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June 25, 1986: Ronnie and Chuck Berry perform together at The Ritz in New York City (2 shows)
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the architect of rock ’n’ roll shares a stage with his most dedicated student, look no further than that sweaty night at The Ritz in 1986. While most musicians were busy chasing neon-soaked synths, Ronnie Wood and Chuck Berry decided to drag the house down with pure, unadulterated guitar fire. It wasn’t just a gig; it was a masterclass in how to play Johnny B. Goode without losing your soul to the decade’s excess. Watching them trade licks, you realize that some legacies don’t need a monument—they just need an amplifier.
Ooh La La/I Can Feel The Fire/F.U.C. Her/Roll Over Beethoven/Sweet Little Sixteen/School Days/It Hurts Me Too/Brown-Eyed Handsome Man/ Rock’n Roll Music/Memphis, Tennessee/Maybelline/Mountain Dew/Ramblin’ Rose/Carol-Little Queenie/Everyday I Have The Blues/ Reelin’ And Rockin’ Band line-up: Chuck Berry (guitar, vocals)/ Ronnie Wood (guitar, vocals)/ The Uptown Horns (brass) and others
A legendary Rockin’ Night at The Ritz: Ronnie Wood and Chuck Berry Unite
On June 25, 1986 New York City’s iconic venue The Ritz hosted an unforgettable event that brought together two rock legends—Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones and the legendary Chuck Berry. Playing not just one, but two electric shows that night, these artists shared the stage, blending Ronnie’s gritty Stones vibe with Chuck’s pioneering rock ’n’ roll spirit. The energy was off the charts, and fans witnessing the magic felt like they were part of rock history in the making.
This powerful collaboration wasn’t just a one-time thing. Decades later, in 2019, Wood paid homage to Chuck Berry with a solo tour across England after the tribute album Mad Lad (A Live Tribute To Chuck Berry) —just four shows, but packed with passion and respect. Dubbed by fans as a “mad lad” for keeping Chuck’s legacy alive (as well as using it to name his tribute album to Chuck) Ronnie’s tour celebrated the music and influence of the man who shaped rock ’n’ roll’s foundations. It was a heartfelt tribute that connected past and present through pure musical admiration.
From The Ritz to England: A Lasting Rock Connection
That night at The Ritz marked a special moment where two generations of rock met and thrived together. Ronnie’s performance alongside Chuck Berry symbolized not only a meeting of talent but a passing of the torch from one icon to another. It was clear that Chuck’s groundbreaking riffs and storytelling had left an indelible mark on Ronnie, who carried that influence forward with his own unique flair.
The 2019 tribute tour, althoughonly four shows, was Ronnie’s way of honoring that bond, showing how deeply Chuck’s music resonated throughout Ronnie’s career. These shows reminded fans that great rock music is timeless and that the spirit of legends like Chuck Berry lives on through artists who continue to celebrate their roots.
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