Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter

Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter chronicles the final weeks of the Rolling Stones’ 1969 US tour, culminating in the infamous Altamont Free Concert. It captures the band at the height of their powers, performing electrifying renditions of classics like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Sympathy for the Devil”.

The documentary follows the behind-the-scenes planning of the Altamont concert, including negotiations with attorney Melvin Belli and the last-minute venue change to Altamont Speedway. It showcases the mounting tension as the event unfolds, with the Hells Angels motorcycle gang hired as security, leading to violent confrontations with the crowd.

The film’s narrative reaches its tragic climax during the Rolling Stones’ performance of “Under My Thumb,” when 18-year-old Meredith Hunter is fatally stabbed by a Hells Angel near the stage. This shocking moment, captured on camera, marks a turning point in the documentary and symbolizes the end of the 1960s counterculture movement.

Interspersed throughout are scenes of the band members, particularly Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts, reviewing the concert footage months later. Their reactions provide a reflective layer to the unfolding events, offering insight into the band’s perspective on the tragedy.

The documentary extends beyond mere concert footage, presenting a broader picture of the cultural landscape of the late 1960s. It contrasts the optimism of the earlier Woodstock festival with the chaos and violence of Altamont, serving as a stark commentary on the changing times. Through its unflinching portrayal of these events, the film has become a landmark work that captures a pivotal moment in rock history and American culture.