That opening riff needs no introduction. Few guitar lines have shaped the sound of rock & roll quite like Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” and Molland, Solem & Miller waste no time tapping into its infectious energy. Their rendition brings together driving guitars, spirited vocals, and the kind of old-school rock & roll attitude that reminds you why some songs never lose their edge.
Released just two days before what would have been Berry’s 100th birthday, the single opens with that unmistakable guitar riff before Joey Molland takes the lead vocals with a lively, passionate delivery. Phil Solem and Jeff Miller add depth and energy, creating a full-bodied performance that celebrates the original without simply attempting to recreate it. There’s a garage-rock edge to the arrangement, with a melodic sensibility that reflects the trio’s power-pop roots.
Rather than overcomplicating a classic, the trio lets its energy speak for itself. The musicians let the guitars, vocals, and infectious rhythm do the talking, capturing the spirit of a song that helped shape generations of rock musicians. Rather than reinventing a classic, they lean into its enduring appeal.
Behind the release lies a musical friendship and a tribute project some 15 years in the making. Featuring Joey Molland of Badfinger, Phil Solem of The Rembrandts, and singer-songwriter Jeff Miller, the trio share a longstanding admiration for Berry’s music. Their forthcoming 12-track album will revisit some of his most celebrated compositions.
There’s also a bittersweet dimension to this recording: completed just three months before Molland’s passing in 2025, it stands among his final musical performances.
The beauty of a classic lies in its ability to sound familiar without losing its spark. “Johnny B. Goode” finds that spark once more through Molland, Solem & Miller, connecting Chuck Berry’s groundbreaking legacy with Joey Molland’s final musical chapter. The years may pass, but the riff remains; and so does the spirit behind it!
