[youtube id=”UL09qAvnS8E”] Chuck Berry’s funeral was held this past Sunday in his native St. Louis, Missouri at The Pageant club. Hundreds of fans attended the four-hour viewing for the public and shared Berry’s importance as a rock pioneer and true hometown hero. Missouri congressman William Lacy Clay read remarks from former president Bill Clinton. The Rolling Stones sent a floral arrangement shaped like a guitar. Little Richard and Paul McCartney penned letters for the service acknowledging Berry’s role as a rock trailblazer. The obituary contained a tribute letter from his wife Themetta Berry.
Berry’s red Gibson guitar was bolted inside the lid of his casket and he was dressed in a captain’s hat, shiny shirt and white jacket. Gene Simmons gave an emotional speech citing Berry’s responsibility for his career.
Gene Simmons gave an emotional speech citing Berry’s responsibility for his career. Simmons also spoke about Berry’s influence over so many young white kids.
Berry died March 18th at age 90 of natural causes. Watch a 2008 interview with Berry below.
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