Rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry is recovering after dramatically collapsing onstage in Chicago.

No one person invented rock 'n' roll. Ike Turner, Elvis Presley and more can all stake a claim to forging its DNA, but for fans rock 'n' roll reached its true incarnation in the form of guitarist Chuck Berry.

Scoring countless hits, Chuck Berry has lead a hugely influential if sometimes controversial career. Still performing at the ripe old age of 84 the guitarist is thrilling crowds across the globe... because he's Chuck Berry.

Last year the rock legend pulled out of several UK shows due to ill health, but managed to recover and complete some American dates.

Performing on New Year's Day in Chicago, though, the guitarist suddenly slumped forward. Playing a typically exhausting show, Chuck Berry pulled out all the stops before the incident almost an hour into the show.

Collapsing onto a nearby keyboard, the show at the city's Congress Theatre was stopped. Helped offstage for a full medical examination, Chuck Berry returned 15 minutes later but could not complete the show.

Checked over by paramedics, Chuck Berry was then allowed to wave farewell to the crowd. Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Joe Roccasalva said Berry has refused to be taken to hospital, but had felt too weak to continue the show.

So let's get this straight... an 84 year old plays countless rock 'n' roll classics for over an hour before being forced offstage by paramedics. No wonder the guy is a legend.

Chuck Berry has yet to comment on the incident.