Tuesday, November 5, 2024

K-pop star G-Dragon returns with first single in 7 years

G-Dragon has returned with new song 'Power', his first solo release in seven years. The 36-year-old K-pop star -...

Latest Posts

The Libertines announce massive Gunnersbury Park show next summer

The Libertines have announced a huge show at London's Gunnersbury Park next summer. The 'Don't Look Back into the...

Little Simz and Charli XCX named on BBC Radio 6 Music’s Artists of the Year list

Little Simz, Charli XCX and CMAT have been named on BBC Radio 6 Music's Artists of the Year 2024 list.

Paloma Faith and Tinie Tempah elected to The Ivors Academy member Senate

Paloma Faith and Tinie Tempah have been elected to The Ivors Academy member Senate. The stars are amongst 40...

Morrissey’s concert in Dallas cut short after stage invasion by fans

Morrissey's Dallas concert had to be cut short after fans invaded the stage. The former Smiths frontman was giving...

Chuck Berry laid to rest

Gene Simmons paid a heartfelt tribute to Chuck Berry at the legendary musician’s funeral on Sunday (09.04.17).
The ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ hitmaker – who died of natural causes aged 90 on March 18 – was laid to rest after a day-long celebration of his life in his hometown of St. Louis, which included a public viewing of his body at The Pageant, a music venue where he often played, that saw hundreds of fans file past his coffin, in which his beloved cherry-red guitar was bolted to the inside of the lid, to pay their respects.
The private funeral service then took place in the club, with the Kiss musician’s speech coming as a surprise to mourners.
Visibly upset, Gene said: "I hadn’t planned on coming saying up here and saying anything. These shades are going to help me a lot, because in the back of them are real tears.
"Without Chuck Berry I wouldn’t be here and everything that came, that became this huge thing called rock & roll started with a guy who just wanted to make people feel good and forget about the traffic jams of the world and everything.
"He was breaking down barriers that no one suspected. Chuck, he changed more little white boys’ and white girls’ lives than all the politicians and their talk.
"Maybe Chuck said it best: ‘Roll over Beethoven, tell Tchaikovsky the news.’ Buckle your knees, bow your head, the great Chuck Berry is passing by."
Other speakers included Marshall Chess, the son of Leonard Chess, who had founded Chuck’s first record label, Chess Records, a number of the rocker’s former bandmates, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation president Joel Peresman.
The memorial began when Missouri Congressman Lacy Clay read a letter from former President Bill Clinton.
The note read: "He is one of America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll pioneers. He captivated audiences around the world. His music spoke to the hopes and dreams we all had in common."
A speaker also read out messages from those unable to attend the service, including Little Richard, who missed the memorial due to illness but sent his "heartfelt condolences" and Sir Paul McCartney, who sent his regrets at having to be unable to take up the "kind invitation" for Chuck’s family.
He added: "As you probably know, Chuck was a huge influence on me and my companions. and I will always remain a great fan of his wonderful music."
The Rolling Stones sent a floral tribute in the shape of a guitar, which was accompanied by a card that read: "Thank you for the inspiration. With fondest memories, Keith, Mick, Charlie and Ronnie. The Rolling Stones."

Latest Posts

The Libertines announce massive Gunnersbury Park show next summer

The Libertines have announced a huge show at London's Gunnersbury Park next summer. The 'Don't Look Back into the...

Little Simz and Charli XCX named on BBC Radio 6 Music’s Artists of the Year list

Little Simz, Charli XCX and CMAT have been named on BBC Radio 6 Music's Artists of the Year 2024 list.

Paloma Faith and Tinie Tempah elected to The Ivors Academy member Senate

Paloma Faith and Tinie Tempah have been elected to The Ivors Academy member Senate. The stars are amongst 40...

Morrissey’s concert in Dallas cut short after stage invasion by fans

Morrissey's Dallas concert had to be cut short after fans invaded the stage. The former Smiths frontman was giving...

Don't Miss

Liam Payne’s posthumous single shelved

Liam Payne's first posthumous single 'Do No Wrong' has been shelved out of respect for the star's grieving family.

Dionne Warwick sets dates for intimate 2025 UK tour

Dionne Warwick is returning to the UK for an intimate tour next year. Fans of the 'Walk On By'...

Gwen Stefani would love for No Doubt to play Glastonbury

Gwen Stefani would love for No Doubt to play Glastonbury again. The Ska group haven't performed at the world-famous...

New BBC Two documentary tells the story of Wham’s Last Christmas as iconic festive hit turns 40

The 40th anniversary of Wham!'s festive classic 'Last Christmas' is set to be celebrated with the hour-long documentary, 'WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped'.

Liam Payne’s first posthumous song set to drop this week

Liam Payne's first posthumous song will be released on Friday (01.11.24). Before his tragic passing following a fatal fall...

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.