose to do a shorter set? Either the contract asked for it or he was not in the mood you describe. How do you want to nail his mood anyway? Do you know what he is thinking?
6. "Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll" is fantastic and better than pretty much everything the Stones have released.
1. Someone, who prefers a Chuck Berry tribute act over the real Chuck Berry, is mad. Just plain mad! See the man while you still can. A character! A legend! And even impressive if a 100 years old.
2. Little Richard nearly always does his greatest hits. Maybe the author did not recognize them. "Long Tall Sally" is usually the last song, but Richard tends to only mumble one verse into the mic. Hard to recognize.
3. "Too Much Monkey Business" and "Maybellene" are by no means staples in Berry's live shows. What are you talking about? "Maybellene" gets played very occassionally and "Too Much Monkey Business" about every twentieth show.
4. The simple song called "Gotta go, gotta go" is "House Lights", his usual show closer. The song can be found on his last studio album "Rock It".
5. Chuck's live shows are usually at least 60 minutes long. Why he chose to do a shorter set? Either the contract asked for it or he was not in the mood you describe. How do you want to nail his mood anyway? Do you know what he is thinking?
6. "Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll" is fantastic and better than pretty much everything the Stones have released.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Beelyboy
()
Date: August 28, 2009 19:46
what a totally excellent review Justin; really appreciate ty.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
kovach
()
Date: August 28, 2009 19:52
I wasn't trying to trash the guy, I have the utmost respect for the guy I think invented the most recognized rock and roll guitar riff in the history of music!
And everyone has their bad nights, and I wasn't trashing Hail Hail either, was a an absolutely outstanding show! But I noticed a few more bum notes that night that I hadn't heard when I saw him maybe 5-6 years before that under the arch at the VP Fair.
Hey, that being said, I'm not what I was 20+ years ago either! And I don't think I could do the duck walk at 44. :-)
And I'm not calling for him to hang up his guitar either...if he still wants to play, and people still want to see him, good for all involved!
I keep saying I may catch him again at one of his monthly shows at Blueberry Hill here in St. Louis since it's been so long...we'll see.
One funny story from the Hail Hail show, I'm standing in the lobby before it started, and I see this black 'woman' in a red dress and long blonde hair walking with someone through the lobby. I nudge my friend and said something like 'look at that get-up'. Didn't think nothing about it later until I read the paper the next morning, Chuck wanted to see what the crowd was like so put on a red dress and blonde wig and took a walk through the lobby with someone!
And everyone has their bad nights, and I wasn't trashing Hail Hail either, was a an absolutely outstanding show! But I noticed a few more bum notes that night that I hadn't heard when I saw him maybe 5-6 years before that under the arch at the VP Fair.
Hey, that being said, I'm not what I was 20+ years ago either! And I don't think I could do the duck walk at 44. :-)
And I'm not calling for him to hang up his guitar either...if he still wants to play, and people still want to see him, good for all involved!
I keep saying I may catch him again at one of his monthly shows at Blueberry Hill here in St. Louis since it's been so long...we'll see.
One funny story from the Hail Hail show, I'm standing in the lobby before it started, and I see this black 'woman' in a red dress and long blonde hair walking with someone through the lobby. I nudge my friend and said something like 'look at that get-up'. Didn't think nothing about it later until I read the paper the next morning, Chuck wanted to see what the crowd was like so put on a red dress and blonde wig and took a walk through the lobby with someone!
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Beelyboy
()
Date: August 28, 2009 19:58
i saw LR in NYC when he was 33 and accompanied by (a then unknown) hendrix...time had marched on in the pop music world but he was still young and in great performance shape...and still a draw...tho his huge hits and influence on the culture had happened say,....8 to 10 years before that...
i guess it's great he's still out there...hope he's not in pain...hope his attitude is calm...i KNOW he realizes how historic his music and presence were (are) on the culture...but a weird weird nite indeed...of all that generation i think Dion, younger than richard, is the only one standing that's still excitingly creatively viable...and solid in performance.
i guess it's great he's still out there...hope he's not in pain...hope his attitude is calm...i KNOW he realizes how historic his music and presence were (are) on the culture...but a weird weird nite indeed...of all that generation i think Dion, younger than richard, is the only one standing that's still excitingly creatively viable...and solid in performance.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
WolfgangG
()
Date: August 28, 2009 20:06
Quote
Beelyboy
what a totally excellent review Justin; really appreciate ty.
