Chuck Berry & the Bee Gees Perform Together in 1973: An Unexpected Video from The Midnight Special Archive


During the 1970s, Burt Sugarman produced The Midnight Special, a late-night musical variety show that featured great rock and pop music performances. In recent months, Sugarman has started bringing the show’s archive to YouTube, allowing you to revisit vintage performances by David Bowie, Steely Dan, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Richard Pryor and much more. Above, you can watch one such gem in the archive–that is, Chuck Berry & the Bee Gees performing Reelin’ and Rockin’ (a song originally released as a B-side with “Sweet Little Sixteen” in 1957). As one YouTuber put it, “what an odd combination that absolutely works; one of Chuck’s most satisfying performances of this era; his guitar’s in tune, the band is hot & supportive (who’s that piano player?!), and it’s always cool to hear Maurice sing solo.” The performance took place on October 12, 1973. Enjoy.

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