The Potato Shed will kick off its Morning Showtime series for 2023 on March 7 with a tribute to pioneering rock ‘n’ roller Chuck Berry.
Hail Hail Rock and Roll is presented by Geelong historian and entertainer Colin Mockett OAM, who also researched and wrote the show.
Much-loved Geelong rock ‘n’ rollers All Shook Up will accompany Mr Mockett, as they perform live a 19-song soundtrack to Berry’s remarkable life.
Mr Mockett said Berry’s influence on rock ‘n’ roll could not be overstated.
“They say rock ‘n’ roll started with Sam Phillips recording at Sun Studio in Memphis, but much of the stuff he was recording was written and recorded by Chuck Berry,” Mr Mockett said.
“There’s a Chuck Berry number on the first Beatles album, Roll Over Beethoven. There’s a Chuck Berry number on the first Stones’ album, one on the first Buddy Holly album.
“The Voyager II spacecraft that was sent up looking for other intelligent life has a description of what the Earth and people are like; it’s got a Beethoven piece, and it’s got Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode.
“Chuck Berry is the only singer on Voyager II depicting what life is like on Earth. He will literally outlast us all.”
Like many other famous and talented black people in the mid-20th century, Berry experienced racism constantly.
“He was targeted by the police because he was a highly successful black man,” Mr Mockett said.
“As a black man, you weren’t supposed to be successful, you were supposed to be subservient. They kept an eye on him all the time.
“Chuck Berry did a lot of things, and he did some things wrong. And he’s got this musical catalogue, which is wonderful from go to whoa.
“It’s a great story, and the rock ‘n’ roll boys and I are having a great time with it.”
Hail Hail Rock and Roll will be performed Tuesday, March 7 at 10.30am. For tickets or more information go to www.potatoshed.com.au.
