TIMELESS! 🎵 The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter Reaction

[@PriestessOfNothing]

I get chills still everytime Merry's voice cracks. She's the best part of that song, imo.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

If you listen close ... right after her voice cracks....Mick yells out....in approval! He loved it.

[@PriestessOfNothing]

@@elisaabolafia9542 yup! They played off each other's energy. I love when they decide to leave those odds and ends sounds in a song. Gives the music a sense of humanity. Not sterile and programmed like today.

[@Claythargic]

This track would have been long forgotten without her, She literally made this song what it is today with her "backing" vocals.

[@PriestessOfNothing]

@@Claythargic I totally agree

[@christinewaide5249]

I get chills too!!! Her voice chokes me up!! 💕

[@sampudwill1116]

The intro to this song gives me chills anyone else feel the same???

[@bodsnvimto]

It shimmers perfectly.

[@clarryhill]

Yes, absolutely

[@ST1973]

Haunted

[@waynej.sutherland4359]

Vietnam

[@greggross8856]

@@waynej.sutherland4359 I can't hear this intro without envisioning Hueys coming into a hot LZ.

[@138NastyNate]

Merry Clayton the female singer was pregnant at the time she recorded this. Late one night she was called by her manager that their was a rock band in town that was at the studio recording and needed a female vocalist to sing back up in a few parts. She was literally in her pajamas and hair rollers when they picked her up and took her to the studio. She recoreded her parts in the very early morning and then went home. After she arrived at home shortly after she had a miscarriage. Many have blamed the session they had at the studio for the miscarriage. She never has. You should listen to the isolated vocals of her part she sings in this song its amazing. Lex is right this is truly a timeless song. It still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

[@carrieflood4265]

Her singing makes this song, in my opinion. I get goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

[@victorsixtythree]

Yeah, that's a great story! Mary Clayton tells the story on 'The Queen Latifah Show': kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnGXqGsoNODnNE And the clip from the documentary '20 Feet From Stardom' with her isolated vocals: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZmyf6ichZV5e9U

[@joangordoneieio]

Isnt her brother a musician?

[@christinegelabert1651]

@@victorsixtythree her name is actually spelled Merry like Merry Christmas, not as Mary like the virgin Mary. 😏❤️😎

[@victorsixtythree]

@@christinegelabert1651 Dang - I actually knew that but still spelled it wrong. I'm gonna blame it on auto correct.

[@jaemyrick5277]

Brad & Lex. This is a serious song. A protest song about the escalating violence from the Vietnam War in the 60’s. Merry Clayton on background vocals is phenomenal! The message is relatable today!

[@oliverboisen7475]

She was so powerful she had a miscarriage

[@BobbyGeneric145]

My god Merry Claytons vocal break sends chills up my spine... Her voice breaks apart slash whistle pitches at once. Pure fucking rock.

[@Lee-bv6iv]

Abso-fucking-lutely. This song, and that part in particular, hits me directly in the feels. I'm like Pavlovs dog when she starts letting loose her soul; guaranteed hair standing up on the back of my neck, tears in the eyes stuff.

[@fractuss]

The phrase where her voice cracks, oh my.

[@ShellyShinju]

Love when Merry Clayton’s voice breaks at 4:24! and just now I noticed someone in the recording studio vocally responding to it … it’s Mick saying “yeah!” I’m so glad you guys did this one.

[@AlSalerno1]

thanks, never heard it before until now

[@duhusker4383]

She was heavilly pregnant during the recording and upon returning home, Clayton suffered a miscarriage, attributed by some sources to her exertions during the recording.

[@Rasmuth]

Man...Micks "yeah"....I've loved that part for decades and decades. There is no one better than Mick Jagger with little exclamations like that, their catalogue is full of them.

[@theknitter5643]

Mick & Keith wrote this in 1968. It was recorded on 23 February 1969 and 2 November 1969 ..... before Altamont concert. The album this song was on was released on December 5 1969. Altamont concert was on 6 December 1969.

[@davegadilauskas521]

It truly is a timeless classic. Written in 1969 it's essentially an anti war protest song but on a broader scale it's about how close society is to the brink of destruction but we can still change things with simple acts of love and kindness.

[@Bipbapbop_]

Still rings true to this day.

