The Stones‘ “Gimme Shelter” by multinational conglomeration Playing For Change, created by American producer Mark Johnson, is very cool. Watch for a cameo by Taj Mahal.

I find it odd that they would choose that particular song, as it’s forever linked to a free rock festival in 1969 that ended up in tragedy at Altamont Speedway, California, much of it due to the actions of the hired “police” – Sonny Barger & The Hell’s Angels.

The event is best known for having been marred by considerable violence, including one homicide and three accidental deaths: two caused by a hit-and-run car accident and one by drowning in an irrigation canal. Four births were reported during the event. Scores were injured, numerous cars were stolen and then abandoned, and there was extensive property damage.

On the other hand, “Gimme Shelter” is one of the classic rock songs from the era. h/t to Haysoos for posting “Playing For Change” on DoD recently, because it serves as a last minute topic for the Saturday Night Edition of
The Overnight Open Thread.