It is a lot of rubbish. For being such a "great" fan, he should know that this "weird Mexican poem/song thing" is "South Of The Border" and that Chuck's amp is always HIGH, by Mr. Berry's request.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
WolfgangG
()
Date: August 28, 2009 20:07
Quote
Beelyboy
i saw LR in NYC when he was 33 and accompanied by (a then unknown) hendrix...time had marched on in the pop music world but he was still young and in great performance shape...and still a draw...tho his huge hits and influence on the culture had happened say,....8 to 10 years before that...
i guess it's great he's still out there...hope he's not in pain...hope his attitude is calm...i KNOW he realizes how historic his music and presence were (are) on the culture...but a weird weird nite indeed...of all that generation i think Dion, younger than richard, is the only one standing that's still excitingly creatively viable...and solid in performance.
You can bet he is in pain. He cannot walk anymore and is in need of two hip replacements.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Carnaby
()
Date: August 28, 2009 20:30
Quote
WolfgangG
Well, I am reading quite some trash here. Some points:
1. Someone, who prefers a Chuck Berry tribute act over the real Chuck Berry, is mad. Just plain mad! See the man while you still can. A character! A legend! And even impressive if a 100 years old.
I never said I preferred a tribute act over the real Chuck. And, I think it is rude of you to twist my words around like that. That said, and corrected, I know what you mean about seeing him when you can. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to shake the hand of Johnny Johnson, for example. Back to Chuck, I have seen him many, many times over the years.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
MKjan
()
Date: August 28, 2009 20:43
Gee, if the Stones played a set, and a longer one of course, and left out the warhorses, I bet the masses would be moaning about no Brown Sugar, no Satisfaction, no HTW....I guess its only the hardcore dedicated fans that know the rest of the catalog so well, and we are a minority.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
CBII
()
Date: August 28, 2009 20:46
Quote
kovach
One funny story from the Hail Hail show, I'm standing in the lobby before it started, and I see this black 'woman' in a red dress and long blonde hair walking with someone through the lobby. I nudge my friend and said something like 'look at that get-up'. Didn't think nothing about it later until I read the paper the next morning, Chuck wanted to see what the crowd was like so put on a red dress and blonde wig and took a walk through the lobby with someone!
I can guarantee the person in the blonde wig was not my dad. Sounds more like that guy they called Buster that terrorized St. Louis back in the 80's. I can see the news media pulling something like that. Was the news paper "The Evening Whirl"?
CBII
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
CBII
()
Date: August 28, 2009 20:51
Quote
Carnaby
We don't live very far from the Casino and of course thought of going. But, we didn't, precisely because of what we feared would happen, ala your very fine report. Too bad.
Wouldn't mind seeing this guy some time. He really does love Chuck. Young enough to be believable-
[www.chuckberrytribute.com]
[www.chuckberrytribute.com]
I've seen that tribute band on Youtube. Not Memorex (the real thing) of course but if there can be Elvis imitators out there, more power to them (as long as the artist and publishing duties are properly paid). One of the guys looks like Buddy Holly.
CBII
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Duane in Houston
()
Date: August 28, 2009 21:09
Doesn't surprise me a bit. These guys are ANCIENT ! I'm impressed that you got the lengthy performances you did. At that advanced age everything starts to go, the wind, the stamina, the memory, Everthing. Thank God one of 'em didn't drop dead right there. That would have been a real pisser.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
WolfgangG
()
Date: August 28, 2009 21:14
Quote
Duane in Houston
Doesn't surprise me a bit. These guys are ANCIENT ! I'm impressed that you got the lengthy performances you did. At that advanced age everything starts to go, the wind, the stamina, the memory, Everthing. Thank God one of 'em didn't drop dead right there. That would have been a real pisser.
Rubbish!!! There are enough people that age, who make more sense than you.
