Simmons emerged from the back of the funeral service and delivered a powerful eulogy about how Berry broke down barriers through his music.

"Sad but honored to have been invited to the Chuck Berry Memorial event. The open casket was on view, but I couldn't bear looking. It would break my heart. For those of you too young to know, Chuck Berry was one of the founding fathers of rock 'n' roll and the architect of rock guitar playing. Without Chuck Berry, you wouldn't have had the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and many more. '.. Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news..' buckle your knees, and bow your head. The Great Chuck Berry is passing by..." — Gene Simmons

Fans were able to attend an open casket viewing on Sunday before a private funeral for family, friends and musicians, while letters from Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney were also read during the service.