Chuck Berry’s son explains why his dad is an “asshole” sometimes with fans who request autographs
December 3, 2008 by Richard Budman ·
We’ve had a ton of reaction to our HoundsTV video Ep.51 – the interview with AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and his story about asking guitar legend Chuck Berry for an autograph in 1975. Johnson’s take on the experience and labeling of Berry an “asshole” has spread far and wide to news sites all over the web. I thought this comment left on the popular music news site – Blabbermouth.net from Charles Berry Jr. – Chuck’s son – trying to explain and defend his father’s reaction to fans asking for autographs was worth noting:
“Many of the guitarists and bands over the years have credited my father as an influence in their musical careers. I think that any comments to the contrary need no further discussion from me. It’s apparent to me many of the posters here are rather young an may have never even heard the name Chuck Berry. That’s understandable. It’s also understandable how opinions are made. One thing everyone must remember, all the people you idolize bleed and breathe just like you.
Brian Johnson certainly has the right to make whatever comments he wants. The best thing for him is to never be in a position where his actions maybe taken out of context.
As some of the posters from Saint Louis and around the world have stated, autographs are given frequently. Not only today but also 30 years ago. I’m a witness to this. There’s always a matter of how someone is approached too. Someone demanding something from a person is a far cry from being polite and understanding if a person is exhausted.
I wish nothing but the best to AC/DC and Brian Johnson. May they continue to have success in this business.” – Charles Berry Jr. – St. Louis, Mo
RELATED VIDEO: HOUNDSTV EP.51 – BRIAN JOHNSON ON ASKING CHUCK BERRY FOR AN AUTOGRAPH
WHY WASTE TIME AND GAS? GIVE BOOKS & MUSIC THIS CHRISTMAS FROM INDIGO ONLINE
You might also enjoy seeing:
I would like to affirm the comments by Charles Berry, Jr. I live in St. Louis and have seen the legendary rocker perform and sign autographs on many an occasion. Of all the rock people I’ve met, I would have to put him near the very top in regard to treatment of fans and signing autographs. I would advise Mr. Johnson to ask Bob Dylan, Tom Petty or Madonna and see what kind of response he gets. Whoever the celebrity, the person asking for the autograph must be sincere and understand that the celebrity has no obligation to sign an autograph.
Who cares what whats his name from AC/DC thinks anyway? AC/DC with the same sounding distorted guitar and the same 3 chords and the same screeching voice over and over again! They shouldn’t of asked chuck for an autograph they should of asked for lessons!
It’s people like Bill who make me want to give up on certain parts of society. AC/DC blew every band away at SARSstock, even the rolling stones, so said all the papers the next day. They are the premier hard rock act of the entire world… if you don’t like them, turn the radio dial everyone knows people who say that about AC/DC are losers… except for you obviously.
I think he has earned a right to be rude how old is chuck berry leave him alone he has been doing this probley longer then they have been alive
He’s not an asshole because of his age— he’s been an asshole for years! I’ve been to many oldies shows and have heard lots of comments about Chuck Berry’s rudeness going back to the 1960′s! Unlike Little Richard who is a real gentleman!
First off, Little Richard is a ‘gentle’ man, not a gentleman, Tooty Fruity.
Secondly, without Chuck Berry, there would be no AC/DC. Honestly, remove the distortion and raspy voice, and it’s still old time Rock to me, well if the lyrical content were a little tighter, anyway.
Lastly, Chuck isn’t a fan of modern music in general, and by modern, I mean, anything after the 60s is basically background noise to him. I’d like to see any one of you do what he does at 80+ years of age, and still have the energy to engage fans with a smile. Give me a friggin’ break. Better yet, give one to Chuck, you @$$holes!
Brian Johnson speaks as a fan of Chucks and this was before he was in AC/DC, at the time Bon Scott was lead singer of AC/DC, Brians band named Geordie had been travling opening up for Chuck in the U.K. in 1975. Anyway it was a big moment being able to meet Chuck Berry and for such a simple request which no doubt was ask in a polite manner by Johnson was shot down. Chuck Berry has and is difficult to very difficult to deal with at times, but you cannot help but love the man for what he has and is giving us when he takes the stage with that Red Gibson 355, in tune or not
And much respect to Brian Johnson and AC/DC the best Rock Band ever no “stones” about it.
Your clearly a moron bill. Chuck berry rarely if ever uses more than 3 chords or 3 licks.
He’s also a pervert. I went to see him at a show and he never turned up. Because he insisted that he drive from Glasgow airport to the show and no one could get him insurance because he was so old. The guy doesn’t care about fans at all. He requests half of his fee before he plays and takes it on stage with him in a suitcase. He won’t play more than the amount of time he’s being payed for. He stops halfway through a song if he reaches the hour mark.