THE death of Chuck Berry at the weekend has brought back memories of when the rock and roll legend performed in Bolton on Tuesday, May 26, 1964.

That month spelt the first ever tour of Berry to England, and what made it it extra special for local fans was his arrival at Bolton's Odeon, where he came to perform hits including Roll Over Beethoven, Johny B Goode and Maybelline.

The legendary promoter Don Arden, the late father of Sharon Osbourne, said in his write up to the concert: "After several years of waiting, Chuck Berry fans have now been satisfied by the first ever appearance of the King of R&B in England.

"Musicians all over the world recognise him as the greatest and he has been openly praised by the famous for his great talent."

Mr Arden continued: "The performance in the flesh is known throughout the show business world as dynamic, and many of the great such as Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent have all expressed their amazement at his performance."

Bolton man Garth Bogle, who attended the concert, said: "It was sad to hear the news of the death of Chuck Berry as I count myself as one of the privileged few to witness his performance at the Odeon when he and Carl Perkins were absolutely fantastic."

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The show also featured Kingsize Taylor and the Dominos, Gene Vincent, The Animals, The Nashville Teens and The Other Two.

Another person who attended the concert recalled many happy times as a teenager at the Odeon.

When Chuck Berry performed, the woman – who only gave her first name, Janice – and a group of her friends from Christ Church youth club, Bolton, turned up for the show at around 7 pm.

She recounted there was a terrible turnout and they were able to move from their seats and sit in the front row.

She remembers that the star talked to them all through his performance and played individual requests.

She added: "He did "Too Much Monkey Business" for me. He was brilliant."

Another reader, Gerald Firth of Kerry Grove, Tonge Moor, remembered Berry coming back on stage - presumably it was the second house - with members of the audience running down the aisles towards the stage shouting "Chuck! Chuck!"

Mr Firth added: "And that was the boys! Honest!"

Mr Bogle added: "I went to the concert with two of my friends, Kevan Porter and Tom Gresty and the show was fantastic, especially Berry and Perkins.

"As I recollect Berry was last on and the audience reaction was great, especially when he performed his trademark duck walk.

"An occasion that has stayed in my memory all my life. Sorry no photos, just my diary notes to bring it all flooding back."