CBID - Chuck Berry covers online, live, and on record

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and the like allow bands and artists to release recordings which never made it to Vinyl or CD. Therefore we start this blog entry with various non-releases until we get to the usual part of newly discovered Berry cover versions.

Cover band BERRY B. GOODE from Austria has several Berry songs on You Tube, like Almost Grown, No Money Down, Sweet Little Rock And Roller, You Can’t Catch Me and Wee Wee Hours.

Another band called ONE DOZEN BERRYS from Finland is also on You Tube with songs like Carol, Oh What A Thrill, Sweet Little Rock And Roller, and Sweet Little Sixteen, the latter one live. They were active from 2009 to 2011.

A Swedish group called The Pendeltones has recorded at least three Berry covers: “Dear Dad” and “Promised Land” on the album Just Because in 2022, and “You Never Can Tell” on the album Just Passin’ Thru, also 2022. All on Spotify through Hans Edler Music AB.

Bruce Springsteen has a new album coming out: Tracks II: The Lost Albums box set, available at the end of June 2025, this time unveiling “Repo Man”, a track from the country-inspired Somewhere North of Nashville that he recorded at the same time as 1995’s The Ghost of Tom Joad.
This sounds like something Berry could have written in the ‘70s. However, the media is calling this Repo Man rockabilly. Well folks, it has nothing to do with rockabilly, it’s pure (Berry) rock’n’roll. I wish people could learn the difference.

If one checks out YouTube and searchs for various Berry titles there will pop up versions that you won’t find on any ordinary record release, at least I haven’t located them. Try The Fulminators with «Little Queenie», BlindPink with «It Wasn’t Me», Marty Stokes with «Oh What Thrill», and especially The Runaway Grooms with «Let’s Do Our Thing Together», live from New Years Eve 2024, a Berry song that’s never been covered on record, so far. Strange isn’t it? However, there’s actually another cover of this Berry track by The Dusty Angels. It’s on an "EP" titled «Old Friends» on Boondock Records from 2024. They are a seven piece country group from Augusta, Georgia. Listen and download on Apple Music. Also on YouTube. Checking further, there’s really more covers of this Berry song on YouTube, from live shows but with various picture and sound qualities.

Bob Dylan performed Berry’s «Little Queenie» on stage 16 May 2025 among several other ‘50s songs at the summer Outlaw Music Festival at Ameris Bank Amphitheater in Alpharetta, Georgia. And the day before in California he even sang Rick Nelson’s «Garden Party» (1972), which by the way name-checks Berry as Johnny B. Goode in the lyrics. As I have told before, Dylan has performed Berry’s «Nadine» on stage at various occasions.

An American trio of musicians from Austin, Texas, Chip Dolan, Danny Britt and Marvin Dykhuis (also known as Marvin Denton), had an album out in 2018 titled «Grouchy Like Riley» (self-released). One of the songs are a tribute to Chuck Berry titled «Ain’t No Berry» (3:16). Written by Steve Calif. Also live performance on YouTube. Pretty goode. I like strawberry, I like blueberry… but there ain’t no Berry like a Chuck Berry song. All 11 songs on the album are originals. A little info: Chip Dolan (piano, hammond, vocals), Danny Britt (el. guitar, vocals), and Marvin Dykhuis (el. guitar, slide guitar, vocals). Recorded at Moonhouse Studio, and additional tracks at Dawg Trax Studio, both Austin, Texas. They have help from Chris Cage (piano) on the Berry tribute, Brad Houser (bass) and Robb Kidd (drums). Although self-released, the product looks very professional. Well done guys.

An American singer, songwriter and blues-rock guitarist from California, Marc Ford, wrote and recorded a song in 2007 titled «Bye Bye Suzy» which sounds like, you guessed it, Chuck Berry, and similar to Tulane. The opening guitar riffs are Berry school and the beat throughout with a lot of Berry riffs. Unfortunately, it gets too heavy after a while. Taken from the 2007 album «Weary And Wired» [Blues Bureau Int. BB-20562]. It’s on YouTube.

