Review of Gimme Shelter (2013) by Ethan T — 12 Dec 2009

Fascinating documentary following the Stones on their 1969 tour of the US, though much of the focus is on the concert at the Altamont Speedway. At times this plays more like a horror film, with a pervasive sense of dread present throughout.

As scuffles continue through the day, and the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane is attacked by Hells' Angels, there is a definite feeling that something bad will happen. The idea that this concert somehow marked the end of the '60s spirit perhaps is largely music journos' hyperbole, but this is still a compelling document of a poorly organised fiasco with tragic consequences.