I saw Chuck Berry many times, including on his British debut at the Finsbury Park Astoria, north London, in May 1964. As a schoolboy myself I was thrilled to hear School Days and all the other favourites, but I was especially pleased when Chuck sang Wee Wee Hours, underlining how steeped in the blues his music always was. This could be seen as a refutation for those who like to deny his was “black music”. The other highlight came when he strutted across the stage with head bobbing vigorously, legs out front kicking in rhythm – his duck walk. It was greeted with an extraordinary roar of approval and appreciation from the crowd, prompting a delighted look of glee on his face.