BARNESTORMERS (Australia/UK/USA)

Pretty varied group of musicians, Jimmy Barnes [Australia] (lead vocals), Chris Cheney [Australia] (guitar), Jools Holland [UK] (piano), Ron Dziubla [USA] (saxophone), Thomas Lorioux [USA] (bass), Slim Jim Phantom [USA] (drums), and Kevin Shirley [South Africa/USA] (percussion and producer); global all-stars.

Dear Dad (2:14) 2023

CD: The Barnestormers [Bloodlines BLOOD-107] ● Australia/New Zealand, 2023
CD: The Barnestormers [Bloodlines 0190296454028] ● Worldwide, 2023
LP: The Barnestormers [Bloodlines 0190296454011] ● Worldwide, 2023

Pretty goode rockin’ version. Check YouTube. The worldwide distribution was under exclusive license to Warner Music UK Limited.  See also Jimmy Barnes on this blog.
However, the only negative thing about this release is that the Berry cover is credited to some none rock’n’rollers, Jack Fishman and Joe Henderson. Excuse me?

BURT BLANCA (Belgium)

See Volume 3, page 1080 for biographical info.
Burt Blanca has released sooo many albums, also compilations, throughout the years, it’s hard to keep track and know for sure when the various songs were recorded or originally released. The Ronnex single below is said to have come out in 1970 according to a blogger. On discogs it says 1972.

Betty Jean ( : ) 1977

LP: Rock And Roll Is Good For The Soul [Music For Pleasure 4M024-99513] ● Belgium, 1977

Both the cover and label says written by Ch. Berry. However, see below.

45: Ronnex 1438 ● Belgium, 1970 (PS)
LP: Vol. 3 [Tea Records 7011] ● Belgium, 1972(?)

On the Ronnex 45 it says written by Archie/Hawkins and the lyrics are written on the back sleeve. Although it’s very much in the Berry mood it’s not Berry’s lyrics, so … Are we talking about two different songs? It’s not on YouTube.

Carol [as “Carole”] (2:53) 1976
I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (3:21) 1976
Thirty Days [as “Rien Que Huit Jours”] (2:44) 1976

LP: C’est Un Rocker [Musidisc (Collection Variété) 30 CV-1374] ● France, 1976

“I’m A Rocker” is from Eddy Mitchell’s répertoire, and the other two are from Johnny Hallyday’s.

Nadine (2:50) 1977 (?)
School Day [as “School Days”] (2:32) 1977 (?)

LP: Vol. 19 [President TED-7033] ● France, 1977 (?)

Not sure about 1977 as there is no info about when this album was recorded or released.

KARL S. BLUE AND HIS MAGIC QUELLS (Germany)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist. A rock quintet.

No Particular Place To Go (2:58) 1993

LP: Rowdy [String Records STR #230293] ● Germany, 1993

Recorded and mixed in February 1993 at Alien Soundwarp in Hamburg.

JIMMY BOCK (France)

Rock’n’roll singer and pianist. He’s played with a.o. Johnny Halliday, and even Mr. Chuck Berry in July 1993, European tour.

Johnny B. Goode (2:00) 1984 (live)
No Particular Place To Go (3:12) 1984 (live)
Roll Over Beethoven (0:54) 1984 (live)

LP: En Concert [Omega Studio OM-67052] ● France, 1984

BRINSLEY SCHWARZ (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1098 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 1975 (live)

CD: Live At Rockpalast 1975 [MIG Music MIG-91002] ● Germany, 2025

TV concert, recorded live 6 March, 1975 at WDR Studio-L, Cologne, Germany. When this was recorded the line-up was as follows: Brinsley Schwarz (vocals, guitar), Ian Gomm (vocals, guitar), Bob Andrews (keyboards, vocals), Nick Lowe (vocals, bass), and Billy Rankin (drums).

DAVE DAVIS (UK)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, most famous as leader of The Kinks. Who, by the way, recorded a few Berry covers. See CBID Vol.3. Also on this blog.

Beautiful Delilah (3:28) 1997 (live)

CD: Rock Bottom (Live At The Rock Bottom) [Koch Records KOC-CD-8087] ● USA , 2000
CD: Rock Bottom (Live At The Bottom Line) [Sanctuary SANCD-098] ● UK, 2001

Album recorded live at the Bottom Line, NYC, 26/29 November, 1997.

