This is one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. Mick Jagger's Best vocal performance ever. The beautiful backing vocals were provided by singer Merry Clayton, and is one the most transcendental moments in rock history.

Imagine being woken up late at night and asked to to perform on a track by the Rolling Stones. She crushed it

I love that when Merry's voice breaks on the third "murder", you can hear Mick go "WOO!" in the background. She hated it, the band LOVED it.

3:35 When Merry Clayton’s voice cracked during recording she apologized & said she would do it again the members of the band said no way! That was perfect!

I remember when this song came out. This song by the Stones made me become a lifetime fan. Thanks for the reaction.

The Greatest Rock N Roll Band The Rolling Stones! Best writing Duo the Glimmer Twins!! ❤🎶🔥

Merry got the call late that night, recorded her phenomenal vocals while her hair in rollers wearing slippers. I think she wore a mink coat. Bone chilling.

😮 Wow, this was propably the most personal and touching reaction I’ve ever seen. 😢 Yeah war is murder and the civilians pays the price. I really liked it when you got into the music and started “digging” it, but then we got to the serious level and as far as I can see you got emotionally touched too. Thank you for this reaction that made me stop and think about the world we’re living in right now. Too much war and too much hate. Over and out, greetings from Denmark 🤗🇩🇰

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings, Angela. I appreciate how you gave the whole song a listen and then gave a thoughtful, heartfelt commentary at the end. This is my new favorite reaction video. Thanks, again.

I got to say I've been watching you for a while and the Gimme Shelter song is wild and very strong but your reaction was equally wild and incredibly strong and emotional to witness that's why I tune in

Just so you know, in the 60s when people said "children" more often than not the context meant everybody. And that is the case in this song.

This is my favorite stones song.

Scorsese has used this song in many of his films: 'Casino', 'Goodfellas' and 'The Departed'. Also, the magnificent backup singer, Mary Clayton, gives it her all in this powerful song... singing an octave higher than her normal singing range (on the last "... rape, murder..." you can hear her voice crack and Mick going "WOOO" in the backgroaund). Not sure if this contributed to her having a miscarriage the day after she recorded her part. That wasn't the last physical tragedy to befall Ms Clayton. In 2014, three months after the film "20 Feet From Stardom" (a documentary about backup singers) won an Oscar, Clayton lost both her legs in a near-fatal car crash. According to her manager, after being told about the amputation, Clayton replied: "But I still have this voice."

One of the greatest rock n roll songs ever written. The backup singer in this song is Merry Clayton.

Gimme Shelter is still relevant today as I wish at times to be sheltered from all the pain hate and violence at large in the world as I don't wanna fade away into oblivion either...

Best Rolling Stones song ever - no question, no contest.

From their Let It Bleed album 1969. The Stones are my all-time favorite group. Without compare. Although my all-time favorite album would be Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd. The Stones just released a new album Hackney Diamonds was released October 20 of this year!! Over 50 years of releases by the Stones. Still going strong after all this time and many of them having reached their 80's in age. Great reaction as always. You be safe.

Great Song..Merry Clayton put the song into a totally different atmosphere…IMO a top 3 Stones song for me ❤️🙏🏻☮️✌🏼

Speaking of movies, I believe that song came out in some other Vietnam era movies, like 'Apocalypse Now" "Hamburger Hill", "Full Metal Jacket, and one of my favorites, "Born On The Fourth Of July"

Today some idiot with auto tune would "fix" the parts where Merry Claytons voice cracks/breaks a bit on her solo because "It's a flaw" . And what that person wouldn't understand is the perfection in those passionate breaks . THAT is music , in all of it's semi sloppy glory .

Ol' School...Stones Classic.

Great track by the stones with that brilliant opening riff and great backing vocals from Merry Clayton and haunting harmonica. Classic song with lyrics that sadly ring true-Colin Ward

Greatest Rock n Roll band ever 🤘

My favourite Stones tune. And I love it when Angela gets bopping to the music.

Another classic, Angela. The singer's name was Merry Clayton, and she is the one who really made this song a success. She was pregnant at the time of the recording and didn't want to do it, but somehow, she got talked into it. As I recall, she had some complications with her pregnancy after taking the gig. Nevertheless, I don't think the song would've been a hit without her, and I feel she certainly should've been on the album cover with the rest of the band. But she wasn't a member of the Rolling Stones at the time, and I believe she was just hired to do that one song. After the song became a hit, however, she became well known. This was another one of those Vietnam war songs, and I can see it got you down. If it's any consolation, things are probably better now than they were then. Even though the song is relevant to today, it was probably even MORE relevant back then, so I hope that cheers you up a little bit.

