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.
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.
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.
I knew Michael was a special guitar player bringing his brand of uniqueness to his playing. Love the rhythm! It is wonderful to have RUclips 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.
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.
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.
♡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.
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.
thank you RUclips 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
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'...
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
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.
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.
@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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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''
♡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.
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 🎻♥️🩰♥️🎻
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'
quality!whats up with the shitty comments from some people?this artist is clearly above average, a proper musician jus stop with typing bollox and listen if ya dont like it dont listen,its all u see on the web is people complainin or bein arse holes,usually the kinda people who aint got the bollox to say that kinda shit to peoples faces so they vent it thru faceless type!
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.
Thanks very much about the accurates commentarys about Michael Hedges!!! I love him and his music since Arereal Boundaries !!!!
He's already remembered as a genius. And all those other things. :-) And of course, he is sorely missed.
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.
One of those very rare human beings that can see music differently than most of us. A true musical wonder! Miss yah Micheal...RIP
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.
Michael Hedges,RIP🕊
Beautiful Artist
Beautiful Soul
Stage presence~WOW🥳
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 !
It's awesome that you post the tunings!
Even the gauges of the strings used.
Man, I so sorry he's not around anymore. What a great musician
I knew Michael was a special guitar player bringing his brand of uniqueness to his playing. Love the rhythm! It is wonderful to have RUclips 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.
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.
It's so sad when guys like this get taken away so early...awesome human being.
It is sad, but he left many good gifts for the rest of us. Bless him.
Oh jesus, what a performance- sooooo great! R.I.P.
🎶Gimme Shelter🎶🧡Awesome interpretation🧡 🎤🎸💃
🧡LOVE is just a kiss away😘 Michael Hedges🧡R.I.P.
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.
♡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.
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.
thank you RUclips 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
Absolutely great from a guitar hero who touched so many of us so deeply.
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'...
Ikr. I still can't believe they had the audacity to dislike this video.
Mark my words: They'll burn in hell for this
Brilliancy on the stage...gifted singer and guitarist
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
well said bud.
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.
I love his voice and song.
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!
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.
getting to know this genius in 2016!
Woman of the World is my fav.
Wow, what a great performance. Everything is right- this guy have had the right feeling! R.I.P.
gives me the shivers all the time
Genius guitarist and wonderful interpretive artist. RIP Michael
Audience doesn't seem to appreciate that performance enough at the time, but that was pretty damn good!!!
musical genius, major influence on so many
Michael performing on is Martin J-65M (Maple)
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.
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.
God, I miss him so much.
What a performer ! One of my fave vids on youtube !
Saw him years ago....he's special
I remember seeing this video on RUclips way back in the day and liking it, but damn, the brilliance really flies off the screen upon another viewing.
@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.
He looks awesome with that hat and those curls, he was a man of many dimensions both regarding music and fashion styles.
Im sure that Hedges somewhere up in heaven. playing his guitar...
he is a legend
I discovered michael hedges by accident on my 21st birthday at the bottom line back in '93
Changed my life forever
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!!!
2023 sing it ,play it , live it.🤘✌️🎵🎶🎸🎸🎶
damn good singer too!
Michael Hegdes guitar playing is cool but he could sing great as well.
Michael Hedges ✨💛✨💛
Beautiful Soul🕊ARTIST✨💛✨💛✨
Genius guitarist, composer, singer
Pianist, flutist, and performer.
great performer ... all you gotta do is hear his passion, a word that's missing in many of today's 'performers'.
just discovered his awesomeness!! (2014)
Its never too late!! he's one of those seriously hidden gems that deserves to be a household name.
So did I 😉 - around last week or so...
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.
Jonp So well said. when he held a guitar they became a sound all his own.
so glad young people seek this genius out. it warms my heart.
i love you hedges!!!
heallz to the yeah! RIP Michael Hedges
genius¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Michael Hedges forever¡¡¡¡¡¡
Nor am I but I think is probably one of if not their best tune and Hedges does a great version of it.
gahh makes me want to learn it... and i think i will!
A *lot* better than even the Stones ever did it!
Great artist, I truly miss his tuning style
so natural this guy
When You attain A knowledge Guitar Singer performer you become a triple threat! He did this! Help Me Make this path Real!
What a great talent, and what a great loss. When/where was this filmed?
AWESOMENESS!!!
Namaste
Kensho
Love is just a kiss away...
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.
So simple but still brilliant
LOVE
Obrigado pelo presente.❤
Brilliance
He reminds me so much of Neil Young, and vice versa. True greatness comes rarely
Michael covered many Neil Young songs!
Damn he was a legitimately good singer as well
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''
♡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.
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
🎻♥️🩰♥️🎻
Does great stuff really old that fast...? I listen to records I bought in 1967 and every year since they weekly...
Dec 2013 Now... Check Out Michael Kelsey too. He is Why I Ended Up Here Watching This Great Performer.
funny intro--- great great artist.
Thank you.
killer vocalist
Pretty cool.
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'
oh what I would give to be able to have been there live. or anyone one of his concerts for that matter.
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.
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.
No shelter for you!!
Is that his J-65M?
I love this version of Gimme Shelter.
Fire.
this video made me want to cover this lol
@Realitytourist i believe his live tour in Wolftrap? I could be wrong.
And the years go on...2013
Damn peeps it's 2015, I'm from the future and still listening.
Pretty Killer!
this fella could rock an acoustic guitar OK...
I don't hear the periodic "fluttering" from a flanger. Could it be just a phaser?
as amazing he was being solo, imagine what kind of music he could have turned out with a backing band.
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.
@ElizaldeBlues i think its something to do with the octave... but i'm not sure
Hey Mike, ya hear me! Thanks, see ya!
yes he puts it into the guitar..
The numbers represent the octaves in which each is located, in this case, the second and third octaves.
I want to find a tab for this cover.
That is correct.
still watching this in 2013
genial
Fuoriclasse!
boxer shorts - “Because i always liked that guy in AC/DC, Angus Young.”-
Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York) · 15 Apr 1993
quality!whats up with the shitty comments from some people?this artist is clearly above average, a proper musician jus stop with typing bollox and listen if ya dont like it dont listen,its all u see on the web is people complainin or bein arse holes,usually the kinda people who aint got the bollox to say that kinda shit to peoples faces so they vent it thru faceless type!
...yes...