2-CD: Rock Bottom (Live At The Rock Bottom) [Red River Entertainment RRE-CD-047] ● USA , 2020

20th anniversary limited edition deluxe.

FOGGY MOUNTAIN ROCKERS (Germany)

Teddy boy rock’n’roll band (sextet) from Bonn. Founded in 1992. They have released some 10 albums including the one below.

It Don’t Take But A Few Minutes (2:23) 2017

CD: Ein Herz Für Teds Vol. 2 [Part Records 627.012] ● Germany, 2017

Pretty good combination of country and rock’n’roll.

FRATERNITY featuring BON SCOTT (Australia)

Rock band from Sydney, formed in 1970, later relocated to Adelaide. Featuring singer Bon Scott who would later be the lead singer of AC/DC. Fraternity’s biggest success was the song “Seasons Of Change” in 1971, but the original version by Blackfeather became the biggest hit.

Little Queenie ( : ) early ‘70s
No Particular Place To Go ( : ) early ‘70s

3-CD Box: Seasons Of Change (The Complete Recordings 1970-1974) [Lemon Recordings CDLEMBOX-240] ● Australia, 2021

Previously unissued.

GEARS (USA)

Punk quartet from Northeast Los Angeles, California.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 2009 (?)

10” LP: Four On The Floor [Wondercap Records WCR-07005] ● USA, 2009

4 tracks with the songs on the A-side just repeated on the B-side (!) Not quite sure when this was recorded.

JOHN HAMMOND (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1230-1231 for biographical info.

No Money Down (3:42) 1973 (live)

3-CD: You’re Doin’ Fine [Owsley Stanley Foundation CD-85327 8] ● USA, 2024

Bear’s Sonic Journals series. Album recorded live in San Francisco «Blues At The Boarding House» 2 & 3 June, 1973. The Berry cover was recorded on 3 June.

JADE HURLEY (Australia)

John Anthony Patrick Hurley, country and rock'n'roll singer, songwriter and pianist, born 1943 in Sydney, New South Wales. He had his first record, a single, out in 1965. Although he wrote some of his earlier hits he later became more of a cover artist.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1975

LP: King Of Country Rock [(J O’K Productions) Festival L-35705] ● Australia, 1975

Johnny B. Goode (2:29) 1979 (live)

CD: Jack Hurley’s 20 Golden Oldens [Festival L-27041] ● Australia, 1979

Recorded live on the Mike Walsh TV Show.

No Particular Place To Go (1:45) 1980

LP: Solid Gold [Festival L-29004] ● Australia, 1980

Recorded at Festival Studios, Sydney.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 1983

2-LP: Rockin’ On [K-Tel NA-647] ● Australia, 1983

HURRIGANES (Finland)

See Volume 3, page 1260 for biographical info.

Little Queenie in a medley with “Slippin’ And Slidin‘” (3:46) 1973 (live)
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:54) 1973 (live)

CD: Live In Hamina 1973 [Love Records LXCD-677] ● Finland, 2011

Recorded live at Hamina Työväentalo 21 March 1973.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] ( : ) 1975 (live)

Recorded live at Ynnin Suurhalli, Oulu 24 November 1975

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] ( : ) 1976 (live)

Recorded live at Riihikedon Koulu, Pori 2 January 1976.

4-LP Box: Crazy Days On The Road [Svart Records SRE-678BOX] ● Finland, 2023
2-CD Box: Crazy Days On The Road [Svart Records SRE-678CD] ● Finland, 2023

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (4:01) 1977 (live)

MC: Live In Stockholm 1977 [Fazer Records 0630-15871-4] ● Finland, 1996
CD: Live In Stockholm 1977 [Fazer Records CD 0630-15871-2] ● Finland, 1996(?)

This album has been reissued several times on cassette, LP and CD.

JOHNNY IGUANA (USA)

Singer, songwriter, pianist from Chicago.

You Never Can Tell (3:20) 2025

LP: At Delmark [Delmark Records 888] ● USA, 2025

Chicago style, solo piano, played on a 1917 Steinway B piano, Delmarks very own.