[@ascotthumphrey]

Partly that but mostly about Stones sad reaction to a free outdoor concert they held in LA near the freeway (wanted to do their version of Woodstock). But unfortunately -- and unlike Woodstock's which was remembered for its love & peace -- Stones concert was remembered for the unnecessary murder of a young black fan who brought his white girlfriend there to see them perform. The innocent black man got killed but the Stones' security team who were drunk off their asses because the Stones foolishly paid them in beers. Oh, and who were these professionals the Stones mistakenly hired you may ask... The Hell's Angels' Motorcycle Gang/Chapter of LA who showed up on their hogs in droves in a caravan line long enough to make truckers on a highway look in shock and have LAPD intimidated. When the Brotha' and his Caucasian woman tried to make their way closer to the stage to get a better look/spot, Hells Angel members noticed them and began harassing them (interracial relationships where still taboo at that time especially to a bunch of redneck trailer park trash racist bikers who were the "Children of those that served in war;" WWII Babyboomers Mic Jagger was referring to in this song.) Making a long story short...after Hells Angels words didn't sway the young hip-looking interracial couple from leaving, they quickly resorted to violence and attempted to hit him. The Brotha' pulled out a gun he's was carrying for protection and waved it around hoping that would get them to lay off him, instead it riled Hells Angel members up more who immediately proceed to surround him, feign as if to punch him in the face, which distracted him long enough for another member to stab him with a knife in the back. It was all caught on someone's video recorder there to film concert, made the news, and had everyone wondering why in the heck would they hire them to do concert security plus pay them with free cases of beer in advance? It also has the Stones head messed up after seeing the footage of the stabbing to the point Jagger & Richard quickly wrote this song as a dedication to his African American fan who died a senseless death just wanting to rock & roll with his chick to their favorite group. A storm was brewing (after he brought a hot white chick with him), the brotha' tried to look for some quick shelter (knowing that he was quickly surrounded by hundreds of drunk obnoxious biker gang members doing security there), but unfortunately wasn't able to get help from anyone and got faded away in front of his woman & scared concert goers who encircled couple and wouldn't let them leave Info provided from "Give Me Shelter" documentary.

[@leagueofdead569]

@@ascotthumphrey looking at every other source though, shows that it was about The Vietnam War and War in general.

[@ascotthumphrey]

@@leagueofdead569 I sited my sources mainly the live-documentary for that concert with Mick Jagger & Keith Richard's watching the filmed killing of said individual in shock. You should watch that documentary as it's quite enlightening.

[@thomasstengel7356]

Nailed it. Still as brilliant and relevant in 2022 as it's ever been.

[@alanokelly3581]

Do you realise how much British rock music you play? As an old Londoner I love to see it. You two are great.

[@cokeandsympathy]

Merry Clayton needs a 'featured' at the very least when it comes to this song. She took the song from good to immortal.

[@johnmimeault3467]

who's Merry Clayton?

[@swfcocs1]

@@johnmimeault3467 the female backing singer, TBF she's a co singer rather than backing...

[@ChrisSmith-bz1gl]

@@swfcocs1 It should be illegal to sing rape/murder that pretty.

[@capcolombie3834]

She had a miscarriage after the recording of this track.

[@kenmahoney5255]

I had the biggest crush on that lady growing up. And still do!

[@anam5099]

The stones have never been touched. They're the forefathers of this genre of music and were and still are a massive influence to what we listen to today. They're true legends.

[@charlesprovencher6918]

4:23 .. that "voice crack" gives me chills every single time I listen to this song! just amazing

[@guanocurry]

Absolutely every time!

[@CyberVenomAenima]

that might have been the moment she impacted her body enough to make the miscarriage she had. 8 Months pregnant and then have a miscarriage through singing, crazy

[@charlesprovencher6918]

@@CyberVenomAenima wait what?! Really? Omg it's the first time I hear about this..

[@mikekirby2085]

Thats when you hear Mick go ‘wooo’ when she put so much power into it

[@rondohunter8966]

It's been said before, so I'll repeat it: If that song were recorded today you just know some engineer/producer would "clean up that crack" through electronic computer means. Which would ruin the character and uniqueness of this song completely. Once you've heard Mary Clayton sing it, no one else is the same. Some good singers no doubt but she was the one for this session.

[@JimmyRJump]

One of the better songs from the sixties. Has soul, feeling and is in touch with the era. Brings tears to my eyes every time, because of what could have been.

[@andyandalex]

Timeless is correct! Great reaction guys! 🔥

[@kjmorley]

I'd love to see you guys do a Patreon reaction to the movie "20 Feet From Stardom" some time. Merry Clayton's story, and this song in particular is featured.

[@marckusel5602]

Trolls lol

[@Cboy2023]

Hey..look who’s here!

[@themisadventuresoftraffie5484]

It’s good to see content creators supporting each other.

