Michael Hedges - Gimme Shelter

Cover of the Stones classic. Tuning: C#2E2B2E3E3B3, with "low strung guitar" - string gauges 0.064, 0.049, 0.038, 0.030, 0.020 (wound), and 0.015.

[@bradleyard4195]

In 100 years, Michael Hedges will be remembered as a genius. In 100 years, Michael Hedges will be remembered as someone who pushed the art of acoustic guitar past old boundaries and into uncharted territory. He was a rare talent, much beloved in the music world, and is still, some 17 years after his death, sorely missed. His compositions were timeless, his technique flawless.

[@look4magic1]

Thanks very much about the accurates commentarys about Michael Hedges!!! I love him and his music since Arereal Boundaries !!!!

[@Jaydcoke]

He's already remembered as a genius. And all those other things. :-) And of course, he is sorely missed.

[@cz6774]

I thought the same thing. Michael Hedges version of Gimme Shelter was fantastic. The guy had everything. He could sing, dance, play guitar and interact with the audience.

[@IamtheActionman]

One of those very rare human beings that can see music differently than most of us. A true musical wonder! Miss yah Micheal...RIP

[@jacktucker1612]

Michael Hedges was the creative genius of acoustic guitar and Jimmu Hendrix was to electric guitar... so dedicated to their craft, their performances, and their audiences. As with Hendrix, watching him perform was as entertaining as hearing him perform. I am old, but I did see both Hedges and Hendrix live, will never forget either performance.

[@Blackscorpion1963]

First time hearing this dude as of now 30/01/2018 and gotta say he's very cool. I've just checked him out on Wiki as I was interested to know more about him and his music. However I was shocked to learn he died in a tragic car accident aged 43. Whoa way too young. At least he didn't suffer and he lived a rather short full life. I had my near-death motorcycle accident in 1990 when I was 25. As a result, ultimately I am now a complete left leg amputee at the highest level i.e. hip joint and left side of my pelvis was amputated. I also suffered several other internal injuries. Thankfully and fortunately I was given a second chance as I had to fight hard for my life. Listening to music plays a large part in keeping my stump pain at a controlled level as ever since losing my leg I have had chronic severe stump pain. Thank you Michael Hedges I will listen to more of your awesome music.

[@wisdomoverfear2685]

I can't help but wonder how many people where at this show that had no earthly idea of what kind of talent they where exposed too that night !

[@laura.sefchik]

Michael Hedges,RIP🕊 Beautiful Artist Beautiful Soul Stage presence~WOW🥳

[@fatthead360]

It's so sad when guys like this get taken away so early...awesome human being.

[@AllyMind5Star]

It is sad, but he left many good gifts for the rest of us. Bless him.

[@jrttool]

Man, I so sorry he's not around anymore. What a great musician

[@michaelgruuven]

I was at this show at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley Colorado in something like 1996. I've listened to other performances of this song by Michael and this one is the one that moves me the most, because here he sings the haunting background parts as well, and his treatment is lighter, more introspective, and fluid than his earlier more in-your-face performances of it. I wish the audio was better on this recording, the audio in the house that night was crystal clear and we could hear every brush of his fingers against the strings. Based on his technique he was a (very) formally trained classical guitarist who then deconstructed everything he'd been taught to create his own sonic world. He used a different tuning for every song so that he could weave tapping and the harmonics of the tuning into every melody and accompaniment. He was so fast and accurate at his tuning as he talked about whatever came to mind, as if the tuning was unconscious, that it was totally inconspicuous to non-guitar players, and amazing to those who realized what was going on. I had never seen a guitar player that was so physical; he reached around the top of the neck to hit frets with his thumb while the other 4 fingers were all over the strings near the bottom of the neck, the guitar moving at any angle that would give him access to the note he was attacking, beating on the body as a percussion instrument, then somehow he was gently caressing harmonics out of it, delicate, at times reverent. His range of expression, dynamics, and technique were breathtaking. I miss him.

[@laura.sefchik]

♡October 16, 1991 ♡ The Bottom Line, New York City with David Crosby + Graham Nash in the audience. They join Michael onstage for the encores, two CSNY tunes written by Neil Young: Helpless + Ohio.

[@laura.sefchik]

🎶Gimme Shelter🎶🧡Awesome interpretation🧡 🎤🎸💃 🧡LOVE is just a kiss away😘 Michael Hedges🧡R.I.P.