ALVIN LEE & TEN YEARS AFTER (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1553-1554 (under Ten Years After) for biographical info. However, he died 6 March 2013.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:25) 1978 (live)
Sweet Little Sixteen (3:31) 1978 (live)

DVD+CD: Live At Rockpalast [Repertoire Records REP-5285] ● Germany, 2013
2-LP: Live At Rockpalast [Repertoire Records REP-2256] ● Germany, 2016

Recorded live Grugahalle, Essen 15 September 1978. It was a live music TV show hosted in Germany by the WDR channel and was first broadcast in 1974.

JEFF LYNNE (UK)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, best known for his involvement and leader of Electric Light Orchestra, formed in 1970. Jeffrey Lynne was born 1947 in Birmingham, Warwickshire. ELO is featured in CBID Vol. 3 pages 1174-1175.

Let It Rock (1:52) 2012

CD: Long Wave [Frontiers Records FRCD-569] ● Italy, 2012

Pretty good rock version. On the album he gathered songs from various sources, really. Classics like “Smile”, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing”, “At Last”, “Beyond The Sea”, “Running Scared”. You get the picture? The English and American songbooks. However, the sound is not up to standard and I wonder what happened when the songs were mastered?

MANGROVE BOOGIE KINGS (Australia)

Rock quintet from Mangrove Creek, New South Wales.

Dear Dad (1:27) 1978

EP: 1974-79 [Mullet 13149] ● Australia, 1981

Good rockin’ version, however, covering a short song and making it even shorter is not the best thing. Something is missing. The EP contains 5 tracks, recorded 1976-1978. Then the title is misleading and also when on the back sleeve it says that the band was founded in 1975 (?)

MATADORS (Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic)

Garage rock and rhythm & blues group, formed in early 1965. Operating as a quintet and as a quartet.

Beautiful Delilah (2:02) 1966 (live)

CD: Live 1966 [Oftis – ISBN 978-80-86845-91-3] ● Czech Republic, 2007

Live recordings from Club Olympik, Prague, Monday 20 June 1966. Previously unissued. As a bonus CD with a 176-page hard cover book.
Note: There was also at the same time a Danish group called Matadorerne or rather when having a record released in West-Germany as The Matadors doing «Memphis, Tennessee». Not the same group.

MILK MEN (UK)

Rhythm & blues quartet.

No Particular Place To Go ( : ) 2016

CD: Full Phat [Raging Horse Music RH-0316] ● UK, 2016

GARY MOORE (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1373 for biographical info.
And he’s already on this blog with another live version of “Thirty Days” from 2007.

Thirty Days (3:15) 2008 (live)

2-LP: Live From Baloise Session [Provogue (Artone Label Group) PRD-77451] ● 2025

8 tracks. Recorded live 13 November, 2008 in Basel, Switzerland. Limited edition on blue vinyl. Previously unissued.

LOUIS EDWARD SMITH (USA)

Haven’t the slightest idea. Probably a country singer.

Nadine (3:10) late 1960s

45: World 2273 ● USA, late 1960s

Produced by Jimmy Busby. Record label and distribution out of Memphis, Tennessee. The ‘60s are just because the label looks from that period of time. The flip side has a cover of a Roger Miller tune which was on an album by him in 1965.

TEEN ANGEL And THE ROCKIN’ REBELS (Canada)

Rockabilly band based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Sweet little Sixteen ( : ) 1973

LP: Teen Angel Lives [Hellroaring Records HRS-401] ● Canada, 1973

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1974

LP: 12 Inches Of Teen Angel [Hellroaring Records HRS-402] ● Canada, 1974

HANS THEESSINK (Netherlands)

See volume 3, page 1557 for biographical info. Also on this blog

Maybellene (5:05) 2013 (live)

LP (180 gr): Live At Jazzland [Sommelier Du Son SDS-0016-1] ● Germany, 2014

Recorded live on Saturday 2 February, 2013 at Jazzland, Vienna, Austria with Theesink on vocals, guitar and harmonica.

EDDIE VORTEX AND THE CUPID STUNTS (UK)

Rockabilly trio. Popular in the 80s and 90s. Steve Gibbons Band recorded a song titled “Eddy Vortex” in 1978, but I don’t know if there are any connection here(?)

No Particular Place To Go ( : ) 1980s

LP: Nothin’ Better To Do [Just Another Normal Guy Records JANGR-039] ● UK, 2023

This album came out in black vinyl, in purple/white splatter, and in orange/grey mix.