[@TheOneAndOnlyFloridaMan]

Yo look who it is. Keep up the great videos guys.

[@Elerad]

I love this song, but man, every time Merry's voice cracks, and Mick goes, "Woo!" I get chills up my spine. Every. Single. Time. It's so raw, so perfect for the song.

[@joangordoneieio]

One of the best Anti War songs. I was lucky enough to see them 7 times when they were at their peak. 3 times in one week in 1972! With Nicky Hopkins & Merry Clayton.

[@xCaLLMeGHeTTo]

@@TANTRUMGASM I think you're missing a lot of details there. Is it a song 100% about the Vietnam War? No, not really. However, seeing as Jagger sought out Merry Clayton to sing the "Rape, Murder" lines, they were obviously writing about a bit more than what you claim. You have to remember that this song was written around the time of the suppression of the Prague Spring, the MLK Jr. assassination, Tet Offensive, etc... You don't need to be directly related to these events to be saddened by them.

[@kjmorley]

They’ve peaked?

[@Tomekkplk]

@@kjmorley long time ago

[@salvatorediangelo453]

This song was written by guitarist Keith Richards during a dark time in his life on a very gloomy day. This is NOT a song about the Vietnam war as there were far bigger threats like Soviet Nukes on hair trigger alert where death was just a “shot” away.

[@salvatorediangelo453]

Oh and the woman doing the amazing backup vocals, Merry Clayton was something close to 9 months pregnant when she recorded this. She ended up miscarrying her first child the next day which makes the lyrics all the more haunting.

[@jlstock_1]

This was recorded late at night, 1:30 am. They couldn’t get the female back-up singer who they intended. The singer they got was at home asleep and pregnant. They got her to the studio and she totally made the song and killed it.

[@jimwiater2867]

She ended up having a miscarriage

[@Kabulkid]

Did you know she miscarried a day or so later?

[@jlstock_1]

@ Dammm, I didn’t know

[@bobschenkel7921]

Gimme Shelter is my all-time favorite Stones song. It is an anti-war song, all the best songs are, and a great recording. The "Rape, Murder" line is sung by Mary Clayton, a well known backup singer at the time. She was in her nightclothes and curlers, as the recording session was late at night, and she was called in at the last minute. Also, she is the sister of Little Feat Conga player and Vocalist Sam Clayton.

[@Bill_Jones.]

Merry Clayton was also 8 months pregnant at the time and asleep in her bed when she got the wake up call in come down to the studio and sing the backup on the song. After she finished singing she apologized for her voice cracking and wanted to know if they wanted to do another take. They laughed and said “Are you kidding ? You nailed it on the first take,”

[@h8u4eva]

However, the song's creation also had a traumatic impact on her life. Her vocal performance was so strenuous, it caused her to suffer a miscarriage after she went home.

[@bodsnvimto]

One of the best, most hauntingly hypnotic intros ever, then Merry Clayton reaching and cracking upon THE ABSOLUTE EDGE of her/anyone's? vocal range. I'm a Beatles fan but I like a lot of the Stones, and this is easily my favourite song of theirs.

[@johnstewart889]

I have the intro as my ringtone. Haunting. Beautiful.

[@krisfrederick5001]

"...And that's why Keith Richards cannot be killed by conventional weapons." -Del Preston, Wayne's World 2

[@sjd5750]

I got in my time machine and travelled 50 yrs. into the future, and Keith Richards tried to bum a cigarette from me.

[@kjmorley]

Until the death of Charlie Watts, I assumed the Stones would just keep going. I mean, they’ve just always been there.

[@tommack9395]

LOL

[@arnoldcox9128]

Keith will outlive us all

[@tommack9395]

@@arnoldcox9128 I can't help but think back when he was addicted and doing coke and heroine it was always freebased with Formaldehyde?

[@YerPope]

The high reverb and echo that Richards set his guitar to for the opening bars is phenomenal, sets an ethereal tone in contrast to the hard driving change when the bass and drums kick in. They just don't makem like this anymore.

[@jeffbrett7849]

even the Beatles could not write a song this epic

[@tugglesthe1st85]

but they did...

[@SteveWilliams-y6q]

They wrote Yellow Submarine 😂 boy band

[@daniel_2024-5]

This is a typical Keith' song. Besides, it couldn't have been written by another band. But man, you must admit that "a day in a life" is a wonderful song from the Beatles as amazing as gimme shelter.

[@jaythompson5102]

Day in the Life is easily on this tier.

