The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #134688   Message #3066285
Posted By: Lonesome EJ
03-Jan-11 - 11:48 AM
Thread Name: Chuck Berry collapses at gig
Subject: RE: Chuck Berry collapses at gig
I remember from the live performance documentary, Keith Richards is trying to work out some song details during a practice, and Chuck objects saying "this is my song and I'll play it any way I want." To which Keith responds "but this performance will be on film,and we want people to enjoy it long after we're dead." And Chuck responds "fuck that. You die, I ain't dyin'." To which Keef had no response.
I had a friend in one of Chuck's pickup show bands, and he said they practiced most of Chuck's songs, but without Chuck. Chuck's people also refused to provide a playlist, since Chuck wouldn't stick to one. He said Chuck arrived just as they were set to go on, said "I play 45 minutes," and they went on. He said it was a good performance, and that in between songs and sometimes during them, Chuck checked his wristwatch. He said they were about halfway through Oh Carol when he noticed Chuck wasn't playing. He turned to see Chuck snapping his guitar into the case, leaving the boys to finish the song. The 45 minutes were up.