Watch Green Day Cover Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B. Goode’ Live
Green Day paid tribute to the late Chuck Berry on Sunday with a ferocious live version of “Johnny B. Goode” in London, Ontario. Rocker Billie Joe Armstrong led the band with a snarling delivery, backed by clattering drum fills and a wailing saxophone solo.
Since Berry died on Saturday at age 90, high-profile artists have written tributes to the late rock and roll founder. The Rolling Stones, devoted Berry admirers, wrote that they were “deeply saddened.” “Chuck was not only a brilliant guitarist, singer and performer, but most importantly, he was a master craftsman as a songwriter,” the band wrote. “His songs will live forever.”
Paul McCartney called Berry “one of rock & roll’s greatest poets,” and Bruce Springsteen deemed him “rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock & roll writer who ever lived.” Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson told Rolling Stone he was “shocked” after learning the news of Berry’s death. “It kind of scared me. I don’t know why it scared me, but it was just a shock.”