The Gospel impact sums it up in that, there was a documentary that came out a few years ago called "20 Feet from Stardom" It was about all the great backup singers for many of the major artists including the Rolling Stones that could not quite make the leap to become a front lead singer, solo or with a group of their own. For the most part, many of the backup singers in this documentary are black and in no uncertain terms gave the seasoning needed that the early rock groups, especially from England, could not achieve on their own without said background singers. If you think about it, the British rock groups were heavily influenced from the Blues music coming from America, tried to recreate that sound and then export it back to America. And the kids loved it. (yet, they already had the blues right in their backyard) Merry Clayton was one the background singer in the documentary and her story about how she went to the studio in curlers and pajamas around 2 AM to cut her part for this song. Funny story. Later. Lisa Fisher, one of the greatest background singers, that all the other singers said, "She's own that space", toured with the Rolling Stones for over 20 years and was the background singer, especially this song. She won a grammy of her own for singing, "How can I eas the pain" Her live version in Japan is outstanding and she was mariah carey before there was a mariah carey and much better IMHO.

Merry Clayton & Lisa Fischer ❤

This song stands with other great protest songs such as For What It's Worth, The Eve Of Destruction, Revolution, Imagine, et al. The message is simple, War is not the answer. Songs such as these help people become aware and hopefully, steer us all to a better future.

Ive heard this song alot! Heard the title many times! Never connected the two! Thanks! A nice 68 year Birthday gift! Learnings so cool!

The female singer Merry Clayton was 81/2 months pregnant in bed with curlers in her hair when got a phone call that the Rolling Stones were in town recording this song and needed a vocalist to finish up this song and needed her right then because they were wrapping up the song and going back to England. Her husband told her do it so she said OK and a car picked her up at midnight and she still had curlers in her hair and recorded her part that night and was paid cash on the spot and driven back home. Mick Jagger was so impressed with her he used her exclusively in the late 60's and 70's

One of favorite songs by them!! Your talk after was wonderful; just perfect. 😊

It really is..."just a shot away". It's what happens when we stop taking to each other.

One of a lot of songs that were back during the Vietnam War. I remember that, simply because I was there! Disrespected when I came home, to say the least!😥🙏

One of my many favorites thanks Angela.

Nickey Hopkins on piano❤️

Wow…. You got exactly what the Stones’ were conveying…..great reaction ❤️🙏🏻

That hit you hard....History...We don't learn.

love this song

Classic STONES ❤️ 💖💔😍

Merry was pregnant and had a miscarriage while laying this down at like 3 AM, woken up by Jagger- The rest is history. Poor Girl. Immortal track.

Wow…just found this site and you nailed it. This is one of the greatest rock songs ever. And yes, it is especially relevant today. Great job!

One of my favorite Stones songs ever along with Can't You Hear Me Knocking, Sympathy For The Devil and Paint It Black.

Great reaction

Rock steady Charlie, like Ringo plays for the song. Just great

Angela is a very empathetic person. I feel her pain in regards to the wars that are happening now.

Thanks Angela….i was 12 years old when stones released this…….love this song

In my top 10!! 🔥

Beautiful reaction

Your Humanity shines through, your a beautiful person, thankyou!

Another great oldie. You got terrific taste Angela.

Devil: war children, is just a gun shot away! Angel: love, sister, is just a kiss away..

Merry Clayton!

My fav Stone's tune. Thanks.

"Gimme Shelter" is a track we have wanted to record for years. This song expresses the urgency we all face to unite together as a planet and offers us wisdom with the words, "War, children, it's just a shot away... Love, sister, it's just a kiss away". It really is that simple. We dedicate this song to all the lost, homeless and forgotten people in this world. It is in the shelter of each other that the people live. Irish Proverb. Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones) feat. Taj Mahal | Playing For Change | Song Around The World

🇨🇦 One my favourite tracks, and is actually my Wifes Ringtone ! LOL

And its been my favorite song for years. Yes, this song wraps up everything going on today. I love the Rolling Stones. Great song. It was for the Vietnam War but its been rellivent ever since especially today.

Aloha, Most Excellent reaction 🎉❤😊

I like the gospel comparison. ❤🪄🫧🪷

When Merry Clayton's voice cracks on the 3rd run of "rape-murder" in middle, gets to me everytime...

Always liked the Stones and this record thanks Angela ❤

I hear you on this being relevant today. So true.

Merry Clayton did her own version just a year or two after this recording which is worth listening too as well. Her voice is amazing.

One of the best songs everrrrr

Their best single imho and Merry stole the show !

What great lyrics...it's like everything's perpetually in the balance and a societal pin drop can set off an avalanche...

Beautiful reaction to a song that is sadly still appropriate these many decades later

The Stones first pick was Bonnie Bramlett from Delaney and Bonnie----They were married and Delaney wouldn't let her, M. Clayton stepped in, rest is history.

The background singer, if you'd call it that, was Merry Clayton. Powerful.