[@mcsquiddysq]

Charlie really hits it all over this song. He was truly great.

[@gregorystathos6085]

This song has POWER!! It's timeless. Fantastic music also.

[@riveralph3687]

Pure soul groove. And Merry's vocals are everything here.

[@iburiedpaul7833]

RIP Charlie Watt. His passes and accents on this song are brilliant. He supports the guitars and voice with great dramatic interpretation. Under appreciated drummer. But then again I’m really stoned so I might have to check this later.

[@spectre73]

They sing ‘War Children, it’s just a shot away.” The lyrics are meant to be interpreted sort of like a teacher addressing a group of dumb kids….Like “listen dummies, you’re screwing everything up and there will be consequences.” Lots of turmoil going on in the world when this timeless song was written. The zipping/scrapping noise at the beginning always put me in mind of crickets before the explosion of noise. Great reaction. Perfect song.

[@Californyuhh]

Lex’s smile is timeless- Mean no disrespect, Brad. This is also one of the best music reaction channels on youtube. Love the right brain/left brain critiques.

[@elbruces]

Brad's confused frown is timeless too, in its own way.

[@vinylrichie007]

I’m burnt out on the music reaction channels. I stumbled on this channel today and must have watched a dozen videos. They are perfect. Brad’s quick insights into the lyrics is fascinating. I’m more like Lex and concentrate on the music. She does have a killer smile but so does he.

[@brovold72]

@@elbruces He's narrow but he's deep.

[@karendavis2668]

My favorite part of this channel. The dichotomy between the two.

[@gabeman6970]

agree agree! something about these two .im always watching out for whats next

[@kellifranklin4432]

This is in my top 2 Stones songs of all time. The blues influence on this record is pure perfection and a masterpiece!

[@jimclifford1241]

You two are such a delight to watch, especially when reacting to classic rock. So glad I came across your channel.

[@msmith5722]

Greatest Stones jam ever ever ever Scorsese used it 3 times not to mention every other film that milked the raw energy from this incredible masterpiece 😍

[@DavePigott2000]

Brad - lighten up man! From the first notes Lex is drawn in - stop analysing so deeply and just experience. Love you both!

[@DavePigott2000]

It's about one of the most disgusting wars of the last 100 years - and that's important - but it is imparted not just by the words but by the music.

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

I agree.

[@samlewis7878]

It's timeless, alright .............one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. It will always ring a bell.. as long as human beings can't find their way out of violence and war.

[@melissawilcox5285]

Awe, great example of “Classic Rock”!

[@roypedersen585]

Powerful and fantastic vocals by Merry Clayton!

[@armadillotoe]

The next song from the Rolling Stones must be "Sympathy for the Devil."

[@1perfectpitch]

Brad wouldn't understand.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

@@1perfectpitch ROTFLMAO

[@luvlgs1]

Studio version please

[@williamjordan5554]

Nah. Too many hoo hoo hoo's.

[@dalewaterhouse6329]

From get Yer ya-ya's out

[@paulkane7771]

Brad is definitely more about the lyrics, while Lex is more into the sound and the feel of the music. Her reactions are much more intrinsic, while his are more practical. Makes for a great combination. Love you guys!

[@skinscountry]

It does not get much better than this song. I get goosebumps every single time I blast this song.

[@ARISUinW0NDERLAND]

I don't know how you looked so stoic during Merry's solo. I think it's some of the most moving singing I've ever heard and I never get tired of it. ❤

[@gavinsheridan4680]

When Mary Clayton’s voice cracked on the 3rd ‘rape/murder’ you can hear the Stones going nuts in the booth. She thought she blew it, but they loved it.

[@larryh.5229]

I think her voice cracking just adds character to the song.... A sign of her giving it her all !

[@MrDiddyDee]

That's Merry, not Mary, but yeah, The Stones loved what she brought. This is her talking about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnGXqGsoNODnNE

[@chuck196811]

Sia Furler does that often... it adds a sense of power I believe.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

I always thought it was sexy as hell. Which is weird in a song about war, but life is full of contradictions and strange juxtapositions.

[@mythoceanas8874]

@@MrDiddyDee Mary Clayton is how she is credited by the Stones. Merry Clayton being her real name. Not sure where the mistake happened but its history now.

[@jlovebirch]

The song is symbolic of the violence and upheaval (Vietnam war, riots, assassinations, protests) of the late 60s and captures that era perfectly.

[@Boatzilla2]

Seeing Lex grooving to the Stones with a smile: priceless.

[@brainscott8198]

Bill Wyman's bass is a thundering, rib-rattling joy to listen to.

