Tributes are pouring in for rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry.
Quite simply: without Chuck Berry there wouldn’t have been The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix… pop culture as we know it would be fundamentally different.
News of the guitarist’s death at the age of 90 emerged yesterday evening (March 18th) and sparked a wave of mourning online.
The Rolling Stones developed a close relationship with the musician, and were quick to salute one of their primary inspirations:
The Rolling Stones are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Berry. He was a true pioneer of rock'n'roll & a massive influence. pic.twitter.com/RT4NZH3KeQ
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) March 18, 2017
"One of my big lights has gone out.”
– Keith, 3/18/17 pic.twitter.com/I86dHlvN5W— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) March 19, 2017
So sad ~ with the passing of Chuck Berry comes the end of an era . He was one of the best and my inspiration , a true character indeed. pic.twitter.com/OnT8YXZpPn
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) March 18, 2017
I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry's passing. I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/9zQbH5bo9V
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
Chuck Berry’s songwriting dominated those early Beatles LPs, and Ringo Starr took time to pay his respects.
Just let me hear some of that rock 'n' roll music any old way you use it I am playing I'm talking about you. God bless Chuck Berry Chuck pic.twitter.com/XmwmaGzGpL
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 18, 2017
American politician Bill Clinton also saluted Chuck’s life and work.
Chuck Berry’s life was a treasure and a triumph, and he’ll never be forgotten. https://t.co/3Q7z0NatUd
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) March 19, 2017
Questlove showed his respect for the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer.
Thou Shall Have No Other Rock Gods Before Him #ChuckBerry rip @ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame https://t.co/bU22p2cywb
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) March 18, 2017
Chuck Berry was rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived.
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 18, 2017
Chuck Berry IS rock and roll!
It's sad day for rock and roll, but his music will live on forever.
Hail, hail rock and roll!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ANCkKaglQW— AC/DC (@acdc) March 19, 2017
We might as well end with a quote from John Lennon: “If you were to give rock ‘n’ roll another name then I suppose you might call it Chuck Berry”.
Rest easy, sir.
Also Read: Features – 10 Things You Never Knew About… Chuck Berry
