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When singer-guitarist Chuck Berry turned 60, he held a birthday concert that attracted the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Robert Cray. You’d think at least a few of those A-list stars would be on hand for the Rock Hall’s week-long American Music Masters Series tribute to the man, which culminated last night in a gala concert held at the State Theatre. But for whatever reason, big-name acts weren’t in attendance, even though Berry himself was scheduled to close out the night. Granted, the American Music Masters Series is as much about education as it’s about entertainment, but you’d still think at least a few of rock’s major acts would have contributed a video-taped acknowledgement. After all, they all owe a debt to the man. While that didn’t keep the crowd away (the concert was sold out), it did create a bit of impatience on the audience’s part — at one point someone yelled out “we want Chuck!” during the middle of one of the show’s many slow segments.

This article appears in Oct 24-30, 2012.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.

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