And it is not true that everything goes, the emotions stay.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Justin
()
Date: August 28, 2009 22:58
Quote
Beelyboy
what a totally excellent review Justin; really appreciate ty.
Thanks! Thought it was too long for anyone to sift through but I'm glad some kind of insight could come out of it!
Quote
WolfgangG
Well, I am reading quite some trash here. Some points:
2. Little Richard nearly always does his greatest hits. Maybe the author did not recognize them. "Long Tall Sally" is usually the last song, but Richard tends to only mumble one verse into the mic. Hard to recognize.
Right, my ears happened to fold inward while LR went into "Tutti FruttI" or "Lucille." Mine, and the ears of the hundreds of others who were present.
He didn't play them...end of story. His last song were bars of him singing "I gotta go...I hope you enjoyed my show" followed by several sax solos and BAM...show was over.Quote
WolfgangG
3. "Too Much Monkey Business" and "Maybellene" are by no means staples in Berry's live shows. What are you talking about? "Maybellene" gets played very occassionally and "Too Much Monkey Business" about every twentieth show..
"Maybellene" was played regularly in his last tour of Europe. So it wasn't even a rare song that is played every few months.
Quote
WolfgangG
4. The simple song called "Gotta go, gotta go" is "House Lights", his usual show closer. The song can be found on his last studio album "Rock It".
I am aware of the song unfortunately Chuck didn't sing any of the lyrics to assume completely it was "House Lights." "We gotta go..we gotta close the show...Do you want us to stay? Stay here and boogie, all night and all day?" None of that. To assume it was "House Light" is fair but the performance didn't reflect that.
Quote
WolfgangG
5. Chuck's live shows are usually at least 60 minutes long. Why he chose to do a shorter set? Either the contract asked for it or he was not in the mood you describe. How do you want to nail his mood anyway? Do you know what he is thinking?
You are becoming obnoxious. I saw joking around with the band, mugging for cameras, little running around, more talking to audience...laughing with the audience and more interaction. That's what I saw last night. I was very happy to see it. I made a comment about it. Done.
THanks CBII for your insight! All those factors you mention could definitely come into play. I do wonder which airport he flew in...LAX or Ontario (being closer to Highland/San Bernardino). Either way, the show was great..would've have been an even better one had Dad played a fuller set. I drove 70 miles to see him so I'll definitely drive it again for Ol' Chucko. Technically, he's the Stones' fans' Grandfather (musicially speaking). And it's always good to see family....
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
donnarq1
()
Date: August 28, 2009 23:15
Thanks for sharing your insights Justin and all...Carnaby...I maybe an hour from there, but was working that night.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
kovach
()
Date: August 28, 2009 23:16
Quote
CBII
I can guarantee the person in the blonde wig was not my dad. Sounds more like that guy they called Buster that terrorized St. Louis back in the 80's. I can see the news media pulling something like that. Was the news paper "The Evening Whirl"?
:-) The Evening Whirl, great publication, although it's gone a bit mainstream, not having the "Dope Eaters and Wife Beaters" mugshot section anymore...
No, I believe it was the Post Dispatch; if it wasn't there, I heard it either on one of the local TV news broadcasts on 2, 4, or 5 most likely.
I've never heard of "Buster" but now I'm intrigued...what was his story?
Sorry for any insult I may have suggested...was only repeating what I heard from a legitimate news source at the time!
P.S. Not to change the subject, but I think I met you once, were you at the Johnny Johnson birthday celebration at Kiener Plaza maybe 6-8 years ago? Where some of the Kentucky Headhunters showed up and played too? I was a distant aquaintence of Johnnie's through mutual friends and was talking to him and I believe he introduced you to me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-08-28 23:35 by kovach.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
WolfgangG
()
Date: August 29, 2009 01:36
Quote
Justin
Right, my ears happened to fold inward while LR went into "Tutti FruttI" or "Lucille." Mine, and the ears of the hundreds of others who were present.
People see lots of things that do not happen and sometimes they miss things that do happen.
Quote
Justin
"Maybellene" was played regularly in his last tour of Europe. So it wasn't even a rare song that is played every few months.
How do you know? Got all the set lists?