[@epipd5712]

Brilliancy on the stage...gifted singer and guitarist

[@kimjameson7979]

What greater tribute to the Stones than having Michael's incredible talent applied? He may have danced around the house with his guitar for three months to get it right for this performance, so I say "poo poo" to the whiney critics. I'm sure we'll hear from you when you can do it better in acapella metal. Til then, tests have shown everybody's a critic, so there's already a herd of applicants waiting for your job, no pressure. Just thinkin'...

[@M4A1BestGirl]

Ikr. I still can't believe they had the audacity to dislike this video. Mark my words: They'll burn in hell for this

[@larrygray1893]

I knew Michael was a special guitar player bringing his brand of uniqueness to his playing. Love the rhythm! It is wonderful to have KZbin and people bringing him back via an online stage for all to see what we who experienced him in person can only recall. I remember experiencing his music in the early to mid eighties and just loving it. I actually never thought he would eventually have as big a following as he developed but it just shows how he was too good to be revered by only a few thousand of us that supported him early early on.

[@rebel-yell9453]

I first was exposed to him in Guitar Player Magazine, used to subscribe religiously to it. They did a profile of him so I took a listen and was blown away, even though in that time frame I was a hard rocker and metal head, although metal still wasn't a defined genre the way it is today. Good music transcends genre's though, it is way beyond categorization or pigeon-holing,. Good music defines itself, and Michael Hedges defined great music. The world is a sadder place since his passing a long time ago.

[@djesno]

It's awesome that you post the tunings!

[@johnnydukemon9200]

Even the gauges of the strings used.

[@rentner66]

Oh jesus, what a performance- sooooo great! R.I.P.

[@tixximmi1]

I think one of the greatest tributes was when Zappa mentioned that Michael was one of the best guitarist. Say's it all for me.

[@benbarclay5546]

The first time I heard anything of Michael Hedges, I ran across a digital snippet of a great version of Zappa's "Sofa #1". I thought to myself: "I never knew Frank was such a good acoustic player. What do you know..." It took me a few years to figure out it was Michael Plays Zappa.

[@Gilyslas]

Absolutely great from a guitar hero who touched so many of us so deeply.

[@antiROMEdrone1]

haters will hate usually out of jealousy or some insecurity issue but that being said they listen and take the time to criticize lol.. Mr Hedges is genius and obviously a character in which no other can imitate moreless duplicate.. RIP my friend and thank you for being you

[@Adam_70]

well said bud.

[@romanjones4643]

great performer ... all you gotta do is hear his passion, a word that's missing in many of today's 'performers'.

[@rexjansen356]

thank you KZbin I've found another gem of a musician who I'd never of heard of without this medium another version of a great song every now and then I see a comment like someone's going to give up on guitar because they see some extreme talent if you can't be inspired by talent instead of intimidated maybe you should me it just get my juices flowing I love the push its not down its forward makes me want to practice makes me pick up my theory instead of the TV remote ah children its just a kiss away unless of course you give up

[@Manofdarkdesires]

gives me the shivers all the time

[@eijinagahata]

I love his voice and song.

[@0solublefish0]

@Ed Mack Banality, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. The song is not conceptually sophisticated, but it strikes me as a great study in rhythm and picking/playing precision - and I taught myself to play it for that reason. Also, it is a lot of fun to play and hear, as I am sure MH intended. It's a good trick to be able to create and maintain an infectious rhythm with a single acoustic guitar; Hedges was very good at that in life, and his audiences obviously appreciated the fact.

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

I long to be that laid back and comfortable with myself and to be who I am and not worry about what anyone else thinks about it... Great performance!

[@lyndatrones1787]

Saw him years ago....he's special

[@TheAshfak01]

getting to know this genius in 2016!

[@TheRealHucasys]

Woman of the World is my fav.

[@darinfreitag]

Genius guitarist and wonderful interpretive artist. RIP Michael

[@SomaVedaThaiYoga]

I was blessed to see Michael twice... Once in Atl and once in Chicago. To this day I consider those concerts highlights of life. His music continues to make me happy and it's a sure cure anytime I need one! Of course thanks for posting.

[@methodinsane]

Nor am I but I think is probably one of if not their best tune and Hedges does a great version of it.

[@PerpetualLifecycle]

He looks awesome with that hat and those curls, he was a man of many dimensions both regarding music and fashion styles.

[@strawbaby1]

Audience doesn't seem to appreciate that performance enough at the time, but that was pretty damn good!!!

[@johnanderson9734]

I discovered michael hedges by accident on my 21st birthday at the bottom line back in '93 Changed my life forever

[@rentner66]

Wow, what a great performance. Everything is right- this guy have had the right feeling! R.I.P.