[@mvellis3863]

One of the all time greatest classics of rock. R.I.P. Charlie Watts

[@petergaudron1712]

Such a great great song. Timeless. Fantastic underlying beat. And backing vocals are sensational.

[@davidcohen1424]

The next Rolling Stones song you should really check out is (Can't You Hear Me Knocking) This song has it all. I'm sure everybody on this thread would agree.

[@rm1387]

Totally agree, probably from their best album too.

[@samoljubav9211]

Sympathy for the devil

[@kimdurig1322]

Agreed, it's got that killer Sax.

[@jhamler1]

Yeah, I probably agree, but.. The Stones had so many. My prosthetic personal favorite is FINGERPRINT FILE.

[@praxis6172]

One of the sickest tones ever on that track.

[@panicandfreakout-]

this is a timeless freight train of a song. What usually doesn't get commented on is Mick's harp playing, blows like a hurricane

[@jeffrconner]

One of my favorite songs to jam out to while driving around on a late Summer night with the windows down.

[@fadhlmohamed2896]

This is one of my favorite songs it’s a classic and Merry Claytons back up voice just blows it away to another atmosphere!

[@Spiritbro77]

The Stones started out as straight blues rock and often just blues. They evolved but even today you can still hear the blues in everything they do. They have a HUGE catalog of music. Other blues-rock bands from the era... The Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, etc.

[@elbruces]

Led Zeppelin, especially anything off of I.

[@TheBibleDefenders]

I love you guys. A music producer once said that no song, no matter how well played will never be great if it has no emotional appeal. Watching you young folk digging on the music I grew up with gives me a vicarious rush!

[@butchplz916]

Also, if you guys are wanting "Blues Rock" you NEED to listen to "Roadhouse Blues" by The Doors.

[@bluebird3281]

Statesboro blues -Allman Brothers too !

[@willowbark5649]

Oh yes, please listen to "Roadhouse Blues" !!

[@ZacCostilla]

Oh yeah!

[@bevil4aday]

Anything Bon Scott era AC/DC.

[@PrettyDeadThings]

Written by Keef as he brooded over Anita's dalliance with Mick, The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter represented something darker and more universal: rape, murder and the death of the 1960s spirit. “You get lucky sometimes,” Keith Richards says of Gimme Shelter, the greatest song he ever wrote. "It was a shitty day. I had nothing better to do." - “It was just a terrible fucking day,” he recalls in his memoir, Life, “this incredible storm over London. So I got into that mode - looking at all these people… running like hell.” Leaning on the same open chords that had become his signature, he crooned, ‘Oh, a storm is threatening, my very life today.’ Sounded good. He continued to strum, added another line: ‘If I don’t get some shelter, oh yeah, I’m gonna fade away…’

[@mariotovar951]

I enjoy the no nonsense intros you guys do, straight to the music 🔥 most reaction channels post these drawn out intros, it gets old.

[@grantmourning189]

Underrated comment. Plus they respect the instrumental parts!!

[@NJcruiser]

To me this is the greatest rock and roll song ever recorded. At the very least it is the finest song from the 60s and perfectly sums up that entire decade. It was written in 68 or 69 and the 60s was one of the most violent decades in our country's history. With the backdrop of the Vietnam war through almost the entire decade to the assassinations of JFK, Malcom X, Martin Luther King and RFK and others to the intense fight for civil rights throughout the country. To say the least it was an interesting time to have grown up in like I did.

[@CdnTrader1]

The best example of Mick Jagger being a guest singer on his own song.

[@ZacCostilla]

Truth!

[@hbg99x]

God bless Ms. Darlene Love. #WereNotWorthy

[@jasonfive6]

@@hbg99x Darlene Love is a great singer, but it is Merry Clayton who sings on Gimme Shelter.

[@jeffsevy6812]

HA! You right!

[@12qwertyuiop90]

Correct.

[@andrecustodio-1]

Timeless, indeed. The vibe on this is intense and inviting at the same time. Made a deep impression on my as a child. Merry's voice when it cracks cuts through me; Chilling and beautiful.

[@billysmith6747]

The Stones should be their own live stream

[@zaphodbeeblebrox3986]

This song still gives me chills and makes me emotional. What a great song.

[@newtonmichael]

I always get mesmerized by women who can sing this song well. Either they can make you feel it or they don't. That one little break in her voice adds so much emotional weight. Great tune. Well done.

[@rohnnyjotten3985]

That one little break in her voice sends a little shiver up my spine every single time i hear it.

