Lonesome EJ,

The part of your post that mentions the 'no set list', practicing songs w/o Chuck and 'not sticking to one, anyway' was some of what my friend shared as well. One difference was that Chuck played for an hour and a half. 'Course he was in his early 50s at that time. He must've been in a good space that day.

Btw, I was performing at Chicagofest that year as well and was able to weasel my way backstage for the CB show. There were probably 20,000 people as it was one of the main stages. In my career I've opened for and have worked with some very charismatic people. Never saw anyone quite like Chuck Berry. Most be because there ISN'T anyone like Chuck Berry.

Glad he's ok and resting at home.