[@TomWinter]

People, please stop comparing Michaels arrangements to the originals. It really bugs me that you guys can't see the appeal in both and admire it as it's own take on the song. It's like comparing an apple to an orange, sure they are both fruit, but the qualities are completely different and have their own flavour.

[@FreeMarketSwine]

I remember seeing this video on KZbin way back in the day and liking it, but damn, the brilliance really flies off the screen upon another viewing.

[@tonybridgeman619]

musical genius, major influence on so many

[@laura.sefchik]

Michael Hedges ✨💛✨💛 Beautiful Soul🕊ARTIST✨💛✨💛✨ Genius guitarist, composer, singer Pianist, flutist, and performer.

[@doahchrisy]

I love this man. I was lucky enough to see him live on 4/13/90, 10/6/90, 5/29/91, 9/26/92, & 9/30/95. Thanks for posting this. Missing him.

[@Mask1190]

What a performer ! One of my fave vids on youtube !

[@Indieguitarist85]

Im sure that Hedges somewhere up in heaven. playing his guitar...

[@analschlange9087]

Icant even find the words to describe this... a genius interpreting one of the most fantastic songs in the world

[@laura.sefchik]

Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones) Ooh🎶Ooh🎶 Ooh, a storm is threatenin' My very life today If I don't get some shelter Ooh, I'm gonna fade away War, children, It's just a shot away It's just a shot away War, children, It's just a shot away It's just a shot away🎻 Ooh, a fire is sweepin' Down our street today Burns like a red coal carpet A mad bull lost his way War, children, It's just a shot away It's just a shot away War, children, It's just a shot away It's a shot away🎻 Rape, murder, It’s a shot away War, rape, murder-yeah It’s a shot away It's just a shot away Ooh, a storm is threatenin' All our lives today Gimme, Gimme Shelter or we’re all gonna fade away War, children, It's just a shot away War, children It's a shot away War, children It's just a shot away But, i heard Love, sister, It's just a kiss away Love, sister It's a kiss away Love, sister It's just a kiss away It’s a kiss away Thank you 🎻♥️🩰♥️🎻

[@machmen1000]

Michael Hegdes guitar playing is cool but he could sing great as well.

[@lisbethbird8268]

God, I miss him so much.

[@nosajdrol]

yep. Transcendental to be at these shows live.....loved when he did the impromtu walk into the shadows then out into the aisles....Love always MH! Thank you Type3!!!

[@laura.sefchik]

♡October 16, 1991 ♡ The Bottom Line, New York City with David Crosby + Graham Nash in the audience. They join Michael onstage for the encores, two CSNY tunes written by Neil Young: Helpless + Ohio.

[@dhegarty]

he is a legend

[@uninoculated]

what a voice! phew! hedges could wail!

[@laura.sefchik]

Michael performing on is Martin J-65M (Maple)

[@gonephishin77]

just discovered his awesomeness!! (2014)

[@kaycuckingstein1368]

Its never too late!! he's one of those seriously hidden gems that deserves to be a household name.

[@daleleebread]

So did I 😉 - around last week or so...

[@jonp4846]

For me there are 3 distinct and almost all equally awesome sides to MH: - His covers. He was acutely aware of the groove/vibe/nuances of every tune he covered. And he was able capture the essence of the tune, while still adding his own signature sound to it at the same time. Very artistic. - The original songs. I liken him to a great storyteller that you can sit by the campfire to, and listen/drink to till the sun comes up. You don't know where it's going to go, and that's exactly where you want to go. -The original instrumentals. I don't quite know how to put into words just yet. Give me another 20 years and I might be able to ;) Seriously, his articulation is uncanny. He transcends the instrument as he reveals some sort of resonance between the "way of sound" and the deepest core of the soul. This last category is the one that often gets me to pick up the acoustic for no reason at all, and attempt to think I know I'm doing ;) Several have followed in his footsteps; but to me, the man will always be an original one of a kind. Pure art.

[@michele21auntiem]

Jonp So well said. when he held a guitar they became a sound all his own.

[@greglarry11]

so glad young people seek this genius out. it warms my heart.

[@aportilla007]

LOVE

[@krisof06]

i love you hedges!!!

[@eduardopolaco2406]

genius¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Michael Hedges forever¡¡¡¡¡¡

[@pinfinity]

heallz to the yeah! RIP Michael Hedges

[@WilsonEatsASMR]

damn good singer too!

[@Greggness2007]

Dec 2013 Now... Check Out Michael Kelsey too. He is Why I Ended Up Here Watching This Great Performer.