[@newtonmichael]

@@rohnnyjotten3985 Absolutely 💯

[@ZacCostilla]

@@rohnnyjotten3985 you can hear Mick Jagger shout in appreciation if you listen

[@michaelkearin9963]

It even suprised Mick. If you listen, you can hear him go Whoa!. Merry's vocals were phenomenal on this track!

[@creativitycell]

Female vocalist is amazing on this, I'm gonna check her out more! 🙏❤️😳😎

[@13chigrl]

Check out the documentary “20 Feet From Stardom” she is featured in it!!

[@13chigrl]

*Merry Clayton

[@blindriv3r]

Yeah, she did many backup parts during this time, among them, Sweet Home Alabama

[@neilcroft9020]

I love the guitar intro on this, just magic. The rest of the song is great, but it almost spoils it for me when the vocals come in. I am still wanting more of that intro. This is their best song for me. Sympathy for the devil is also good.

[@blowingfree6928]

I agree. The best thing about this song is the sublime guitar work. The opening of this song may be my favourite opening of any song.

[@lovewalruss]

Hmm

[@henri2719]

Charlie Watts drumming was perfect clean just wonderful... Back beat of the Stones .... R.i.p Charlie

[@kJ922-h3j]

4:25 you hear micks “woo” lol after Mary’s voice crack

[@RichardWilson-wh6xx]

I've listened to every "first time hearing " Gimme Shelter on youtube and you guys are the only ones who truly get it!!

[@jaccilowe3842]

I can't...Brad's puzzled face every time he hears music!!

[@MoCarcass]

Getting to the point of oversaturation. Used to be sort of "oh, they balance one another pretty well" - well, nope, the balance is off. It is becoming increasingly difficult to watch these because of Brad for me. 😢

[@analogblues]

​@@MoCarcass I feel the exact same way. It's not balance to watch someone who's not into music at all. Yet Lex and her beautiful personality still keep me coming back sometimes.

[@analogblues]

​@@TANTRUMGASM Agreed. It's odd that someone who's not into music has a music reaction channel. And saying "odd" is me being very nice.

[@pineconey]

One of the most amazing, hypnotic song intros ever.

[@keano7800]

Timeless indeed. Funny, whilst I was absolutely aware of The Stones growing up, it's only now, in my 50s, that I am really taking notice and appreciating their superb catalogue of songs

[@TimRHillard]

As a bassist, I love playing anything of the Stones. Darryl Jones is the man.

[@davedenicola673]

Cool fact...the lady who sings on this was literally called in the middle of the night to come into the studio...and did her part in one take.

[@deadmozs]

She also was 9+ months pregnant and lost the baby. They belive she strained so hard while singing that it caused the miscarriage. I believe it was due to placenta-previa ...but not 100% on that. For obvious reasons, she couldn't listen to the song for years. Side note: listen closely during the part where her voice cracks a bit (2nd chorus I think) ... you can hear Jagger go "Woo" in the background which they left in the final recording. 😉

[@TracyfromNC]

Her name was Merry Clayton. Great gospel and soul singer.

[@deadmozs]

Yes ... absolutely has a GREAT voice!

[@Jerlwayne]

Her vocals give me goosebumps every time I hear this song.

[@kjmorley]

Check out the movie “20 Feet From Stardom” if you haven’t seen it. This performance by Merry Clayton is featured.

[@jonsteiner1680]

This song has to be played the loudest you can get it. After all these years Merry’s vocals still give me goose bumps and makes me yell. Hell yes!!! She was incredible!!! My kids have this song in their playlists!!!

[@paulsaez7941]

The stone's have five brilliant albums, let it bleed, sticky fingers, it's only rock and roll, goat's head soup and beggars banquet, and you could add exile on main Street too. All these albums are an essential listen if you want to understand what the stone were all about in the late sixties and seventies.

[@vicprovost2561]

Rock at its very core, I love those albums and will forever. 🎸

[@cesarnarro6013]

Most definitely have to include " Exile on Main Street " I know it was recorded in France but it sounds like it should have been recorded in Memphis

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

And the key word is ALBUMS. Their albums as a whole are great! Some may be better than others but the 'Stones NEVER released a poor album. To much talent there.

[@paulsaez7941]

@@Gort-Marvin0Martian true mate I'm just highlighting those six, but you've got black and blue, tattoo you, some girls, dirty work plus all the early stuff, their back catalogue is outstanding the best band in the history of rock music.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

@@paulsaez7941 Wore out a cassette tape of Tattoo You.

