Rock world pays tribute to Chuck Berry

One of the true fathers of rock n’ roll, Chuck’s legendary career boasted a string of seminal anthems including ‘Maybellene’, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’ as he evolved and redefined rhythm and blues into rock music.

Announced on his 90th birthday last October, Chuck’s final and now posthumous album ‘Chuck’ featuring his first collection of new material since 1979 will be released later this year. He dedicated it to his wife of 68 years Themetta.

A statement from the St Charles County Police Department said Chuck was found unresponsive at his home in Missouri 12.40pm on Saturday. Medics administered life-saving techniques but sadly he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 1.26pm.

“The St. Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr., better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry,” said the statement. “The family requests privacy during this time of bereavement.”

Testament to Chuck’s legacy and his profound influence on rock music, tributes have been flooding over the past 12 hours from artists including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Ringo Starr and Slash.

You can read a selection of them below. RIP Chuck Berry.

> "One of my big lights has gone out.”
> - Keith, 3/18/17 pic.twitter.com/I86dHlvN5W > > — Keith Richards (@officialKeef) March 19, 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

> He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers. 2/3 #ChuckBerry > > — Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017

> His lyrics shone above others & threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck you were amazing&your music is engraved inside us forever > > — Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) 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

> 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

> 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

> I am so sad to hear about Chuck Berry passing - a big inspiration! He will be missed by everyone who loves Rock 'n Roll. Love & Mercy > > — Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 18, 2017

> Heart broken to hear of the passing of Chuck Berry. He was undisputedly the king. A moment of… https://t.co/sR8A2YMnq0 > > — Slash (@Slash) March 18, 2017

> RIP Chuck Berry. Without him Rock n Roll wouldn't be what it came to be. https://t.co/H44LMiaR8f > > — Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) March 18, 2017

> Rest in Peace Chuck Berry. More than just a guitarist, he was the first rock-n-roll poet. Magic! https://t.co/LqSorPYoCe > > — Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) March 19, 2017

> So sad to share the news of the exceptional Chuck Berry's passing...RIP Chuck...
> XX pic.twitter.com/VaEnd3vPc3 > > — David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) March 18, 2017

> RIP #ChuckBerry, the genesis behind the great sound of rock n roll. All of us in rock have now lost our father. pic.twitter.com/VazeRI4VvM > > — Alice Cooper (@RealAliceCooper) March 19, 2017

> Rock and Roll grieves tonight as our hero Chuck Berry steps into the next world. We salute you… https://t.co/8ySfV7Jkkb > > — Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) March 19, 2017

> RIP Chuck Berry pic.twitter.com/4nyUSNK9T7 > > — Joe Perry (@JoePerry) March 19, 2017

> Hail Hail Chuck Berry!!! None of us would have been here without you. Rock on brother! https://t.co/tOMuQzUgPX > > — Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 18, 2017

> One of the first solos I ever learned was Chuck Berry's. I'm truly saddened this morning, as we've lost another legend. RIP Mr. Berry! > > — Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) March 19, 2017

> "Go, go, go Little Queenie..." #RIPChuckBerry pic.twitter.com/Hu7w0iGUEO > > — Queen (@QueenWillRock) March 18, 2017

> Rest In Peace Chuck Berry pic.twitter.com/mBIVYnOaCu > > — Tom Petty (@tompetty) March 19, 2017

> It started with Chuck Berry. He inspired us all. The 1st album I bought was Chuck's "Live at the Tivoli" and I was never the same. > > — Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) March 18, 2017