Theres a really good documentary here name "20 Feet from Stardom" that is about backup singers. Merry Clayton is included and gives a great explanation of this performance.

I like your opening theme music,Angela.

I know it's very hard to put into words what is happening today and what happened yesterday and the way it's been since the beginning.War,murder,Rape,pillage,burning .For my thoughts when I hear this and other real life songs,I am sad but I must say,we have to speak on this subject and other problems we face in daily life in order to affect change

Great reaction. Not just a song about war, but about violence, chaos. Released after the MLK & Robert Kennedy assassinations, during Vietnam war, after various race riots/uprisings in the US. Scary times, "Mad bull lost its way", maybe inspired by Picasso using bulls in Guernica, other works. And like your great reaction said, people without a choice hoping not to be swept away. Gimme shelter. Mainly a Keef written song I think.

*Yamê - Bécane | A COLORS SHOW* Don't miss that ...the 2023/2024 revelation, nothing less, nothing more! 😉

Merry Clayton. She makes this song what it is. My fav Stones tune.

Yael Deckelbaum - Prayer Of The Mothers (Official Video)

Good song. One of their best

What a riff 🤘🏻🧔🏻🤘🏻

The young lady screaming "Rape, Murder" is Merry Clayton, the sister of Little Feat Conga Player Sam Clayton. They make an appearance together in the movie "Vanishing Point", along with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett and Rita Coolidge, as a band at a revival meeting in the desert, very cool. For another song with strong anti-war feelings try "Standing On The Moon", by Grateful Dead. When Jerry Garcia sings "I can hear the cries of children, and the other songs of war", well...

I consider this the greatest rock song in the history of modern music

And the thing about all the recommendations to listen to their favorite female duets with Jagger live is that, regardless of good they are, they’re all trying to do their best to sound as close as possible to the original studio version. Can’t be topped. Merry shares her version of events in the short documentary from 10 years ago, titled, “Twenty Feet From Stardom”. Follows the experiences of the most sought after backup singers of Rock, Soul, & Pop from the 60s thru the 80s. Maybe in your free time.

Great reaction, thanks. I was at college when this was released, a very liberal college and the anti war protests were on going. I was drafted but failed the physical because I has to take a med for asthma. My best friend joined the marines and went to Vietnam, he came back changed and a very scary person, told me some horrible things he witnessed.

As tumultuous as the 60s/70s were, compared to today, they were a cake walk. Wish I was there now instead of THESE times. Be/stay ready.

Humanity will never learn to be human.

This is one of my favorites by them! I don't know why they're still touring! It's an immeasurable task to do so! They have more 🤑 money than they'll ever need or spend, but maybe they sold their soul and have to pay the piper, who knows! Anything can be possible I guess! Goodbye!

You have to check out sympathy for the devil from the Rolling Stones. It’s a must.

You should see the movie of the same name. btw it's not a war movie.

👍👍👍

One of Merry Mick's best vocals!

It is very relevant today unfortunately. It’s a great song and those female vocals had so much feel and soul, truly iconic.

Micheal Jackson - Earth Song Live ...... it left me speechless and will always be relevant

this is not about Vietnam. the battle here is psychological

I hear you my dear on war, I''m 68 and there has been some armed conflict, somewhere on planet Earth, my entire life. Unending misery as we always have a reason to end up fighting someone somewhere, often because our own stupidity or we try to uphold the world order, sometimes for questionable reasons plus there have been a whole host of misguided and downright evil leaders who can't leave their neighbors alone or live together. All I know is my dad did not fight in WW2 for what this country and really, the world, has become. Sad days indeed. Screw it all, Awesome song, one of their very best and utterly of its time but also timeless, they had so many great but different tunes, this is one of their very best rockers. You really need to see it live back when Mick Taylor was the 2nd guitarist along with Keith Richards, the period from 1969 to 1974 was when that combo helped take them to their musical peak in many minds. Also try Midnight Rambler live in that era, you will love to see the videos that are a time capsule of those long ago days. Enjoy pretty lady, one of my cats just visited me, That makes all the outside madness go away... Rock On! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎹🎷🎶

My favorite part of this song is the third rape murder sung by the woman. when her voice cracks it just tells you she’s putting everything she’s got into singing

Legend has it that when Merry walked into the studio and saw the scrawny disheveled lads from England she demanded the pay up front !

Shinedown -"Cut The Cord"

Powerful song! They nailed this one! You can feel the despair a victim of war feels! The GREAT English invasion! 😎🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Yes, this song is very relevant now. War, murder, rape, children. It doesn’t get any worse than this.

Merry Clayton was pregnant when she recorded the vocals.

👏🏻👏🏻😃

This song is NOT about vietnam or war . Its a personal song written by keith richards about personal issues.