[@rogerodle8750]

How Merry Clayton didn't become a huge star in her own right is beyond me. What power.

[@stevemd6488]

This song used in a lot of movies, I think mostly for that haunting Keith Richards opening.

[@snowfan0521]

Mostly Scorsese movies, you are guaranteed atleast one Stones song in every movie.

[@stevemd6488]

@@snowfan0521 agree but there's other movies, "Flight" comes to mind, and there are others

[@threeg6966]

First time hearing this song for this couple? It is about the 1,000,000th time for me, and it is just as good this time as it was the first time.😊

[@Deguello23]

Dude is almost painfully literally minded sometimes:)

[@markclaypool5414]

Right?!

[@TheCornishCockney]

Seems to look completely confused all the time to me. Lex gets right into it,which is the whole point of music isn’t it?

[@rickjames420]

Listening to rap literally his whole childhood will do that to ya. Rap is all about the words. I grew up listening to both so I understand where he comes from.

[@markclaypool5414]

I come from a classically trained pianist and natural lover of progressive rock...so I think in landscapes and colors and abstract concepts...completely different. Music is an unending expression of the soul. I have no patience or interest in literal 3D “music”. I do like Brad though...AND he scored big time with Lex 😊

[@beckybarnes4651]

My thoughts exactly 😂

[@YerPope]

Great selection to react to. This and CCR's "Fortunate Son" are THE iconic anti-war songs of the Viet Nam era. Merry Clayton, female vocalist was pregnant when this was cut in one take. After the take, Merry told Jagger that she wanted to do another take because of her voice cracking. Jagger said, "Hell no, it was perfect". This tune is legendary, and was during the Stones Golden Era.

[@kenmahoney5255]

This song is about the Vietnam war. And the struggles of life between children of Vietnam running from the storm( us soldiers ) And back home the war itself.

[@davisworth5114]

how does it feel to be so full of shit?

[@tandernik01]

@@davisworth5114 what do you mean?

[@baruchspinoza4541]

I feel like this song is more about the conflict within human beings between good/bad, war/love.

[@kenmahoney5255]

@@davisworth5114 I have know idea? Please fill us in gomer .

[@fgilroy50]

Simply LOVE the stuff y'all react to. It's more off the mainstream that others shows are react to. Love it!

[@Knightveil]

"Gimme Shelter" is purportedly inspired by a sudden rainstorm that Keith Richards witnessed, with people running to and fro to find shelter from the rain. while that may have been the impetus for the song, it certainly carries a message not only about the ongoing Viet Nam war but the civil unrest of the day. The backing vocal is provided by Merry Clayton who was living in England at the time. She was called to the studio by the band early in the morning and it's her singing "Rape! Murder!" that puts the song over the top. Unfortunately, Merry was pregnant at the time and suffered a miscarriage soon after, probably not caused by this gig. And this track is a tour de force for the subtle drumming of the late Charlie Watts. Far from being a flamboyant drummer, Charlie was an excellent time keeper and was capable of some truly innovate drum patterns.

[@Macilmoyle]

Merry Clayton, not Howard. Her brother, Sam, is the percussionist for Little Feat

[@Knightveil]

@@Macilmoyle Thank you. Fixed.

[@flyingburritobro68]

Keith Richards wrote the song in a lidded off state as his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg was in a movie with Mick Jagger called Performance. In the movie they had a sex scene. Keith would wait in the car during filming and wrote much of this song during that time.

[@david_6063]

I could watch this beautiful young lady all day. She completely gets the music in every fiber of her being.

[@AtomicMama42]

One of THE Vietnam War songs. There's a couple songs that are simply always used in movies about the Vietnam War and this is one.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Not really. The movie most would probably associate with Gimme Shelter is Casino.

[@AtomicMama42]

@@ericsierra-franco7802 you're genuinely incorrect on this one. Then again you're probably 20 so you've never watched a Vietnam War movie

[@phillipkolcjr7754]

Mary Claytons background vocals really gave the song a lot of emotion and depth. You can hear her voice crack a couple of times because she was singing so hard. Very emotional

[@jackndan6603]

Awsome song. RIP Charlie!😇

[@johnbrown9076]

Probably been said a hundred times, but when Merry's voice cracks, you can hear Jagger say " whoo" in the background. Legendary song and legendary backstory, esp with Merry Clayton's part. It's about Vietnam btw. Great reaction too!j

[@TheGenXInfluencer54]

I think Lex would like "Get Your Ya Ya's Out" which is a live recording of the tour to promote the record "Gimme Shelter " is on. It's bare bones, rock and roll, with a set list that mixes their songs with old Chuck Berry and country blues covers.

