Official: Chuck Berry felt ill before Chicago show

[January 03, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A Chicago fire official says 84-year-old rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry felt ill and was checked out by ambulance medics before a show Saturday night. An audience member at the show, however, said Berry slumped over during the show and was offstage for at least 20 minutes.

Fire Department spokesman Joe Roccasalva said Berry felt better and signed a release. Roccasalva said the confusion arose because emergency personnel later responded to a patron at the show who was unwell.

Concertgoer Steve Handwerker said Berry fell face-first over the keyboard and was helped offstage, though he later returned.

Berry is known for his classic songs, including "Maybelline" and "Johnny B. Goode."

His agent Dick Alen said he had no information on the matter.

[Associated Press]

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