Legendary rock star Gene Simmons remembers the bizarre fact that none of the Beatles or The Stones attended Chuck Berry's funeral, a rock and roll legend.

In a poignant tribute, KISS frontman Gene Simmons paid his respects to the late Chuck Berry at the musician's memorial service held on April 9, 2017, at the Pageant Concert Hall in St. Louis, Missouri.

Berry, who passed away on March 18, 2017, was a pivotal figure in the development of rock and roll music. His influence was not lost on Simmons, who shared a deep admiration for the legendary musician.

"My first introduction to music in America was a Chuck Berry song," Simmons recalled. "His music resonated with me, and I believe he played a significant role in shaping my politics during the 1960s."

Simmons credited Berry for having an enormous impact on American life, breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations of musicians. "Without Chuck Berry, there would not have been The Beatles or the Rolling Stones," he asserted.

The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, however, did not attend Berry's funeral, according to Simmons. This was a disappointment for the rock icon, who had hoped to see his musical peers pay their respects.

Simmons' relationship with another black American music icon, Diana Ross, also played a significant role in his life. Ross shared stories with Simmons about the early success of The Supremes, including their five consecutive US No.1 singles in 1964.

The Supremes, who faced racial discrimination during their career, were not allowed to stay in regular hotels and had to stay in "colored hotels." Despite this, they went on a tour in the American Southern states, where they performed for mixed audiences.

Sadly, the tour bus of The Supremes was shot at on the way out. This harrowing experience, along with other challenges they faced, only served to strengthen their resolve and solidify their place in music history.

Simmons was reminded of his early experiences in America, having emigrated from Israel when he was eight years old, upon hearing Berry's music. "His music was a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of perseverance," he said.

Some people with racist tendencies surprisingly loved the music of The Supremes, and Simmons learned much from his relationship with Ross. "Diana taught me about resilience, determination, and the importance of standing up for what is right," he shared.

Despite the sadness of Berry's passing, Simmons felt honoured to have been able to give a eulogy at the funeral. "It was a privilege to pay tribute to a man who meant so much to me and to millions of others," he concluded.

Legendary rock star Gene Simmons remembers the bizarre fact that none of the Beatles or The Stones attended Chuck Berry's funeral, a rock and roll legend.