[@evelskunny]

its a great song to begin with''& he takes it to a whole another realm & level''he was an amazing talent''some people that comment don't get it''when some one is playing there own version''if everyone stared at a book & just played note for note''you would never have something like this''this is what is about''make it your own''

[@MikeKeller]

What a great talent, and what a great loss. When/where was this filmed?

[@YngwiesDaughter13]

gahh makes me want to learn it... and i think i will!

[@judsonh1949]

This is an amazing cover. Michael Hedges is in a class by himself as a guitarist and an artist. Not to diminish The Rolling Stones in any way, but try listening The Stones version without Mary Clayton on vocals. Just sayin'

[@dzaijn]

He reminds me so much of Neil Young, and vice versa. True greatness comes rarely

[@laura.sefchik]

Michael covered many Neil Young songs!

[@beastmry]

Damn he was a legitimately good singer as well

[@charlesnill6286]

Love is just a kiss away...

[@fernandogoncalves1958]

Obrigado pelo presente.❤

[@GuitarGodsInc1]

When You attain A knowledge Guitar Singer performer you become a triple threat! He did this! Help Me Make this path Real!

[@CoffeeAndPaul]

Fire.

[@degonzoman]

Great artist, I truly miss his tuning style

[@murd13]

Does great stuff really old that fast...? I listen to records I bought in 1967 and every year since they weekly...

[@Matbro]

Brilliance

[@marcroy8575]

oh what I would give to be able to have been there live. or anyone one of his concerts for that matter.

[@mlbchem]

We saw him at E-Town years ago, when the kids were little. Like a Rolling Stone - probably the most moving song/performance we have ever seen.

[@twinny2ify]

So simple but still brilliant

[@EzyoMusic]

Is that his J-65M? I love this version of Gimme Shelter.

[@lisbethbird8268]

Thank you.

[@ShawnBean]

A *lot* better than even the Stones ever did it!

[@2uconner]

so natural this guy

[@ugmodude]

killer vocalist

[@laura.sefchik]

boxer shorts - “Because i always liked that guy in AC/DC, Angus Young.”- Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York) · 15 Apr 1993

[@TheFlatpick]

Pretty cool.

[@tv2109]

Covers like this make one realize even moreso how great the stones are- they cannot be duplicated, or even close, as this cover clearly proves.

[@terrapanda]

No shelter for you!!

[@IChoseTheRedPill]

AWESOMENESS!!! Namaste Kensho

[@laura.sefchik]

GRAMMY Awards ~ Michael Hedges✨💛✨ 27TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS (1984) ✨💛✨ Nominations BEST ENGINEERED RECORDING - NON-CLASSICAL Aerial Boundaries (Album)
 33RD ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS (1990)✨💛✨ Nominations BEST NEW AGE PERFORMANCE Taproot (Album) 40TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS (1997)✨💛✨ Wins🥳 BEST NEW AGE ALBUM Oracle

[@thesmokingburrito9097]

2023 sing it ,play it , live it.🤘✌️🎵🎶🎸🎸🎶

[@ArielCardona]

The numbers represent the octaves in which each is located, in this case, the second and third octaves.

[@YngwiesDaughter13]

this video made me want to cover this lol

[@letekro]

Right, because Hedges is clearly trying to "duplicate" the original here. The original is great. This is great. Sorry for you if you can't see it.

[@Raymantico]

this fella could rock an acoustic guitar OK...

[@TheodoreFaron]

@Realitytourist i believe his live tour in Wolftrap? I could be wrong.

[@halterman666]

And the years go on...2013

[@xwarx1000]

funny intro--- great great artist.

[@rleap]

Damn peeps it's 2015, I'm from the future and still listening.

[@gerfer45]

If you like Michael Hedges (which I do!), you should check out Michael Kelsey. Kelsey is definitley heavily influenced by Hedges - not a bad thing

[@Staylogical]

I'm with you.Todd.Make it his own?Really?The Stones,with Merry Clayton,created something that will never be touched.By anyone.Even themselves.

[@kodiak450r]

as amazing he was being solo, imagine what kind of music he could have turned out with a backing band.

[@EzyoMusic]

That is correct.

[@janehoffman1791]

yes he puts it into the guitar..

[@bleeper87]

Pretty Killer!

[@MikeBAudio]

@ElizaldeBlues i think its something to do with the octave... but i'm not sure

[@AlwaysAbiggerFish]

You can get it with the basic effects, it is chorusing

[@Guitfiddlejase]

...yes...

[@keithfabrice]

genial