St. Louis, 1986. For Chuck Berry's 60th, Keith Richards assembles a pickup band of Robert Cray, Joey Spampinato, Eric Clapton, himself and long-time Berry pianist, Johnnie Johnson. Joined on stage by Etta James, Linda Ronstadt and Julian Lennon, Berry performs his classic rock songs. His abilities as a composer, lyricist, singer, musician and entertainer are on display and, in behind-the-scenes interviews, are discussed by Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bruce Springstein, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and others. There's even a rarity for Berry—a rehearsal. Archival footage from the early 1950s and a duet with John Lennon round out this portrait of a master.
Direction
Hackford lets the train wreck unfold without intervention.
Acting
Berry's performances—calculated, defiant, untouchable.
Editing
Cuts between '86 chaos and '50s revolution hit like power chords.
Director
Taylor Hackford
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Keith Richards spent months learning Berry's guitar parts note-for-note, then Berry changed keys at the first rehearsal without warning.
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