[@kerryknight228]

Love in Vain from that album, or just every track on it! ✌️

[@botabob]

I appreciate how you don't mince words and get to the point, and that is the music - Refreshing

[@richardthehutt4407]

"The Sisters of Mercy" do an amazing cover of this song that is very respectful of the original, but they also make it their own.

[@jimfox6920]

This was done in the 60s. Another classic.

[@donfrazier8141]

Fave Stones song, “ Cant you hear me knocking’. Spin it, Brad may even “get it”😂

[@chadwhitfield6946]

One of my favorites. Loving Cup is one I really like that never gets airplay.

[@GeoHvl]

This is one of the greatest rock songs in history. These, as many rock songs, were born from the war in Vietnam thru the 1960s wartime.

[@butchplz916]

This is one you just blast, close your eyes, and feel the music... As far as the Stones go you guys should check out "She's A Rainbow." Trippy, short, catchy. Peace!

[@kjmorley]

I love this song! The Beatles parodied the Beach Boys with “Back in the USSR”. I always hear this song as a parody of the Beatles, and other psychedelic groups of the day.

[@ijontichy994]

Of tons and tons of songs produced by this band to mention just this one - "She's A Rainbow", maybe least representative - I found this somewhat hilarious.

[@butchplz916]

@@ijontichy994 I've heard those tons, and tons so often... Which I love them all in their own right, but "She's A Rainbow" is truly one that you wouldn't even really know about unless you were looking for it haha.

[@ijontichy994]

​@@butchplz916 Come on, often you can hear "Angie", "Paint It Black" or "Satisfaction". But I never listen to "Dead Flowers" or "Little T&A", or "Melody" on the radio - and I only listen to rock radio stations. "She's A Rainbow" was created only because of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" - kind of responce to that. Only after that boys started to think for themselves and recorded four of their best albums.

[@Darth_Wafer]

I'm obsessed with this song. I constantly try to look for alternate cuts, isolated tracks, extended versions, live versions, covers, everything that has to do with Gimme Shelter

[@antonballard2212]

That's Mary Clayton singing by herself and with Mick toward the end of the song and she's famous for it bc of her awesome vocals- and she was pregnant at the time she was asked to do it and she was gonna decline but her husband talked her into going down to the studio and the rest is history- love you both!

[@gcarap]

It is Merry Clayton.

[@antonballard2212]

@@gcarap yes sir you are correct its Merry - sorry about that

[@MrDiddyDee]

A pregnant Merry got the call from the band after she and her husband had gone to bed, that's why she needed some persuading to get up and do the session, there was a car already waiting to pick her up. Mick has said that Merry turned up to the studio in a fur coat and she still had her overnight hair rollers in. She did 3 takes even though she'd nailed it straight off she thought they'd want a take without the crack in the voice, but they loved it. Jagger was truly upstaged on this track, but it's undeniable that she took this track to whole other level.

[@antonballard2212]

@@MrDiddyDee amen brother!

[@Rhysrig07]

I could watch you guys all day, rediscover my favourite tracks! Much love from Australia

[@joyfulzero853]

Have a listen to the studio version "Can you Hear me Knocking" by the Rolling Stones, from their great "Sticky Fingers" album. I have a hunch you would both love that.

[@joangordoneieio]

I remember we had a huge party to celebrate that albums release. Hearing it for the first time...still get chills.

[@scottfrench4139]

My three favorite Stones songs: 1. Sway, 2. Can't You Hear Me Knocking, 3. Torn and Frayed

[@terrypussypower]

“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” is one of their all time killer tunes. Keef’s guitar in that one sounds like it’s been strung with barbed wire!

[@dr.strangelove7788]

The Stones are really underrated for their creative songwriting.

[@ianaldridge4778]

You two are so funny and good fun.Lex is so cute.The record was a timeless epic masterpiece.

[@92missymoo]

saw these guys The Rolling Stones live 42 years ago best band ever my kids grew up listening to these because of me ..… this song is absolutely fantastic… 😊😊

[@frankgarcia1]

wow you did the alltime best rolling stones song ever imo.

[@QuakerPop]

sympathy for the devil, rocks off, cant you hear me knocking.....but top 5 for sure

[@frankgarcia1]

@@QuakerPop agreed

[@THEREALDANNYD]

This song was written during the Vietnam war. So it was a protest song. And there was a lot of anti war protests, sometimes riots in the streets. So the song was about that, too.