Quote
Justin
I am aware of the song unfortunately Chuck didn't sing any of the lyrics to assume completely it was "House Lights." "We gotta go..we gotta close the show...Do you want us to stay? Stay here and boogie, all night and all day?" None of that. To assume it was "House Light" is fair but the performance didn't reflect that.
Well, he usually misses out more lyrics than he sings, but that goes for nearly all of his songs. Where do we draw the line?
Quote
Justin
You are becoming obnoxious. I saw joking around with the band, mugging for cameras, little running around, more talking to audience...laughing with the audience and more interaction. That's what I saw last night. I was very happy to see it. I made a comment about it. Done.
That doesn't mean shit. Nobody knows what he really thinks and he often changes his mood within seconds.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
CBII
()
Date: August 29, 2009 01:51
Quote
kovachQuote
CBII
I can guarantee the person in the blonde wig was not my dad. Sounds more like that guy they called Buster that terrorized St. Louis back in the 80's. I can see the news media pulling something like that. Was the news paper "The Evening Whirl"?
:-) The Evening Whirl, great publication, although it's gone a bit mainstream, not having the "Dope Eaters and Wife Beaters" mugshot section anymore...
No, I believe it was the Post Dispatch; if it wasn't there, I heard it either on one of the local TV news broadcasts on 2, 4, or 5 most likely.
I've never heard of "Buster" but now I'm intrigued...what was his story?
Sorry for any insult I may have suggested...was only repeating what I heard from a legitimate news source at the time!
P.S. Not to change the subject, but I think I met you once, were you at the Johnny Johnson birthday celebration at Kiener Plaza maybe 6-8 years ago? Where some of the Kentucky Headhunters showed up and played too? I was a distant aquaintence of Johnnie's through mutual friends and was talking to him and I believe he introduced you to me.
No offense or insult taken Kovach. I was at JJ's celebration. It was an honor to be there. That man was a good family friend. It would not surprise me at all if we met there. If my recollection is accurate, that's also the show where Johnny had his book release party or at least book signing going on too.
Buster was a well known cross-dresser from East St. Louis that sold illegal drugs. He looked like he just escaped from the planet of the apes and made for a very, very ugly woman. He made the Evening Whirl a couple of times. My god I miss Mr. Thomas and his staff. "The Gun Club", "Who", "Why" and the "Wife beaters and sweetheart mis-treaters" sections of that paper were truly classic! I still have some of the really old ones somewhere in my house.
Justin a friend I've known since I was a child was at the show Thursday and pretty much validated everything you said about both performances. Paula called me this afternoon and said it was over too fast, Little Richard did not seem like he was really giving it his all and Dad seemed to have a shorter than normal set. Oh well, everyone has off nights.
CBII
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Erik_Snow
()
Date: August 29, 2009 02:14
Sorry for being so frank, but why doesn't anybody tell this "WolfgangG" to go to hell....? Not that Ï'm a fan of what Berry or Richard has been doing the last 30 years.....but what an @#$%&.....is he supposed to be an "expert"....? Then count me out of any music-discussion
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
WolfgangG
()
Date: August 29, 2009 02:18
Quote
Erik_Snow
Sorry for being so frank, but why doesn't anybody tell this "WolfgangG" to go to hell....? Not that Ï'm a fan of what Berry or Richard has been doing the last 30 years.....but what an @#$%&.....is he supposed to be an "expert"....? Then count me out of any music-discussion
An @#$%& for putting dubious claims into question?
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
Justin
()
Date: August 29, 2009 02:35
Yeah, we all get them, CBII! It was still nice to see Chuck...I wish I could see him live more often, though!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-08-29 02:35 by Justin.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009-08-29 02:35 by Justin.
Re: OT: Little Richard and Chuck Berry...a weird, weird night
Posted by:
CBII
()
Date: August 29, 2009 02:43
Quote
Justin
Yeah, we all get them, CBII! It was still nice to see Chuck...I wish I could see him live more often, though!
Find out who the promotors were and tell them "Send more Chuck Berry!". He will go where ever they ask him to play. Hopefully, you will get to see the regular core band behind him.
CBII
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